From The Baylor Lariat; September 10 2014
http://baylorlariat.com/2014/09/10/editorial-us-flag-waives-requirement-to-pledge/
http://baylorlariat.com/2014/09/10/editorial-us-flag-waives-requirement-to-pledge/
Editorial: US flag waives requirement to pledge
The Pledge of Allegiance has not been a longstanding tradition in America; in fact, it was only officially adopted as the pledge by Congress in 1942. The adoption was done largely as a source of nationalism during the World War II effort, as the United States entered the war only six months prior.
Only 12 years later, the words “under God” were added as another point of nationalism, this time as a tool against public opinion of the Soviet Union in the Cold War.
To say the least, the pledge has been viewed by many as a weapon of American nationalism rather than as an expression of love for one’s country. For that reason, the pledge has come under fire by numerous constitutional watchdog groups over the years.
During a city commission meeting on Aug. 28 in the city of Winter Garden, Fla., mayor John Rees asked police to dismiss Joseph Richardson for refusing to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance.
“It wasn’t premeditated,” Rees told the Orlando Sentinel. “I just reacted. It hit me. I said it. I gave him an option, and life will go on.”
Despite Rees’ characterization of the action as spontaneous, the mayor should not have thrown Richardson out of the city commission meeting for refusing to say the pledge. Doing so not only violates the Constitution and existing case law, but infringes on the ideals on which America was founded.
From a legal standpoint, forcing an individual to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional.
In the 1943 Supreme Court decision “West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson was all-encompassing in his interpretation of forcing school children to stand for the pledge.
“If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion or other matters of opinion or fore citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein,” Jackson said. “If there are any circumstances which permit an exception, they do not now occur to us.”
Jackson chooses to be clear in his verbiage of the court’s majority opinion: not only was it unconstitutional to force students to say the pledge of allegiance, but any such action by the government is discouraged intrinsically by the framers of the Constitution in the First Amendment.
Critics are quick to say that if an individual wishes to enjoy all the benefits of living in one of the greatest civilizations in world history, the least they should do is recite a pledge to honor military who have given their lives for their country.
However, forcing individuals to take a pledge of allegiance would contradict the ideals that the country was founded on and what millions of men sacrificed their lives for. The Founding Fathers thought ensuring freedoms of the people so important, they chose to create a section of the Constitution dedicated to dispelling any question.
In “Texas v. Johnson” (1989), the Supreme Court set the precedent that symbolic speech is protected; choosing not to stand during an invocation and the pledge of allegiance is symbolic speech.
The plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case burned a flag, often considered to be a symbol of national unity. Despite the charged action, court justice Anthony Kennedy wrote: “It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt.”
In the same way, the Pledge of Allegiance communicates the idea behind protecting those who wish not to say it; Rees, the mayor of Winter Garden, has no right to violate that protection.
Personally, I believe that it should be one's decision to stand and participate in the pledge of allegiance. Forcing a person to salute the flag and recite the pledge contradicts America's so called "freedom". Although some may see it as disrespectful, everybody should have the right and the option to not do so.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is unconstitutional to make anyone say the Pledge of Allegiance or stand up during, I still believe that everyone should stand up during as a sign as respect. Over the years, I believe that the point of the Pledge of Allegiance has been somewhat lost. In 1942 when the pledge came into play, I am lead to believe that every student participated in the saying. I remember as a elementary school kid, everyone standing up and everyone saying this. We even selected and went as far as fought over who got to lead the class in the pledge. But as the years progressed, through middle school and now into high school, less and less people say the pledge of allegiance daily. I observe anywhere from two to five students who stand up and say the pledge daily out of a class of about 30 odd kids. The point of the pledge has been lost, and few students now even know why we say this thing daily. Do others feel like this is a problem?
ReplyDeleteI like that you think the meaning was lost. In 1942 it was made to say "Hey I'm from america and we're gonna fight until we have no more to do and im proud to be a citizen!" But now we just say "I'm an American citizen!"
DeleteI feel that many students don't understand what the pledge means and what it stands for. Maybe instead of being a string of words, and having meaning, more people would participate.
