How does sitting down when the Pledge of Allegiance is recited make you less of an American? Some people just may not agree with the Pledge and the only way to show that they don't agree is to sit and not say anything. I know that this country was founded upon the principles of free speech and that doesn't change when someone doesn't agree with the Pledge Of Allegiance.

Sure they should be allowed to sit during the Pledge of Allegiance. Isn't that part of the freedom of this country? Chances are, if a student is sitting during it by their own choice then they are displeased with America. Unfortuantly, they must not realize that they are protesting that which gives them the freedom to do it in the first place.
I say if they don't want to be American, leave. Maybe they would like it better in Venezuala.
Maybe I'm way off base

IF ANY ONE FEELS THEY DO NOT WISH TO STAND FOR OUR PLEDGE THEY SHOULD NOT LIVE IN AMERICA WHEATHER THEY ARE AMERICANS OR NOT. HOW TOTALLY UNRESPECTABLE FOR HIS COUSIN, THAT CHOSE TO JOIN AND FIGHT FOR THE VERY STANDARDS HE RESPECTED. IT IS BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE THIS THAT WE DO NOT STAND AS UNITED AS WE DID WHEN I WAS A CHILD. IN GOD WE TRUST
GOD BLESS ALL OUR TROOPS
GOD BLESS OUR NATION
BECAUSE WHITH PEOPLE RIGHT HERE THAT CAN NOT STAND FOR OUR PLEDGE , WE ARE DOOMED.

No they should not be allowed to sit down during the Pledge of Allegiance. It is respect. And how does sitting down during the Pledge of Allegiance translate into a protest against the war? If they do not respect America they should leave and not take any benefits from Americans such as FREE schooling. I am tired of people using the freedoms of our country against our country. It is called respect! As a teenager you may not like what your parent tells you to do but you respect them enough to follow their rules.

I AM JUST SICK OF THIS TYPE OF SHOW FROM PEOPLE. HE JUST DISRESPECTED HIS COUSIN THAT HE IS CLAMING TO BE STANDING FOR. WHERE IS THE LOYALTY FOR OUR NATION AND OUR FOR FATHERS. NOT STANDING FOR OUR NATIONS FLAG IS A PURE DISGRACE. GO LIVE ELSEWHERE.

hello,

I am a vietnam vet and can only think that in this country we should be able to show dissent. the young man is showing his feelings toward our nations policy in this war. It is sad that we as a nation have so corrupted our laws and rights that free speach/non violence disagreemet with our nations policys is no unacceptable. The basic tenet of this nation and its birth was born of dissent with the english state and it's autocracy. It makes me very sad that having a voice against the status quo is no longer acceptable. We may as well lay down as the people behind the iron curtain did for so long before seeing the light. Do we really want to become no more than sheep! I have praise for this young man, he has done nothing more than say he disagrees with our nations policies and is brave for this. I hope we do not become a nation of sheep and lemmings and it is still allowed to voice our opinions in a nonviolent way and have this country respect our opinions, if not we will become the new iron curtain wich imposes the governments will over that of its citizens.

It is the citizens' right to agree or disagree with any issue either political, religious, moral, or of any other nature. That is what been a US Citizen is all about. Another part is to lawfully demonstrate our opinion as a reflection of these same issues. That is what our military personel have and will always fight for, to protect and defend my, your, our freedom. We will not have a place that we may call the Land of the Free if we were to deny these rights to those who may think different from you and I. Perhaps, just to remind us about the roots of our freedom, we should include the word CONSTITUTION in our Pledge of Allegiance. "I pledge allegiance to the flag and to the constitution of the United States of America and to the republic for ..."

Citizens Rights?? People commonly mistake "It's their Right" with privileges. If you do not respect our freedom that is being fought for on a daily basis, then I agree with the gentleman above... move to Iran.

The kid is 17yoa he is still in High School supposedly learning in a Public School System. Now the teacher could be repirmanded for making him stand and telling or teaching the child to show a little respect.

Ok so you don't agree with the Iraq War. Don't lower youself to the level to the disrespectful terrorists we are in conflict with.

Of course you can sit during the pledge. It's totally ridiculous to think that you can't. The whole point is being missed..the war is not a legal war and too many people are being killed and endangered. The troops are not given the equipment they need and in some instances are not even treated right or get the treatment they need if injured. It seems to me these issues are a lot more disrespectful than sitting during the pledge. These people should let the government know the disrespect they are showing those who serve by continuing along this path. I can't find fault with raising peoples awareness of a war that has been mis- managed and that the people who are calling the shoots are showing incompetence. I feel for every family who has lost someone, had someone hurt or has someone serving in this war. We shouldn't be there and our young people shouldn't be there dying.

