Yes it needs to be replaced. I like your choice on framing. It's one of those times when the frame actually makes the shot better. I think a little more sky would make this better though.
This is probably one of the best, if not THE best depiction of negative space. The image also evokes a powerful statement about the current condition of our country. Excellent.
not to put to fine a point on it. 11 points. okay, realisticly i'll have to give ya a 9, 'cause its a little bare, even though that fits the contest rules, you might have gone a little beyond the rules and added a ... uh... duck for instance... [just kiddin'] a fine image, a noble perception. . .
cool, great find/idea. I kinda am hoping you didn't do that to the flag...but on the other hand they sell flag thongs...so which is worse? good idea, but the border is pretty distracting, a little too think.
I think this is an excellent example of using negative space to WOW the subject. Partly because the negative space becomes the subject. I gave this a 10.