DeleteIt is actually sort of ironic that this would be our bell work today. During the flag salute in second period today, a girl at my table group didn't stand. I, and many others, don't recite the pledge anymore, but I thought, "the least you could do is stand". Now, having read this article, I see the sense of nationalism that has been branded into me as an American citizen. But I have also realized that, just like burning the flag, it is okay if someone does not want to stand during the pledge of allegiance. It is incredibly true that the pledge, and the flag, symbolize the freedom that allows us to not stand while saluting the flag. It is because of our national pride that acts like these are frowned upon, when in reality, the people doing, or not doing, these things are practicing their given rights as Americans.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this statement standing up does not mean what it once meant to the past generation, Although not standing and burning a flag or just avoiding similar actions are looked down upon the constitution gives the right to , we are entitled to view it as however america is not the flag , its not the words we recite and the mottos we memorize but it would be nice to see nationalism take form in some other way to make up for the loss of connection with the pledge.
DeleteI find it funny that the Constitution and many court cases say we should not be forced to say the pledge of allegiance in school but I remember all the way back to first grade when I first started saying the pledge of allegiance. I had come in to the school halfway through the year so it was odd for me to say it because my previous school didn't have this rule. All the way up through my public education I remember saying it every morning before class started and here we are seniors in high school and its looked down upon not to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Why are we forced to pledge our allegiance to a country that isn't representing our needs? Why is "Under God" in the pledge? As far as I know there are multiple religions in this country so why are we forcing everyone to conform to the one that the author of the pledge was?! So much for a free country...
ReplyDeleteThis article is just another case of people not knowing the rules of are government and attempting to get people in trouble for either standing for their belief or just living under their constitutional right and the fact he got kicked out of city commissions meeting for not standing is absolutely ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI remember an instance in class a couple years ago where a student was threatened to be written up for not standing during the pledge of allegiance and while maybe considered disrespectful, the teacher would have been in the wrong. This relates to the whole majority rule vs. minority rights and going back to the basis of "freedom" and what it means. I love the loose interpretation of the constitution and the justice it can serve when addressing something that defends the belief of a person, not although when someone chooses to abuse their rights. All things have to be considered though when doing something so symbolic as to not say the pledge.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if not saying the pledge does show the promise of your own "freedom of speech" here in the U.S. If you really look deep into the meaning of the article you'd realize that U.S Americans do have our own rights in our country. I'm pretty sure if we were in Afghanistan or Iraq not saying their pledge would probably come with much great consequences. Having our own voice and to have that opportunity to believe what we want to believe, say what we want to say, and make choices for ourselves is a privilege and just knowing even if you do have the opposite opinion of another person here in America you aren't punished for it is a real privilege.
ReplyDeleteFrom a political standpoint I believe that individuals should have the right to say or not say the pledge as they please, as the first amendment protects whatever opinion they have and that should be upheld. But from a personal standpoint I see how that it could deeply upset some people because of all the military that have died defending us and saying a pledge to solute them is the very least we could do. Furthermore I think the pledge could be used for the government to make people be as pro-america as possible which is corrupt.
ReplyDeletei agree, that the rights of an individual, no matter the offense should be protected by the government, the flag, and the bill of rights. whether the issue stands to show that that individual shows lack of respect for the country or feels uncomfortable with saying the pledge to the american flag(or other various reasons for not pledging). there expressions toward the situation is protected by free speech, therefore they can not be indicted for the act of not pledging and they can not be forced.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone does have a right to not say or stand for the pledge, as long as they are respectful for the people who are saying the pledge. As is said in the article, it is unconstitutional to force anyone to stand for and say the pledge if they do not wish to .
ReplyDeleteI agree with what the article was saying about how saying the pledge is more of a weapon than a love for our country because it seems like you are forced into saying the pledge of Allegiance. And when you decide to not speak then others see it as a disrespect. I think a lot of people think you're suppose to stand and say the pledge because we've done it since we were in elementary school. Teachers would make us stand and say the words of the pledge. I also believe that when you don't stand and say the pledge then you're not American.
ReplyDeleteThe mayor of Florida did not have the right to "dismiss" the man for not standing during the Pledge of Allegiance, as stated above because it violates the man's Constitutional rights as symbolic speech. However, in many cases similar to these,the question always arises whether the action committed infringes upon other people's rights, mainly if it interferes with the persons pursuit of happiness. Then the controversial "divide" between natural rights and affecting others quality of life is the main issue, what is deemed "too far" in any direction. The struggle to make everyone "happy" or fit everyones' rights is too blurred or even contradictory for it to happen peacefully. With these types of decisions being brought forward, it puts the government in a difficult situation, where they can't win because one side is always upset. At the rate of diversity in this country, the government will almost always be stuck in situations such as this, leading to major problems in society.