I believe people should have the choice whether or not they wish to say the pledge of allegiance or whether or not they wish to stand. Freedom of Choice. Freedom of Speach (or not to speak). and Freedom of Religion (people dont have to state a pledge to another persons God, even if it is 'for' the country they believe in). This country wasnt created based on Christianity, despite local popular belief, it was based on the ability to say what you feel is right, follow the faith you feel is right, and do what you feel is right. The first immigrants to this land were running from opressive dictators, insisting on a national religion where all other beliefs were persecuted. The "in God we trust" wasnt added to the money until this last century. There are many legitimate reasons to not want to say or stand for the pledge of allegiance and those choices should be respected.

all i can say is...good for you kid....
keep it up
no one should have to stand for the pledge.
this is freedom of opinion.
not at all disrespectful, but a real action from a free citizen.
take example people, this is how america was built.

I think that the student is doing great job of representing the 1st amendment of the U.S. Those who disagree and don’t know what the 1st amendment is should go back to school because it says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Also This War is Wrong and Everyone in the WORLD knows it…

If you think that mandatory standing and reciting of the pledge of allegiance is a good idea... you should consider making it mandatory that all married couples must recite the vows of marriage every night before they go to bed. This will surely reduce the divorce rate... Right? Wrong!

ok i'm actualy surprised at the interesting responses, beyond the yaya. My thought was that everything was that we as Americans could see that we still have so far our actuall rights as our constitution gave us as. One of the respondends made a point of that. We may still have the right to to act as an human being because mr Benjamin Franklin made a great speach on the price of freedom and liberty . It is the greatest reason to be an american citizen. I am very proud yet to cary my US passport

at a demonstration in portland i saw a young man tie a flag to his shoe and drag it down the street, he spit on it before he and his friends burned it. like it or not this is legal. so if we cant put a stop to that how do you tell a kid he or she has to stand and do the pledge to the flag and then if they want they can take it out in the street and burn it?

personally i think its wrong to disrespect those who fought and sometimes gave thier lives for our flag. if you dont like what the leadership of this country is doing speak your mind by voting. if you dont want to participate dont disturb those who want to.

Anyone who does not want to pledge alegance to the flag should be given the option to say "sieg heil" instead.

Everyone in a U.S. school should at LEAST stand for the pledge. Whether they say the pledge or not, the respect that this country, and what the flag stands for deserves each persons respect in standing during the pledge.

This kid could have resolved this without this hoopla if he had just let his teachers know what he was doing, ahead of time.

This teacher has had discipline issues with this student for some time, and after the teacher referred him for a detention, all of a sudden he has this "pledge" awakening and refuses to stand or say the pledge.

America stands for freedom. Freedom to chose. I spent 20 years in the US Navy defending Americas freedom. If a person wants to sit during the pledge of allengece it is their right. It bothers me that they feel the need to not at least stand silently to show respect for the country but it is their choice.

Americans are tired of progressive liberalism....It's simply become so stupid.
Students in this country stand and resite the Pledge of Allegience to the flag of our country.
We are not talking about any war. It's a pledge to our country.
I say enlist them, or send them to France.

It's called freedom!! You have the choice to do as you please as long as it's within legal limits. They ban religion from school but still force the pledge on our children. If this student is truly acting out against the government then I'll stand behind him 100 percent. I was 16 and tried to enlist during "Desert Storm". We have no valuable reason for being there now. I support all the armed forces(I have family fighting in Iraq). But I do not in any way support the government that sent our troops there. We went in looking for Osama, which shortly after 9-11, the C.I.A. met with at a hospital in the Middle East. Now it seems he's the least wanted person in this war.And why in the hell do we have a bunch of "Draft Dodgers running this war anyway???

Since most students, even seniors in high school, do not understand the majority of the pledge I don't see why we still say it. Maybe if our schools educated our students better and they understood what the pledge means and what saying it means I could understand people's almost violent response to it not being said. As it is, most students view it with little more emotion than saying "here" during roll call in the morning.

It is not what I would hope for my children, but yes, students should be allowed to respectfully and quietly sit out the pledge in protest.

This student's protest seems espcially apt, given the loss in his family. It is about context. I would not like to see such a protest over relatively trivial matters, such as school lunch quality.

It's our right to protest any form of action that we do not agree with, however, we also must remember those that have fought for our right to do so. I think it is disrespectful to our country when you don't observe the pledge or flag or national athem. I think that the nation's people have forgotten what our country is really all about and have allowed too much of the foreign influence to start to erase little by little our American heritage. I think this is what our Native Americans must have felt when the "foreigner" started to take over their corner of the world. The student has the right to sit but he must also realize that it's against the nation and not necessarily against the war. It's time to stand up for America and our original foundation. I love Ameria and support our service men and women. I do not agree with the war.

