Ritualistic loyalty pledges to symbols of state have no place in a free, democratic society; the practice should be done away with entirely. It has clearly done harm, not just to individuals like this student, but to the country as a whole. Too bad conservatives- and I don't just mean Republicans- will never go for that; they place too high a value on performative displays of 'patriotism' rather than the more difficult (and substantial) work of actually advancing the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
“That same judge, however, later lamented, “we increasingly live in a country that does not value freedom.” “
How does forcing school children to recite nonsense like this celebrate freedom? Silencing people is an assault on freedom of speech, but forcing people to say what you want them to is the same thing.
I lament that this country does not value freedom, but I see that it never really has, at least not for everyone.
Mari should've written down the pledge like she was assigned...the *original* pledge, as written by Francis Bellamy: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The Pledge of Allegiance is fundamentally wrong. As a teacher during the Vietnam War, I would stand, but refused to state what wasn't true for all Americans. And I am old enough to remember when "under God" was added. Francis Bellamy, the author of the pledge, fought against its inclusion. Neither the Pledge nor its addition is appropriate. It's just a meaningless ritual that most people ignore.
And for some fucked up reason, I can only type one letter in the comment box, and then nothing. I have to type in notepad and then copy & paste. WTF‽‽‽
I recall listening to a series of podcasts not too long ago (2019) all about the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance. Really well done, the series is titled
"That same judge, however, later lamented, “we increasingly live in a country that does not value freedom.” Which makes it sound like he hates what Oliver did but can’t find a legal justification to protect Arnold."
Without context to the contrary, I can easily see the judge's lamentation to be referring to Oliver's freedom of speech (to not participate in the Pledge).
Okay, something weird – my post appeared twice I tried to delete one of them and both of them went. But even so – I was just wondering if anyone else aside from dictatorships forced people to take an oath of loyalty. I guess it was maybe necessary when the US was a very young country, but you'd think it wouldn't be now.
Ritualistic loyalty pledges to symbols of state have no place in a free, democratic society; the practice should be done away with entirely. It has clearly done harm, not just to individuals like this student, but to the country as a whole. Too bad conservatives- and I don't just mean Republicans- will never go for that; they place too high a value on performative displays of 'patriotism' rather than the more difficult (and substantial) work of actually advancing the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
“That same judge, however, later lamented, “we increasingly live in a country that does not value freedom.” “
How does forcing school children to recite nonsense like this celebrate freedom? Silencing people is an assault on freedom of speech, but forcing people to say what you want them to is the same thing.
I lament that this country does not value freedom, but I see that it never really has, at least not for everyone.
West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (1943) renders the Texas law invalid.
Mari should've written down the pledge like she was assigned...the *original* pledge, as written by Francis Bellamy: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
OT - So sad. 😢
Josh Duggar forbidden from conjugal visits with wife Anna in prison as he faces 40 years for child pornography charges
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/17065036/josh-duggar-forbidden-conjugal-visits-anna-prison/
The Pledge of Allegiance is fundamentally wrong. As a teacher during the Vietnam War, I would stand, but refused to state what wasn't true for all Americans. And I am old enough to remember when "under God" was added. Francis Bellamy, the author of the pledge, fought against its inclusion. Neither the Pledge nor its addition is appropriate. It's just a meaningless ritual that most people ignore.
He did his own research.
https://www.sorryantivaxxer.com/post/tom-salagaj-78-chicago-ill-retired-session-musician-anti-vaxxer-dead-from-covid
OT - Largo Capitol rioter sentenced to more than 5 years, toughest sentence yet
https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2021/12/17/largo-capitol-rioter-sentenced-to-more-than-5-years-toughest-sentence-yet/
And for some fucked up reason, I can only type one letter in the comment box, and then nothing. I have to type in notepad and then copy & paste. WTF‽‽‽
I recall listening to a series of podcasts not too long ago (2019) all about the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance. Really well done, the series is titled
“The Supreme Court vs. Church/State Separation”.
Worth digging up, wherever podcasts live.
It was by some guy named Hemant…
"That same judge, however, later lamented, “we increasingly live in a country that does not value freedom.” Which makes it sound like he hates what Oliver did but can’t find a legal justification to protect Arnold."
Without context to the contrary, I can easily see the judge's lamentation to be referring to Oliver's freedom of speech (to not participate in the Pledge).
Okay, something weird – my post appeared twice I tried to delete one of them and both of them went. But even so – I was just wondering if anyone else aside from dictatorships forced people to take an oath of loyalty. I guess it was maybe necessary when the US was a very young country, but you'd think it wouldn't be now.