ReplyDeleteI believe that you don't have to say it. But you should at least be respectful about the pledge of allegiance. So I think it is ok not to stand and say it, but if you are going to be here, just respect it and don't do anything about it.
ReplyDeleteMy dad (a retired Air Force pilot) sometimes tells a story about how he was walking though our high school when the Pledge of Allegiance came on the intercom. My father just happened to be wearing his full military uniform and was quite offended when he saw a young man running through the hall as the Pledge of Allegiance was going on. Thinking to himself about how he had gone to war and risked his life and seen others die to protect this nation. My father was about ready to stop that young man and put him in his place. But he stopped when he thought, "i've fought to protect that young man's right so that he CAN ignore the Pledge of Allegiance". This helps me understand that even though i may not agree with not respecting the Pledge, we still have the right do do so.
ReplyDeleteI totally think what your dad did was right, but I may have stopped the boy running around.
DeleteI feel that if a person doesn't want to stand or put his/her hand over heart and participate in the pledge of allegiance then why force them? Personally I think its a waste of time to stand and be a part of it because I have better things to do. I love this country just as much as the next but not everyone has to participate or even wants to participate. With that said I do understand that some people maybe offended by this and they have every right to but thats what they think and feel and others just have different thoughts on whether or not people should and have to participate in the pledge.
ReplyDeleteI think that we are protected by the 1st amendment and refusing to stand or say the pledge of allegiance is not an offence. The ideals of america is not turn off if we don't say it right.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the 1st amendment statement, what what do you mean, the ideals of america is not turn off if we don't say it right? what does this even mean?
DeleteI think it is very disrespectful for someone to ignore the pledge of allegiance, mainly because it is wrong to do that to the men and women that risk their lives every day for our safety. Although it is within our rights, I don't see it as morally right. And about the whole "under God" thing in the pledge of allegiance, I'd rather say "under God," than "under Canada."
ReplyDeleteBut suppose a student is Muslim for example? Or Buddhist, or Athiest? They may feel uncomfortable having to salute when they don't believe in a certain type of God.
DeleteCouldn't agree more with this.
Delete(To Ethan)
DeleteThe men and women who are risking there lives are fighting to keep america free so that the persons under the nation can choose what they want to. It may not be "morally right" in your own opinion, but to someone else who doesn't believe in a god or another higher being, it my be an offence to them. Not everyone in america believes in catholicism or christianity. something morally right to you could be morrally wrong to another.
DeleteThis is protected under freedom of speech--if you want to recite the pledge, you can. But you shouldn't be forced. Adding "under God" kind of annoys me since we have freedom of religion and to say "God" to represent a nation seems to violate that. This also reminds me of schools that ban praying among students; they should have the choice to pray but not the requirement. Separation of church and state anyone?
ReplyDeleteI completely agree about the "under God" piece of this. Part of what America is proud of is our diversity as a country and how we represent so many different backgrounds. Having to say "under God" can really offend some people because as Americans we have the ability to be a part of whatever religion we want to. I think that if that part was taken out more people would be willing to stand and recite the pledge.
DeletePersonally, I do stand up for the pledge of Allegiance because I recognize that there are men and women fighting over seas to keep my freedom to do so. I am grateful for this. But when I see someone who does not stand, I don't ever really think twice about it. It's his or her's choice to do so. In a way, it represents some of the american values. To have the freedom to choose what to do when you want to do it (within legal bounds).
ReplyDeleteYes a person has the right to not say the pledge, especially since our country keeps getting worse and worse. But to me, I feel not saying it is a giant form of disrespect.
ReplyDeleteI am all for showing pride in our country, but the pledge is a small thing that we could probably do without. Making people stand and recite things that may not be of much meaning to them isn't right. I think its okay when people stand respectfully and don't say anything. But making people say the pledge when they might not believe in what they are saying isn't something people should press for. The pledge was something that was made to show our pride and thankfulness to our country not something that is drilled into students and people because that's what the people before us did. I think the pledge has kind of lost it's meaning to a lot of people and they just don't know what they are reciting.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. The pledge is in fact that, a pledge of your life and devotion to this country. It's become such a daily and monotonous thing that it's lost all of the weight it was intended to have.