I believe that the teacher, number one has no right to ouestion the young mans religion. For that she deserves to be seriously chewed out.
As for calling the young man unpatriotic and
whatever more she may have said, who told her she has the right to cut down the very rights that
all those young folks are fighting and dying for?
Just maby that teacher needs to find another
country to live in. Thank You!!!
George A. Borden, U.S.N., Ret.

Quote by Thomas Jefferson:

“The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then.”

I am a Veteran and I commend this student’s actions and his choice of non-violent protest. We should celebrate the ideals of this country by protecting his right to protest.

Bob

Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man's original virtue.
It is through disobedience and rebellion that progress has been made.

1. A war protester is going to protest war no matter where it is. Whether it be legal or illegal(Legal war, what a joke)

2.Though this country was founded by rebelion, if there are those that are displeased with the government, they must form a new government.(good luck with that) If the founding of this country is to be used as an example.

3. This country was founded by people that had faith in "God", not religion. Removing "God" is for the ignorant that confuses spirituality with religion.

This is just another example showing that the younger generation has no clue of the meaning of the word respect. This CHILD is not even old enough to serve in the armed forces yet he feels that he is old enough to judge and condemn our countries freedoms and TRADITIONS. He should stand like other people and SIT outside the Federal Courthouse like the other protestors.

If he does not want to show respect for our country by sitting that's one thing. If he does not like the war write a letter! If you don't like this country get out and quit waisting my tax dollars on your education.

To sit during the Pledge is to show unbelievable disrespect for the nation that is paying for the student's education...the same nation that has given so much to make us who live in these United States free. There should be no question...the student...all students should be FORCED to show respect. No ifs, ands, of buts. If he refuses stil, he should be expelled.

The "Greatest" gift that a man can give is to lay down his life for another. America won it's independence and rights based on wars and the loss of life. A pledge to America simply states that you love your country and that you are willing to protect it, when you have to. That is what our soldiers are doing. They are fighting the good fight in Irac to keep it from being fought in America, where the loss of life could and would be so much greater. In not honoring the pledge you are dishonoring the soldiers who are giving their life so that you can live your life without fear.

what a shame-Ann Pruett

I was a gradeschooler in the 1950's and always resented the fact that we were made to stand daily and pledge 'allegiance' to our country. I thought it inappropriate that we youngsters were expected to commit to a concept most of us did not even understand. I wish I had had the courage back then to openly protest this daily ritual and am proud of the young man and others who do have the courage to take a stand in protesting the war in the middle east. I also commend the soldier who is being tried for having voiced his opinion that he would not get involved in what he/I believe is an illegal war and did refuse to go. When I stand to "pledge allegiance" anywhere in this country, I always say "I pledge allegiance to my LORD!.." without whom we wouldn't have all the 'freedoms' we enjoy as Americans; that includes the freedom to speak up/stand up or not! Would I lay down my own life for my country? YES; but not in Iraq or Vietnam! Do I support our troops no matter what? YES! Do I support the 'war' in the Middle East propogated by a willful, arrogant, strutting, bullying president and his minions? NO! Did I support our 'police action' (war) in Vietnam? NO! I have two sons who have served our country; one came back safely from overseas and the other is a major in the U.S.A.F. Do I support their decision to serve our country? YES! However, I would also have supported them if they had conscientiously objected to going. I am just as American as any gung-ho brainwashed 'good ole boy or gal' who would blindly follow a tunnel-visioned leader into battles wherein we have no business being involved. I also applaud the countries who would not support America's ill-conceived, misdirected and aggressive actions taken that have shed so much innocent blood on all sides! May God continue to bless America even though some 'powers that be are' hellbent on removing any mention or worshipping of God Almighty from our schools,city/state/federal buildings and properties! We all need to pledge allegiance to our Lord, God and be obedient unto Him. If the world would turn their eyes to Him, we would ALL be free!
~Starr, citizen, U.S.A.

I'm old fashioned and a military brat. Not standing for the pledge was not an option. What irritates me more is to see people with their hats on or talking. Don't like/believe in the pledge, fine. Many Americans died for their right to recite the pledge, or not. At least show some respect for those Americans! Shut up and take your hat off!

I wonder who the "Bush haters" and anti-Iraq war people would blame if we were to leave Iraq now, and attacks started happening on USA soil much more often. Because that WILL happen if we are to leave now.
Is it possible that both the teacher and the student acted improperly?

America takes credit for giving you freedom that you were born with.
One country's suck doesn't make my suck not suck.
I pledge allegiance to no country.

