FLOBOTS

^ 45 Comments...

1. Loran
   July 3rd, 2008 at 12:22 pm

   Other than the guy spray painting in panel #5, this is a little militant and somewhat disturbing. Not the message,but the bandannas over everyone’s faces…why would someone be wearing a bandanna over their face while giving food to a homeless person, building a house or in a classroom learning about green energy?
   Not that anyone pays attention to this anymore, but there’s certain established rules for the U.S. Flag: http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html
   Captain America and any number of patriotic heroes have been breaking these rules for 60+ years, but I thought I just bring it up. Cool comic so far…
   -L.

2. admin
   July 3rd, 2008 at 12:43 pm

   Loran, I’d disagree there, it’s definitely not breaking flag etiquette. Go read that and we all break those rules when we throw away something that says “made in the USA” on the package with the little flag. And it says nothing on there about wearing the flag as a bandanna.

   The imagery is meant to trigger those thoughts though. It looks pretty radical at first, and it can be what you believe it to be, but to me it’s about being speaking through the flags and the ideals of what this country is SUPPOSED to be about, but has been lost in ego and corporate greed for far too long. It’s also about much more… that sometimes you can be criticized for disagreeing with pseudo-patriots, so now you can do good anonymously, with non-violence, but still showing you’re American very proudly by being the change you want to see in the world around you.

3. admin
   July 3rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm

   Oh– and the idea that it can be ANYONE behind that flag. You, me…. It’s the action that matters and how we go about things that will bring about REAL change in this country, and the world.

4. Karitas
   July 3rd, 2008 at 1:35 pm

   This is EXACTLY what inspired me to post this blog about how the Flobots allowed me to reclaim what it means to be a patriotic american!

   http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/eboo_patel/2008/07/what_it_means_to_be_american.html

5. Loran
   July 3rd, 2008 at 4:32 pm

   Good points!
   I have to say you really nailed it on the first panel, it’s really comes right at you and makes you ask “what the…..?!?!” until you scroll down and see what’s going on.
   Good stuff all around.
   -L.

6. karla
   July 3rd, 2008 at 6:14 pm

   committing random acts of kindness…. i like it…. hey, did i spot the flobots in that first panel ??? i was missing my daily dose, but this more than makes up for. Very powerful.

7. ramsey
   July 3rd, 2008 at 6:54 pm

   thank you for allowing me to be a proud american this Fourth. Lets bring it back to freedom for all and support our troops by fighting to keep them out of a war founded on lies and fear. Cant wait to see the Flobots in DC!!!!!!!

8. elias
   July 3rd, 2008 at 8:03 pm

   I like what you guys are about, makes me feel like there is still hope for us all. To freedom, equality and the New America .

9. shawn
   July 3rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm

   i really like these comics and the messages the flobots send, you guys seem really cool. flobots need to come to the northeast. keep it up.

10. Dahveed
    July 5th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

    The bandanas represent the new America. Why is it disturbing?
    We are the new American insurgents, unless you don’t want change.

11. Loran
    July 6th, 2008 at 6:43 pm

    Re: Dahveed’s comment.
    Dude, I’m all for change in America, I’m an Obama supporter and I want to see change in our domestic and foreign policy but I’m not a freaking “INSURGENT!” I was a U.S. Marine and served in the 1st Gulf War. I never thought this “2nd Gulf War” was a good idea and personally I think no war is ever a good idea…it’s a last resort…which we all know now that our Commander-Un-Chief was going to do no matter what. If someone brings up a point that wearing the American flag on your face while walking down the street is a little disturbing it’s just a point of view….is that not cool in the “New America?” I understand D.J.’s thinking and visual aim, no problem. It’s just that in the real world someone hiding their face is sometimes up to no good, hence they’re hiding their face! The thing that disturbs me is that these days when you see someone with a bandanna hiding their face on TV it’s an “insurgent” or some other bad guy holding a gun to someones head and making a demand for something.
    This is just my point of view….I’m not raining on your parade.

