Our Offensive Pledge Of Allegiance

(With a hat-tip to Brooke of PaleoCon Command Center)

Back when I was in school and, later, when I taught in the traditional classroom, the day began with our Pledge of Allegiance. Those few students who were not American citizens often recited the Pledge, although a few of them merely stood, thereby showing respect for our flag and our nation. A few students even omitted saying "under God," but not many. Never did I hear anyone bring up that students should not participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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But according to this source, the principal of a school in Portland, Oregon, took it upon himself to prevent students from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance:

Pledge of Allegiance

Posted: 8:36 AM Jun 11, 2008
Last Updated: 8:36 AM Jun 11, 2008

(CBS) Most children growing up in the US memorize the Pledge of Allegiance. But, in one Oregon elementary school, the kids won't be allowed to recite it at an end of the year assembly.

The principal banned it that day so as not to offend Muslims.

One resident of Portland, Oregon was a little surprised when she received an e-mail from her stepson's school principal.

The e-mail said that the children would not be reciting the pledge because of its reference to God.

Instead, the students would memorize and sing the Preamble to the United States Constitution.

But it's not just non-Muslims who were offended.

At least one Muslim community leader says he feels the same way. Muhammad Najieb says that 'God' is central to the Muslim faith, and there are several references to him in every prayer.

Portland school officials say the principal was trying to be sensitive, but some Muslims say the ban caused hurt feelings, and may foster bitterness and division within the community.

Therewith, I offer these two videos recently posted at The Amboy Times as reminders to the principal in Portland, Oregon:





Be sure to watch all the way to the end of the second video!

I wonder what John Wayne and Red Skelton would have to say about the state of America today, were they still with us. Whatever their comments, they'd be elegant and to the point — and expressive of their contempt for individuals such as that principal in Portland, Oregon.

(Crossposted to THE ASTUTE BLOGGERS)