DeleteI personally do not ever remember standing up to recite the pledge of allegiance in school. Coming to Washington last year where doing so was a daily occurrence was a bit perplexing to me. It also got me some odd or slightly angry looks as people saw that I hadn't stood up or recited it with them. I don't really understand why it's done here or why it can be shameful to not participate. I can understand the argument that it's done in honor of military men and women, but I just don't personally believe that it should ever be the wrong thing not to recite it.
ReplyDeleteI think that since the wording in the pledge of allegence has been changed to fit the curcumstances of a people and has no real root that to say that by not taking part of the pledge is a slap in the face for our fallen military is not true. I think there are other ways to get your point across that you love your county other than daily saying a pledge. i think whether or not it is an insult to the county as a whole really depends on the heart behind why you do or don't do the pledge. if it is just rountine then there really is no love for the county you live in.
ReplyDeleteI am going to make a comparison. If minority rights protect decimation of the American flag, but people are often offended by such an act are people just as offended when people refuse to say the pledge? From the view of this article and from comments it seems as if a lot of you are okay with refusing to state the pledge, but do you feel the same about flag burning? If you are against it how is it any different from refusing to state the pledge? First amendment FTW?
ReplyDeleteI can see a parallel there too, but I think there may be a slight difference between the two. The pledge is sort of drilled into the brains of people to the point where the majority are generally indifferent to it. The flag however is still held in high regard and is rather symbolic for many. Personally I believe neither should draw offence from someone. I believe in this case one should simply hold an opinion of what they wouldn't personally do and not be encited to anger by those that do.
DeleteAs a part of saying the Pledge of Allegiance, I think that it should be the decision of the person who is standing up and saying it. People should not be forced into doing something that they dont want to do. Its not like it will kill you or strike you down if you dont do it. It should be a truthful decision made by the person. Many people may be offended by the fact that many people may or may not be standing up and saying it, but the reality is that once people are out of school you wont say the Pledge any more.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I DO say the pledge, despite being in the minority, I also think the pledge is stupid. I'm aware that this seems like a contradiction, but it kind of isn't if I explain myself. I'm a stickler for... Well, not tradition, per se, but just the habits I'VE picked up over the course of my life. I stand and say the pledge because they ask me to, and I always have, and I really don't mind doing it that much. But I think simply the practice of opening up with the pledge every single day is a bit tiresome. It's a pledge. Some organizations require a pledge once for entry, yet America seems to feel like allegiance must be stated every day. If they got rid of the pledge, or made it a special occasion thing, I think that'd be nice. Aside from that, I'm glad the law protects those who don't do the pledge now, despite the fact that I do. The flag and the pledge are symbols, and fairly unimportant in comparison to a love for America in its true nature.
ReplyDeleteI agree that you should not be required or forced to stand and say the pledge of allegiance, just like I agree that it is within your constitutional freedoms that you should be able to burn an American flag if you want to, but I think that these decisions should come from a more personal level than that. While lawfully it may be acceptable to do these things, I think that on a moral or ethical level you should be inclined to at the very least stand for, if not say the pledge, and you should show respect to the American flag. They are symbolic of the struggles and obstacles that we as a nation have overcome, since we first issued the declaration of independence, to the modern wars that our troops fight today. It shouldn't matter if you don't agree with the decisions or actions of our government, you should still show respect and honor to those who gave their lives so that you could live freely under the constitution, in a country where it is tolerated to hold such disregard for the symbols of our nation and freedom.
ReplyDeleteIts a choice to stand up and say the pledge out loud. The government can not make you stand up and say it. but it is respectful to sit quietly We are protected by the 1st amendment as said before. We have a choice in America today, you have the freedom to stand and do it or to sit and do nothing. But personally its the right thing to do by standing.
ReplyDeleteThere are other better ways to show your love for this country so in my opinion saying the pledge or not saying the pledge isn't a big deal. I think its wrong that they force people in school to say it everyday mostly because they don't really explain it further than you say it to show love for our country. Elementary school children don't really know what he pledge means, what the words they are saying mean, what a pledge of allegiance is. But when it comes down to it it's just words and words aren't as important as actions
ReplyDeleteWell generally speaking I feel if someone is playing the Pledge or National Anthem of any country not just America, but any country. I feel like just out of respect you should at least, bare minimum stand and stay still because it's the right thing to do. But to say your not going to stand or pretend to appreciate the history of that country independence then your not smart.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this article. It should not be necessary to stand for the pledge and really should mean nothing if you do or not. Its not a disgrace to this country if you do stand for the pledge it means your honoring this country and what it has given you but otherwise should have no consequences if you don't participate in the pledge.