12. D-Mess
    July 7th, 2008 at 3:44 am

    Loran, the American flag bandannas are 100% symbolic. When you look at someone that’s a patriot of this “New America,” it’ll be so obvious that this person is a “New American” that it’s as if there’s a flag plastered to their face. The bright colors and facial expressions void the option of the bandannas being related to gangs or violence. The only downside is that covering one’s face could portray loss of individualism, but when fighting for the greater cause, it really can’t be that bad.

13. Dees
    July 7th, 2008 at 6:44 am

    I’m all for change, but your kinda painting a bad image of rednecks. We have enough stereotypes to put up with as it is… Maybe if you had big oil or some other group that is stopping the evolution, paint them.
    Us southerners are ready for change!
    http://www.campaignforliberty.com/

14. Renee
    July 7th, 2008 at 7:07 pm

    I believe this is what America needs, it needs to change. I am against violence and war, if we could get along better (ex. Mexico and Iraq) we would build a better country. I actually had a friend that lived in Mexico denied entry to our country…

15. Gnomination
    July 13th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    I think that the whole flag idea is a good one. Loran has some good points, and I think that it is a really good logo/symbol for Flobots/Fight With Tools/America Will Be.

16. Loran
    July 14th, 2008 at 10:04 am

    It’s funny that you mention that Gnomination.
    I checked with an authority (Douglas) on flag etiquette at ushistory.org.
    He says:
    “Thank you for writing. Very interesting. First off, the Flag Code is specific that
    the flag should not be used as an article of clothing. That would certainly include the face-covering bandannas. However, the Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that using the flag to make political statements is fully protected by your First Amendment right of free speech. This usage certainly falls within that protection.
    What I find somewhat curious is that the bandanna-masked group is a kind of a militia — a war metaphor. Yet the text is encouraging peace and interdependence. Aren’t you mixing messages? Just my two cents.”

    Just an opinion to all the militants out there….remember tolerance? Ideas from a different perspective?
    -L.

17. Hezbamas
    July 14th, 2008 at 6:16 pm

    Ok I’m gonna be bold here and speak on behalf of the the Flobots.

    Loran, stop posting your opinion on this site. I must say that i respect your opinion, and also that your previous posts are great, not bad in any way. In fact perfectly polite and innocent. But hear me out, since i know your gonna check this site and read this.

    YOUR NOT GETTING IT. Simple.

    The Flobots, as Hezbollah, are willing to admit we(INSURGENTS) are NOT perfect. I don’t mean to say that in a sissy, “Oh, no ones perfect,” kind of way. What I mean is that we are open minded, very open minded. So much that we are willing to even test, or doubt, our own revolutionary ideas. I often ask my self if maybe this revolution is wrong, maybe the gov really does know better and we are just confused. So we take time to re-analyze our beliefs. We re-study the history and the present. We watch Fox news in order see if they are still blacking out stories. We ask our leaders new questions about new or old problems(oil price, gitmo, CIA).

    This is what makes us different than you LORAN. You obviously don’t have enough time to commit to penny-less research on how US money goes to rebel forces all over the world(past and very present). You don’t think that happens? In IRAN to help disrupt the PEOPLE’S GOV, or Venezuela, or Cuba.

    You think that just because your an old Marine your so fucking wise. YOUR LAZY. I was lazy too till last year when i went on the internet and learned what you don’t know.

    DON’T come on this site and talk about stupid flag etiquette. That same flag looks really ignorant right now to everyone who’s not a Fox News American.
    It looks cold on weapons we send to Israel, and ugly on the side arm of a Marine in Baghdad with innocent peoples blood on it. Insurgents in Iraq know that the US planned 9/11 to get there. Some even have family in IRAN and don’t want the US to shock and awe them next. See if we had gone to Iraq based on truthful events and with people’s LIVELIHOOD in mind, then what reason would a boy, with nothing, have to fire upon our troops. But the EFFECT of our invasion was that the rich were fine,and the poor were crippled. You know how in America we live paycheck to paycheck and if tons of businesses shut down in one day, cities would be hurt bad. Well, that’s all we did. No huge food tents, or work placement, or even ARMORED HUMMVEES. Just destruction. The super rich go on vacation for 5 years, and the rest, the poor, the workers, the 80%. They have no chance.

