I happen to be one of those dyed in the wool patriots, which inevitably seem to get under the skin of some people just by my mere existence. I intentionally don’t say democrats or liberals, because I know a number of both who are fiercely patriotic.
For any of you out there that have anything resembling pride in your American heritage, your flag, your country and countrymen, I found a story that should both interest, infuriate and amuse you.
For those of you who despise the fact that I continue to draw breath and have a fair measure of pride in my country, despite our flaws, you may find someone to rally behind or a venue to spout your loathing of anything American.
The Associated Press reported that in Moscow, Idaho, 12:04 PM MST on Tuesday, January 31, 2006…Last night's Moscow City Council meeting was not supposed to begin with the pledge of allegiance under a new policy adopted by Mayor Nancy Chaney.
But that didn't stop a group of local veterans from standing and reciting the pledge anyway.
The demonstration caught Chaney by surprise, but she and other council members quickly stood and joined in the pledge.
Chaney even launched into singing "America the Beautiful" after the pledge ended.
She told the audience that she wants to find new and different ways to start meetings by demonstrating patriotism.
While the pledge will still be said on special occasions, Chaney says she wants poetry readings, songs and other alternatives to opening the council meeting.
I had not heard of Mayor Chaney’s decision not to start meetings with the pledge until I read this report. I don’t know the Mayor’s motivation for omitting the pledge, but I am certain it has something to do with the hateful and highly offensive addition of “Under God” in the pledge. We wouldn’t want to offend anyone would we?
Personally I find the attempted omission of the pledge to be offensive. So she won’t be able to please everyone…ever. Someday maybe she’ll learn that lesson. Until then I applaud the Veterans who were present who defied her policy. Any man or woman who has served their country and government has every right to pay respect to that country. Happily as Americans, those veterans have preserved that right for ALL of us. I urge you to exercise that right and revel in it. It’s yours. Don’t EVER let anyone take it away without the slightest whimper of protest.
It sounds like the Mayor did a fairly good job of recovery and damage control, but I gotta ask…Poetry? Alternative ways to open the meetings? Oh man, does that ever sound like Pandora’s Box. I can see it now…after holding hands, singing a religiously sanitized version of Kumbaya, we can have local nudists perform an interpretive dance of George Washington crossing the Delaware.
I shudder at the thought.
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