ReplyDeleteSaying the Pledge of Allegiance is, and should remain, an option. It is important that people respect those around them doing the pledge, maybe even standing with them, but no one should be told they "have to do it or _______." What the mayor of Florida wasn't right, given that we are given that right, that freedom to choose whether or not we stand for the pledge or not. This ties in with majority rule and minority rights; much like with the case with Gregory Lee Johnson where he had been arrested for burning an American flag, but that goes with Freedom of Speech, again with majority rule and minority rights. In the end, what someone chooses to do for the pledge should be completely their choice as long as they are being respectful.
ReplyDeleteThis is like the burning of the American flag, not a lot of people agree if you dont stand up but no one can do anything about it because you're protected by the constitution. I think that we start to say it and memorize it when we are young to drill in our minds that america is this amazing great country that everyone wants to be in when in reality we have lots of issues.
ReplyDeleteI believe that mayor Rees didn't have the right to dismiss Joseph Richardson. His actions were apart of his freedoms, such as freedom of speech, even more specifically, his symbolic speech. Even though the majority of people do stand and say the pledge of allegiance, they still have to respect to the minority that decide not to stand. Minorities still have rights like anyone else. They are free to express themselves how they please, even though it may not seem constitutional when it actually is. It won't always be easy to try and please everyone, but respecting others' rights is a must.
ReplyDeleteChoosing to say or not say the pledge of allegiance is our right as american citizens. I understand that many find that not doing the pledge is offensive and disrespectful but we are permitted our natural rights. Part of those rights is being able to not stand for or not say the pledge of allegiance. Not doing the act is completely constitutional. Forcing another person to pursue in the act, on the other hand, is unconstitutional.
ReplyDeleteI'll stand for the pledge of allegiance. I make sure I stand because of how much this country means to me, what the military has personally provided for me, and the home of the ones I love. If you don't want to stand for a flag that's perfectly fine. If you want to burn a flag, that's alright too. They're symbols, that's it. It's barbaric to ruin lives over one not following a pledge or burning fabric. I'd personally rather them express themselves this way instead of responding with violence.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to live in a country where we have rights and the choice whether to stand for the pledge or not. Also the choice to burn our own flag (even though that annoys me). I think that it is slightly disrespectful not to stand for the pledge of allegiance considering that is the country that protects you and gives you freedom but if it is based on religion then that is completely understandable. Personally i believe "under god" should be taken out of the pledge of allegiance because we are supposed to have separation of church and state and not everyone believes in the same religion and we have freedom of religion. So to not stand for the pledge based on religion is fine but otherwise it is fairly disrespectful.
ReplyDeleteI also think that "under god" should be removed. Everyone knows that America is a melting pot of ethnicities and therefore religion as well. Not everyone believes in god. Perhaps they believe in Allah. Freedom of religion is practiced throughout society why can't it be in the pledge we say every morning?
DeleteFor a while I was torn on this issue because saying the pledge of allegiance was the normal and familiar thing to do. But now I don't feel like I need to "pledge allegiance" to my country every single day by standing and reciting the same old words we've been saying since we were kindergartens. I love my country and am patriotic but I feel like because we've said it so much the words are empty and have lost any meaning. There's a time and a place for everything. I will certainly stand and show respect the flag and honor our fallen heroes, but I will not join in the pledge.
ReplyDeleteEven though I empathize with Mayor Rees' feelings towards Richardson for not standing up, I do not agree with him dismissing Richardson for not standing for the pledge. Even though it was probably a sign of disrespect, it's still his right to not stand. Court Justice Anthony Kenndedy said it perfectly, “It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt.”
ReplyDeleteFrom reading this i don't ever recalling just saying the Pledge of Allegiance to my country, because being from the state of Texas we have two pledges, one for our state, and one for our country and in one of the schools that I use to go to, we had no choice but to say the pledge of allegiance everyday when i go to school. coming here to Washington kind of start throwing me off a bit of how everything is by choice. I not much of a big fan of my country at all, and you can say I'm not the "American Patriot", but reciting the pledge over and over loses the actual purpose of why it was created and the meaning of it.