    I like the bandannas. We will wear them on our face so that you fear us. So you know that we are not on your side and never will be. You may join us, and if you do i promise you that you will be converted to a man without fear. A man who can say that this USED to be your flag.

    And also you may stand up in the future and tell a neighborhood child not to dirty the NEW American flag, if our New America agrees on such etiquette. The flag that our NEW America stands for will also be clean. Clean of the blood of the past, of Indians all the way to Iraqis. We will keep it clean with a beautiful democracy that ENSURES(somehow) that every voice of the WORLD, not just these lands, shall be heard and respected.

    To safeguard this perfect New America from the corruption of the past will be a task for only the most noble of humans. Someone of unbreakable character and complete LOVE for the system he is sworn to protect. LORAN, this may be a task for you if you choose and are able, only time will tell.

    WE INSURGENTS, just like those in the middle east, do not, will not, and choose not to know the face of our enemy. We only see the future that Humanity will choose. And don’t say, “oh humanity is choosing right now, we have democracy.” Just shut up and listen.

    You know that perfect world, where weed is legal and there are no pedophiles. Where the newspaper says “A+ KIDS”, “New amazing bridge” and “Next stop the moon.” Where the bread and water are free, and then beef, and then electricity, all free. Where wages go up, and technology actually gets cheaper as they reinvent it. It seems crazy cuz right now it’s so far away. It seems crazy like wearing a flag on our face. But its right behind ANWR and FANNIE and FREDDY and FISA and DICK.

    We ALL, even you, must simply push aside these “things”, and TAKE what we have proven to be rightly ours!

    FREEDOM BEFORE PEACE

18. Loran
    July 15th, 2008 at 7:30 am

    Dear Hezbamas,
    Stop posting your opinion on this site?
    My apologies. I thought this was DJ Coffman’s site.
    I’m not attacking DJ or even the ideas behind the Flobots comic.
    I’ve stood up for DJ when some people were attacking him in a “guerrilla” or “insurgent” style way on Drunk Duck. He’s a local guy and a fellow artist and I support him and his work.
    Have YOU ever supported or even bought any of DJ’s comics when he was published by Platinum? Elsewhere?
    I agree with most things you are saying…but then you start to rant, kinda like those guys on the grainy videos received by Al Jazeera. The guy is usually holding a gun to a hostages head and ranting.
    “Stupid flag etiquette”? (…that’s your opinion, but alot of people have died so you can rant like this…)
    “Fox American”? (…Bill O’Reilly comes to mind with your monologue..)
    “WE INSURGENTS, just like those in the middle east, do not, will not, and choose not to know the face of our enemy….”??? (Whoa…’nuff said)
    Brilliant! Go ahead and try talking like that to Joe Six-Pack and you’ll run John McCain’s poll numbers into the stratosphere.
    Then we’ll all have 4+ more years to complain about Republican policies.
    -L.

19. Flobot 13
    July 15th, 2008 at 7:52 am

    DJ here… chiming in. I do produce the comic here, but this is for the Flobots. I think the discussion here is healthy, but let’s all try to be civil with one another.

    While I personally believe there isn’t anything wrong with the bandanna wearing, I know there will be others who disagree, but it’s breaking no laws, etc. The images are meant to jar your mind a little and make you THINK. But on the other hand, we’re taking a non-violent approach here, and it shouldn’t be misconstrued . To me, it’s more of a branding of the idea and approach to the very positive message the Flobots are sending… encouraging everyone to think… conversations, etc.

    There are a lot of people who are very angry today about the way this country has been run for the past 30 years, or the trench we’ve been driven into. It’s never as simple as two paths or who’s right and wrong.

    Loran, thanks for supporting my work here and in the past.

