I think shepards work is inspiring. Yes he uses a lot of images from the past, but who hasn't?

http://www.supertouchart.com/2009/02/02/editorial-the-medium-is-the-message-shepard-fairey-and-the-art-of-appropriation/

In reference to Ms. Norah Hurley: roughly all (almost every single) political image/logo/slogan is accompanied by an American Flag, its stars or colors. It is not often that a politician does NOT engage in propaganda through use of their country's signifiers and icons.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propaganda

The word "propaganda" has a very sinister connotation when used in contemporary discourse, a connotation which often pleads ignorance of its incredibly wide-spread institution.

In reference to the Fairey portrait: http://www.art-for-a-change.com/Obey/index.htm

I am SO sick of seeing this fool's - the ICON(?) face. This bad imitation of a "want a be Kennedy" as the nerve to abuse the American flag - as a backdrop for his propoganda. I look forward to the day when H.C. is elected & take's her rightful place- as leader of this country. No help from her back-stabbing "friend's" - of which he is NOT one of.