DeleteI think forcing anybody to say the pledge of allegiance is ridiculous. It's a persons actions that determine their allegiance, not whether or not they say a pledge. And why can't a person disrespect the flag? Don't make people pretend to love something, either they will grow to have a sense of nationalism or they won't. On another note... a pledge isn't something that dissolves when you go to sleep each night... saying a pledge every single day is redundant and ridiculous. I'm glad that I don't have to!
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone should stand up and say the pledge to show respect for your country and it has also been something that we have all done for our whole life's so it just feels like the normal traditional thing to do is stand up and say the pledge.
ReplyDeleteThis definitely relates to the case we read about yesterday when Gregory burned the American flag. I know that saying the pledge of allegiance is something that symbolizes our nation but in my opinion nobody should have to be required to say it because some people don't think our nation is great. Some people I know only stand up and don't say anything and I think that is fine to do. I think saying the pledge of allegiance is a normal thing because I've heard it ever since I started school but everyone has their own opinion.
ReplyDeleteIt is my opinion that if one wants to stand for the pledge, they should. If not, there is no shame in that. I myself stand for the pledge to show respect to those in the military fighting for us, but if someone doesn't want to stand then they shouldn't have to and not be looked down upon for doing so.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Brent, some people stand and others don't and thats their choice. And showing respect is a good thing.
DeleteI believe that forcing people to pledge their allegiance to the country is kind of tyrannical, and is very unjust. However, I think it is disrespectful to stay seated while everyone else is pledging. If you respect the country, and what it stands for, you too should stand, whether your allegiance is with that country or not.
ReplyDeleteEveryday we are expected to recite the pledge of allegiance in the school and most of the time I feel like why do I have to stand and say it if I'm not American, I was really patriotic to my country and felt like saying the pledge means I'm betraying my country but I realized that I moved to America and my parents wants me to be a citizen of this country so might as well show respect to the flag and say the pledge but I think that it has lost its meaning already because we are expected to say it everyday at school.
ReplyDeleteI think anyone has the right to not stand for the pledge if they want too or not. I mean in kindergarten we were little kids and we didn't know about what rights we had. But also it is a respectful thing to do when you stand for the pledge to honor our hero who risk their lives for us. You don't have to say the words to it you can just stand.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone should want to say the pledge, but we should not force people to do so. People should be able to express themselves as they see fit, and not saying the pledge is not harming anyone. If thats how they feel then let them act on that feeling. I don't see any problem with the pledge but I guess some people do. I see where Mayor Rees was coming from, but he should not have dismissed someone for not standing for the pledge.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think it's wrong of them to kick him out of the meeting for not standing up for the pledge because nothing states that you have to, and there's no law about it. All it is, is showing your support and feelings about America. I don't think it's a big deal he didn't stand up, because forcing anyone to stand up for the pledge would just contradict what the flag means.
ReplyDeleteStanding for the Pledge has been a big issues for many years now. I remember in Elementary school when the teachers had all the kids stand (unless told the office otherwise) and we would recite the Pledge every day. I get that saying it is the correct thing to do, but I feel as if saying it every single day is too much. Once a week would be a good idea. I also believe that you shouldn't be punished just because you didn't stand, even more so if it's against your religion.
ReplyDeleteI understand why people would be frustrated if someone does not stand for pledge but it is there right not to if they choose. Some people may take it as disrespect but that doesn't give you authority to remove someone. Some people may have a reason to why they're not standing for the pledge. They could be upset about something that the government is doing at the time. Similar to burning the flag example yesterday, it was because he was upset with the government. This doesn't mean he hates his country just he chooses to protest in a certain way. Even if someone had no reason they still have the right.
ReplyDeleteThough I can understand the standpoint of the people who do not stand for the flag, how under no circumstance should anyone be forced to stand for the flag as it violates their constitutional rights. It does not infringe upon anything save for their beliefs, and does not violate laws. Though morally ambiguous in today's society to not stand for the pledge, it would be even more morally ambiguous-- rather morally wrong-- to punish for something that is not covered by public policy.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't think it is fair to "force" people to say the pledge of allegiance because included in it, they say "under god" while some people have different beliefs or maybe aren't religious. It's not fair to make people pay respects to other peoples beliefs especially when you don't personally agree with them. Also, it says "with liberty and justice for all" which is sometimes untrue because some people don't find justice for a crime that has been done, whether the injustice be done by them or to them. There are numerous reasons why people shouldn't be forced to say or stand for the pledge of allegiance and these are just a few reasons.