20. Loran
    July 15th, 2008 at 8:24 am

    Totally agreed.
    I think I flew off the handle a bit and apologize.
    I’m kind of a mixed bag when it comes to the flag.
    On one hand I’m an artist and fairly liberal. On the other hand I was a U.S. Marine and feel deeply patriotic and get boiling mad when someone disregards or defaces the flag.
    -L.

21. Flobot 13
    July 15th, 2008 at 8:27 am

    Well, I’m glad you brought up flag etiquette here. It’s basically a code passed along by the old timers, and it was always meant to be an honorable thing. In thinking about the things the bad elements have done under the protection and symbolism of the flag, it really sucks… and I’m all for making this “new flag” stand for something positive. It would be great to see people with differing opinions actually come together and ACT to do something positive… random acts of kindness, just small things can add up.

22. PЯOTEST
    July 16th, 2008 at 12:04 am

    The rules of the american flag seems kinda foolish to me. The flag is is worn by people proud to be americans and are not afraid to be what they are (which, I think, the point of this comic is) one of my favorite people wearing the American flag is Shaun White because he’s representing his country.

    Oh and by the way I’m Canadian

23. Loran
    July 16th, 2008 at 4:59 am

    HA HA HA HA!
    Just too much.
    Out of respect for DJ this is my last response to flag etiquette here.
    So far I’ve heard some people praise Hezbollah (you know the people who have been known to send suicide bomers onto public buses) and the peoples governments of Iran, Cuba & Venezuela. (I hear Hugo has anointed himself president for life, hmmmm, yep, sounds pretty democratic to me) Now we hear from a Canadian who thinks “…rules for the American flag seem kinda foolish…” (Thanks for not capitalizing “American” and I hate to break it to you but there’s also rules regarding the Canadian flag as well). I’ve not used profanity (unlike some) and I’ve read everyones opinion. Flag etiquette is a guide, a set of non-binding rules. Thank God the Constitution does not make these rules binding, if they did, America would look more like oppressive regimes in Cuba, Iran & Venezuela. Apparently though I’ve struck a sensitive nerve with some who on the surface may seem to be wanting legitimate and honest change, but underneath they have something more diabolical in mind when it comes to change.
    I love DJ’s comics, but some people (not all) surrounding the Flobots just seem out of their minds.
    -L.

24. Flobot 13
    July 16th, 2008 at 7:46 am

    It’s important to note, the “rules” we’re talking about aren’t “laws”, they were designed by generations of noble veterans who have defined what the flag has meant to them, and how to honor it. I think what’s going on these days, in this political environment– new generations of Americans are “waking up” , some with years gone by wasting their right to vote and only realizing now that we’ve got to turn this ship around. I’m not just talking about Republican or Democrat, the whole system needs an enima and for the first time in a very long time in this country, there is a movement to “take the country back”

    So I guess to some, wearing the flag might be disrespectful, but in this new day here, it only matters what you’re doing when your wearing it. Peaceful, positive actions.

    “Rules” aren’t going to stop people, rules were meant to be broken, so I guess from the other side of things, anyone really outraged might want to just figure in that there is a LOT of rebellious energy out there that needs to be channeled in the right ways. It feels empowering to some of these younger guys who are just waking up to the reality we’re in. And there’s one point we’re missing here… these guys and gals are PROUD to be wearing the flag again with a whole new mindset. Not just blindly waving a flag for Patriotism sake.

    You will know the New Americans by our actions.

25. Hezbamas
    July 16th, 2008 at 8:10 pm

    Loran i wrote a huge responce. No swear words. I think its nice, I think. If you want to read it follow this link. It goes to another site started by the flobots so im not sending you to something disgusting or virus filled.

    Good luck in life buddy. Your not my buddy, but your not the only person I wish i could convert to my fight.

    Last post here. Everyone should see fightwithtools.com

    IF I KILL GUILTY PEOPLE SO INNOCENT PEOPLE CAN LIVE IN PEACE, THEN I FIGHT FOR FUTURE OF LOVE ON EARTH.

    Bye guys, I wish more people would have posted in support of me. Thanks for what little you did Flobot 13.

