In 2004, while participating in the Bike Ride before the LA Marathon, I first encountered a group of Patriotic Bicyclists, proudly waving Old Glory.
At one time even I used to wave a small flag from the handlebar of my own bike.
These days Old Glory, and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, are under attack.
On June 16th in Arlington, Virginia, vandals set fire to 27 American flags.
June 19th - NBC Omits ‘Under God’ From Pledge During U.S. Open Introduction — TWICE
Today - Is the Pledge of Allegiance ‘Divisive?’ Some Politicians in Oregon Think So
Doing a Google will turn up lots of interesting stories over the the last few years.
I know because I wrote some of them, as far back as 2002, on my first blog.
Back then I was still a Dimmocrat, but slowly, finally, coming to my senses by 2004.
I was Full O' Juice, and writing a lot about the issues of the day, and a handful of my essays, on the Flag Flaps of the day, caught the attention of many readers. ;-D
Some of the links in those posts don't work anymore, but that doesn't take away from the points I made, and so I think it's time to ressurect those old essays, and see what new readers think. ;-D
You may, or may not, agree with what I wrote, but I'm sure you will be be surprised, and find it all thought provoking.
It all began almost 9 years to the day, June 26th, 2002, just a few months after I began blogging........
The 1954 inclusion of "UNDER GOD" is under fire.
This just in from AP and FOX NEWS
Pledge of Allegiance Ruled Unconstitutional (Fox News Link no longer active in 2011)
The Senate votes, in a fit of rightious indignation, to fight the ruling in a unanimous vote [ What supporter of the ruling would commit political suicide to publicly support it, I ask you? :-) ]
The same folks take the juicy opportunity of a photo-op to stand on the capitol steps and publicly recite the Pledge to re-assure the folks back home. :-)
The Prez thinks the ruling is ridiculous, and the RIGHT ( Christians of the world Unite, and smite the infidel!!! ) is already attacking the LEFT ( See, see! A Godless ATHEIST, Commie, Tree Hugger is on the loose! Lock yer doors and hide yer wimmin and kiddies!!! ).
How many folks are gonna take the time to read the ruling, and learn about the history of the Pledge before passing judgement?
I am gonna do some reading and comment further as the days go by.
In the meantime, dear reader, ponder this:
How would YOU react IF the words were as follows:
The Pledge of Allegiance:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under Vishnu ( or Budha, Allah, etc.. ), indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Just something to think about while we all take in & absorb the ruckus now set to erupt nationwide. :-)
Mark my words: Michael Newbow will quickly be demonized as THE MOST HATED MAN IN AMERICA.
I admire him for defending his convictions, quite ably, on Hannity and Combs, among other shows today.
With many Legal Scholars apparently leaning toward the opinion that the only things that can overturn this ruling being a judgement by the SUPREMES, or a Constitutional Amendment, things are gonna get interesting.
I have been fascinated by the coverage on TV all day.
You'd think this man was SATAN himself. :-)
I feel sorry for his daughter, and other children who are raised a certain way that prevents them from saying the pledge.
Their peers, as only other children, of all ages, can be, will be unmercifully cruel in their teasing and ostricizing, especially when they absorb the reactions & beliefs of their righteously indignant parents.
I've downloaded the decision and plan to read it in the next few days.
6/27/02 -- I watched Mr. Newbow on FOX, this morning, and the calm and certain way he is defending himself, and especially correcting his interviewers, is driving his interviewers nuts. :-)
Our, um, level headed Congress people, and alot of pundits, have collectively blown a fuse, demanding these 2 judges be removed, and spending all their time rehashing every 9th Circuit ruling they can find that they disagree with and/or was overturned instead of giving detailed & factual rebuttals to the ruling.
The judges ages, and who appointed them are being cited as reasons to dump them. Next, will we hear about their pets and personal habits? :-)
I can see it now: "Judge Goodwin SCRATCHES HIS ASS & PICKS HIS NOSE! No wonder he made this ruling!!! The horror!!!" :-)
On FOX, the network of "fair and balanced reporting", since class started, around 8am pst, the scene of this childs class saying the pledge has been shown first live, then on tape 5 more times so far. :-)
It is interesting to read comments from folks I know, and some that I don't, for whom this ruling, though possibly short lived, is considered long over due.
Their memories of sitting out the Pledge, for whatever reason, and the treatment they received from teachers and others affects them to this day to one degree or another, shaping in a small way who they are, and speaks volumes.
Comments