ReplyDeleteI really don't think it's fair to be punishing someone for not standing for the pledge. Everyone should always the choice to stand or not, regardless of what their reason should be. This nation has more important things to be worrying about than to be worrying about who stood for the pledge and who didn't. However, I do think you should stand just to show some respect for your country. It's the least you could do for having the opportunity to be a citizen here. But, if you choose not to, then it shouldn't be looked down upon.
ReplyDeleteI stand up during the pledge of allegiance. Mostly because it seems like the right thing to do especially when we stand in a classroom where the majority stand up along with you too. It seems like that by doing that everyday at school gets less and less genuine as it is recited everyday. People seem to just stand and not really think about it as a pledge to America anymore. And I'm not saying that they are anti-american, I just believe that the pledge is not the only way to show your feelings toward america. And why would not standing make it equivalent to being seen as anti- american? I think that as americans, we have the right to choose whether we stand or not. It's not like your trying to bash on the US by choosing not to do so. Unless you are.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of our burning of the flag talk yesterday on Texas Vs. Gregory Lee Johnson. There was a long debate. Citizens of the United States felt violated, hurt, disrespected, etc. It was argued that it was against the law, But Johnson made a point that it followed under freedom of speech. If someone doesn't stand up and state the pledge of allegiance, they should be sent to jail? If thats the case, I'll be going to jail because I don't stand up and recite it anymore. You can't tell me that you get up on the weekends and say the pledge of allegiance, or that you'll even do it when you're not in school anymore. It's illogical. We have rights and one of those is freedom of speech. Just because I don't acknowledge the pledge doesn't mean that I don't have a love for my country.
ReplyDeleteI believe that saying the pledge of allegiance is a sign of respect for our country and the sacrifices of the military. However, it is every individual's right whether or not to stand up. Freedom of speech is a law for a reason, everyone gets a choice. However, saying the pledge daily is such a normal part of every day, most people don't even think about it, or are even just too lazy to want to stand up again. I know this even happens to me on occation. We must remember the importance of the pledge.
ReplyDeleteMayor Rees should not have called the police to dismiss Richardson because the pledge of allegiance is not something American citizens should be forced to say. We have our own rights in the constitution that enables us to do whatever we think is appropriate and okay. Just like the flag of the United States is an example of unity, the pledge of allegiance serves to unify us. But, we the people have the choice of wether or not to stand for either one of them.
ReplyDeleteI feel that you should at least stand during the pledge of allegiance, but that does not mean you should be required to. People should have the right to choose whether they want to or not. It shows respect for the people who fought for our country by participating which is why some people may feel offended or hurt by the actions of those who think otherwise. America is a country of freedom and forcing someone to stand for the pledge does not represent that.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the fact that Rees' forced Richardson to leave because of his decision not to stand up for the pledge, but I do believe not standing up to be disrespectful. People shouldn't be forced to stand up for the pledge because that would contradict our laws of freedom and liberty as the article said, but standing up for the pledge should be a sign of humility and respect for our country and the many soldiers that have sacrificed their lives to get to where we are now. Yes, there are internal issues that could be improved in America, but I love my country and try to show it by having the decency to stand up for the pledge.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't really sure what to think about with the issue with standing and saying the pledge every day since the beginning of school. It became a habit but now i do not feel the need to stand up everyday during class to say the pledge. I will show my respect and honor towards the fallen heroes of our country but having to stand and say the pledge everyday has it losing its meaning.
ReplyDeletePeople have the right to do whatever they want to do as long as it is not hindering anyone else's right to say the pledge of allegiance. Personally i do stand but I don't say the Pledge because I don't feel it is important to say it rather than expressing it with emotions.
ReplyDeleteI feel that people should be doing the Pledge of Allegiance" because I feel that in doing so you are respecting the war vets and the people that are out in the war fighting for our freedom. But, if some person does not do so you don't need to scream at them, throw them out, or beat them, we live in a country with rights and I am pretty sure you don't have to stand for the pledge if you dont want to, because if you were to get in to trouble for not standing during the pledge i would be getting into trouble everyday.
ReplyDeletei dont think richardson was being disrespectful at all. I believe he has a right not to stand and say the pledge. I dont say the pledge but i still stand up. This is like the burning of the flag everyone has a right.
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