    REVOLUTION

26. Hezbamas
    July 16th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

    sorry here is the link, brain fart

    http://www.fightwithtools.org/forum/topic/show?id=2144400%3ATopic%3A21196

    thanks anyway

27. Loran
    July 17th, 2008 at 8:10 pm

    Wow….just totally speechless…amazed….and somewhat disturbed by Hezbamas rant link….

28. Flobot 13
    July 17th, 2008 at 8:15 pm

    There’s a lot of anger being channeled different ways. I have to agree that parts of Hezbama’s message seem to lean a it extreme. I don’t think it does anyone any good to talk about destruction or doing things by violent means. Not that I think he’s saying HE is going to do something, but it’s worrysome. I think he’s just really pissed, and rightly so. The Flobots send a much more positive message of acting with non-violence though. FIGHT WITH TOOLS!

29. Hezbamas
    July 17th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    Ok, Still go research. Always question. If will at least KEEP you informed and ready to translate current events through a filter of what you know(varies) of the past.

30. jonny 5
    July 19th, 2008 at 1:36 am

    It’s a cruel irony of our touring/performing/meeting schedule that I’m unable to be as involved in this discussion as some listeners of our music are, but nevertheless I wanted to give my two cents. The original context for the insurgents imagery is that we are insurgents INSIDE OF OUR OWN MINDS. That when we’re tempted to succumb to various types of propaganda, especially those that train us to accept violence, we resist. In this context, resistance is victory.
    So, we’re employing militant imagery on behalf of peace. We’re militant about peacemaking.
    To be clear, this is rooted in a commitment to nonviolence. Whatever sort of change we’re talking about, it involves transforming ourselves as people. The idea that it’s possible for individuals to become more violent on behalf of a less violent world doesn’t seem realistic to me, nor is there much of a track record. So, without having read Hezbamas’ comment on fwt.org yet, I think i have to say I have a pretty serious disagreement, both in terms of trying to silence Loran, and the idea of killing guilty people. Not to be too simplistic, I’m against killing people. I have a lot of admiration for people who serve in the military because of their willingness to sacrifice their life. What I dream of is a world where we have institutions to train nonviolent warriors, people who will risk their life but not be willing to take others. Check out the http://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org for what I hope is a glimpse of things to come…

    To tell you the truth, the face-covering thing has made me nervous to some extent. It works as poetry, but in real life I tend to leave the bandana around my neck. I think seeing each others’ faces is a good thing.

    Bottom line here is, we create the future by embodying it now.

31. Loran
    July 19th, 2008 at 6:56 am

    jonny 5, from from your statements, you absolutely have me on board.

32. ryran
    July 19th, 2008 at 11:02 am

    Hezbamas, I was appalled by what you were writing.
    Firstly (and I can’t believe DJC & Jonny 5 didn’t call you out on it), as someone who is deeply impressed by what the Flobots are doing, I ask that you consider very carefully how you say things in a public forum when you’re throwing around the Flobots name. You CAN’T know exactly what the Flobots believe. You are not them. Therefore, putting YOUR opinions out there and prefacing them with “I’m gonna speak on behalf of the Flobots” is horribly HORRIBLY wrong. I don’t know how else to say it. It’s wrong, and very dangerous. _I_ can’t speak for the Flobots, but in my opinion, your intolerant attitude could only hurt the spread of their message. A lot more could be said in response to the assumptive and very unkind words you directed at Loran, but I think the most important points have been made.

    Loran, kudos for being able to keep your cool after that first response. As you said, you’ve been nothing but courteous and civil. I’m glad you brought up the flag issue–it’s been very interesting to observe the dialogue.

    On that note, MUCHO thanks to Jonny 5 for stepping in and providing some official-ish insight into where the band stands. I couldn’t have imagined a better post. Very very sweet. You have me too.

33. prisonerofwar
    July 19th, 2008 at 11:07 am

    lking down the street in Denver and seeing a fellow fwt.org member because of it, but sometimes, it is misconstrued . i know i spelled that wrong. lol. we have to be careful. But never scared.

