“I pledge allegiance…” no, I don’t.
A public prayer? Again, I won’t.
My first amendment rights allow my protest in this case!
The Pennsylvania House, this week
Observed a Rep refuse to speak
The chairman made an issue just to pander to his base.
A Democrat refused to pray
Though why she did, I cannot say
Perhaps she knows that Jesus was opposed to public prayer
The chairman (from the GOP)
Decided (so it seems to me)
That pledging one’s allegiance is the government’s affair
The chairman doesn’t find it odd
To swear allegiance “under God”
And hold this as a standard for the country to enforce
The chairman will defend the pledge
Because he finds it gives an edge
Political expedience will always be his course.
PA lawmaker refuses to say Pledge of Allegiance at House meeting
Democratic Rep. Babette Josephs said the words “under God” in the Pledge make it a prayer, and she refused to say it.
When Republican Chairman Darryl Metcalfe, who represents Butler, asked Josephs to lead the pledge, she refused.
As everyone was standing to say the pledge, Josephs said, “Based on my First Amendment rights and based on the fact that I really think it’s a prayer, I don’t pray in public.”
Josephs is retiring in just a few days, so there’s not much reason for this, other than Metcalfe grubbing for points with his base.
I just had this converstation on Facebook. Yes, I will pledge allegiance to the United States of America. I love this country, and feel priviledged to live here. But pledge to your “god” or “one nation under god”, no. I won’t do it. My opponent’s suggestion was just to remain silent, just don’t say the “under god” part. Nope, told her it’s not good enough, why does she expect me to remain silent? I will not remain silent, I intend to reclaim this nation as the secular state that it should be!
Our Constitution specifically provides in Article VI: “The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”
I have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, and therefore am precluded from participating in such a “religious Test”. Too bad Republican Chairman Darryl Metcalfe violated his oath to uphold the Constitution by attempting to force Rep. Babette Josephs to do exactly that.
The so-called “Pledge” is mostly a statement of belief. I hope no one here truly believes that there is “liberty and justice for all.”
Semana Sancta. The one week of the year when San Carlos is unbelievable. We lock the gate and smile, smile, smile. Actually, I like the kids, it’s like a Mexican Burning Man, they even have fireworks. Think Mardi Gras (which it actually is) South of the border. Bad week unless you are into a Mejicano rave. And habla Espanol.