In the past, we've also heard of other such refusals, such as a lawyer who was jailed in Mississippi for not reciting the Pledge (I happen to think that jailing the lawyer was wrong.); a city Supervisor in San Francisco refused to recite it at the opening of their meeting; a North Carolina Wiccan refuses to stand or recite the Pledge at any event; and Jehovah Witnesses do not permit the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance (to our Flag or any other flag) for religious reasons; and on and on.
First off, I ABSOLUTELY support their RIGHT to refuse reciting our Pledge of Allegiance. It is their RIGHT to do so, or not do so. I happen to disagree with their reasoning for the refusal.
Just as a reminder, I had posted about MY feelings about The Pledge of Allegiance on here,
http://american1st.blogspot.com/2011/02/our-pledge-of-allegiance.html
But let me say this - Our Pledge of Allegiance is TO America, above any other country. Pledging an allegiance, is a "loyalty" to America. I'd provide that means, to America over any other nation. When I recite the Pledge of Allegiance, that is exactly what I am pledging. And MY allegiance IS only to America.
I would ask everyone to consider something while observing someone at an event, NOT standing or reciting the Pledge. It could be they have a true religious reason for doing so, but do NOT hold some allegiance to another country; or they ARE visiting citizens of another country, and therefor should NOT recite the Pledge; or simply stand by their RIGHT to not stand or recite it.Those rights and duties MUST be protected and respected.
But, I'd also say this - IF someone who IS an American citizen, and is holding onto an allegiance to any other country, then MOVE to that country! Unless one is a lawful visitor, all others should NOT be in America if holding an allegiance to another country.
Simple question for anyone holding a view of refusal: If you are an American citizen, and IF America was attacked by another country or entity, would you be supporting (in actions or spirit) America over that other country or entity?
If your answer is Yes, then you ARE "loyal" to America, pledging openly or not.
If your answer is No, or "it depends on which country" (or entity), then we have a problem, and you need to reassess your citizenship. And, I would the KNOW to not turn my back on you! YOU can not be trusted, and I would want you out of the country.
Just one man's, THIS man's, view and belief. And I DO Pledge MY Allegiance to MY country, The United States of America!
PS. Ours is NOT a perfect Union. It should be our collective goal to work to be the best we can be. I once heard a saying about Christians, "Christians are perfect, just forgiven." Americans aren't perfect, but striving to be the shining light of freedom. And I am, and always have been, PROUD of America.