34. prisonerofwar
    July 19th, 2008 at 11:10 am

    so i just posted like 3000 words and u see what actually posted. i am so sad right now. love bandannas, need them to change society with symbolism, but because of society certain things are seen as wrong. Use caution, but never hold fear. thats the jist. lol. FIGHTWITHTOOLS….What is your tool?

35. prisonerofwar
    July 19th, 2008 at 11:11 am

    BTW dj, ur strips are great, cant wait to c more. i would love to meet with u because i could use someone like u too channel my thoughts, thanks for what you do.

36. admin
    July 19th, 2008 at 11:41 am

    Admin note to everyone here: sometimes posts get held in the automatic moderation if they contain certain words that Akismet spam filter and other plugins are catching, so sorry if something you wrote got wiped, I’ll go check that out…..

37. Beth
    July 25th, 2008 at 10:26 am

    I don’t typically get into discussions out here on the internet….but I love the comic. It does make you think, and it is an outlet to express the feelings and testimonies of the artist and those who send in their stories. Hopefully it is another piece in the puzzle to “activate” your minds and encourage all to make a change for the bettter in a non-violent manner. I feel the anger that some are expressing…and it’s great that you all are so passionate, but, let’s not talk about killing people and instead light a new path of peaceful activism…be an example to the world to see…

38. Scott
    August 12th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

    I don’t know what to think about the Global Citizen line. Is it a reference to globalization, or environmentalism? I hope for the latter. Plus, the artwork in that same panel leads me to think it’s a reference to the environment. I can hope for the best, can’t I?

39. 105mm
    August 14th, 2008 at 4:29 am

    great.

    i love this whole idea. im not american, but i have american friends, and it frustrates me to see what could be a great country (because i know a bunch of great people who live there) going in such a bad direction. it’s comforting for people like us, who are in a country that isn’t powerful and has a weak military force, to know that there ARE people in the most powerful country in the world, who are looking for change, and getting active about it

40. ZeroHourHero
    August 18th, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    This One right here, sent the chills through my body. The chills of the wakeup.
    The chills of unity.

    “The People, United, Will never be defeated”
    Frederic Rzewski- American Composer

41. StandupforTrees
    October 10th, 2008 at 3:29 pm

    I love the comic strip. I am only a teenager yet i see the great things you talk about. I belive that these are the first steps to becoming the greatest nation, economicly, eviromentally, and above all socially. This is a beautiful thing you have going and are thrilled to read about people standing up for what they belive.

    PEACE AND LOVE.

42. Whatever
    October 28th, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    Wow, I really like that Hezbamas post lashing out about the character of a former US MARINE!!! He put more than just his opinion on the line, Hezbamas. I strongly doubt you have the…character… to do more than talk.

    Bye the Bye, I kinda get the impression this is a pro-obama comic dressed up to be about voting and change. I could care less either way, but really, the popular vote means nothing, didn’t you watch the last election? Don’t worry, the electoral college will pick the president, anything else is just a farce to make us believe we have some control. This election has already been decided, and not by the people. Just roll with the punches and don’t worry about it!

43. Rhod
    November 7th, 2008 at 11:08 am

    I see what this cartoon is saying but looking at it as a Brit it seems naive, cheesy and I hate to say it childish. The gang of neckerchief do gooders giving a tramp (bum) food ect just amplifies this for me.

44. Whit
    November 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pm

    I like seeing all the discussion, and just wanted to add my two cents. I see the bandanna wearing as a sense of unity among the people. Yes, the message is militant, but the key points are peaceful actions, and working together. We are all different people under the bandana, but we can join together for a cause greater than ourselves.

45. Jay Darklighter
    November 30th, 2008 at 4:27 pm

    I personally like the flag bandanas. It is not even really a flag now is it? It would be like saying a shirt that looks like a flag, is a flag. It’s not, it’s imitating something. Anyways, I think the flag symbolizes that we are seen as the bad guys and we are considered the insurgents. If that’s what you wanna call us, that’s fine, we embrace it. We cover so we can do what we must in our own way without being individualized (don’t know if that’s a word) and be part of something bigger than ourselves.