JEhova's witnesses don't pledge there allegiance to the flag...now that's out of the way.......if you don't pledge alliegance to our flag and, you are not born here.......LEAVE......don't come back and i invite all of you who enjoy freedoms that you only find in this country and still bitch about our policies then.....LEAVE....dont'put up with the crap, move to another country....make IT your castle in the sky....but get the hell out of here....it's because of the indegent crap pouring in by the droves to this country that we have to find ways to support it.....if it is not enough.....LEAVE...go to that wonderful land that you all seem to think is there.....please don't let us facists pigs stop you....GO......by all means leave...or go to your ballot boxes and change it......as for the kid who didn't pledge it is his RIGHT as an AMERICAN to do as he wishes....SO WHO CARES....

why not - the little darlings don't want to do anything anyway. mostly lazy with the "gimme" mentality. these are the future of our country - glad I'll be dead and gone

It's a beautiful thing, to live in a country that affords it's citizens the right to lawfully and non-violently protest anything with which they disagree. I'll happily pledge my allegiance to the country from which I draw more freedom than anyone from any other country. I'll also support it's people's right to sit down, during it's pledge. I certainly don't agree with this kid's actions, or inactions. As a veteran, I believe that the pledge is many things. It is obviously a pledge to ally one's self with his/her fellow countrymen. It is a pledge of support for those that are serving (military or civilians) to ensure that we have these freedoms. It's a show of gratitude for those that serve in thankless vocations (teachers, industrialists, etc), ensuring that we continue to be a strong and healthy country. It's a dedication to the strong values, determination and might, that built a young nation into the most powerful and influential country, in the world. Even (not so explicitly), it's an acknowledgment of someone's right to abstain from showing his/her support, gratitude or allegiance.

I believe that this student may be emotional, due to the tragic loss of his relative. I believe that he may think that pledging allegiance to a symbol of this country is dishonoring the memory of his cousin. Whatever the case, his actions are certainly not profound. He's just a kid...either cofused or seeking attention. I don't commend him for his action. In fact, I'm rather disgusted with it. But I do support his right to do what he did.

I believe that the teacher's actions were wrong, but came from good intentions and beliefs. A more appropriate response would have been (time permitting) use this as a catalyst for discussion on civics, bill of rights, constitution, etc, or passed it on to the civics/government teacher, for later discussion with all of the students.

Mike

Some kids attending our school are not citizens of the United States and therefore pledging allegiance to another country or flag might be in direct violation with their own countries law (and in some that could actually be seen as 'traitor' = death). There is always more to a story and I think that some people should try to expand their view here a little bit. Posts like recommending people to say 'Sieg Heil' proves that there really are some radical christian extremists in this country which are a significant thread to this countries freedom.

Saying the pledge in school should be mandatory - PERIOD - no exceptions. If you're from another country, or having some political hang-up, you should still support OUR country in OUR schools.

Would you still pledge allegiance to the Cuban flag or the Libyian flag if your kids went to school there Roger? I think it should be optional for saying the pledge...this country is not a dictatorship.

If I lived in Cuba and sent my kids to school....they would pledge alright....but not because they had a choice.....here the people have the right to choose.......no it's not a dictatorship.....thank GOD......but at the same time what would be an acceptable expectation of the people who live here????......you may not agree with the country's overseas policies....but that is not what they are asking people to pledge to....they want people to pledge allegiance to....the flag of the united states of America.....to the republic for which it stands.....and i think if that is asking to much then so is.....bringing us your tired....and your weary.....

Its separation of Church and State ... the pledge says "One Nation Under God" .. that line alone means they can't make it a law .. without it it wouldn't be a problem most likely.

A simple amendment to "or whatever supreme being you believe in"....or even simpler..."God's".......or how about.....say preferred Deity here......

But, what if you are an atheist ? Thats a non-prophet organization.

come on we send troops to fight for freedoms in iraq but we are not proud enough of our own freedoms that our troops have given us !is it not right to honor our country with the children acknowleding the pledge of allegiance at school?? duhhhhhhhhhh what a bunch of stupid crap to even cry about saying god in school ! my god!hahahaha

Your God could potentially not be MY God.

I to am a Vietnam Vet (Oregon)

To those who believe in (and support) the DISRESPECT and DISHONOR of America and our National Ensign - you are not true citizen of the United States of America, nor are you Patriots. It's all Politics in Sheep Clothing to you. One day, possibly not that far in our future, the liberals and todays Congressional Democrates will turn over our nations sovereignty for political advantage to America's enemies. I feel this students actions are based on ignorance. Students today are being taught a mythical US History with all the true facts left out. He was totally disrepectful to his cousin and to every proud American serving our nation, past, present and future. He can disagree with policy, but refusing to honor his nation of birth, what a PUTZ.

To the Vietnam Vet above who supports this action, you probably voted for that coward Kerry.

Like the current President is the cream of the crop. Hahahahaha ... trust me .. the US has had much better presidents in the past .. not sure if there have been weaker ones. Just look at the approval ratings John.

Well, "afraid to put my name in the blog" C. Normally I wouldn't take my valuable time to answer some idiots ignorant response, but What I do see a liberal (where you wearing a mask in Portland?) spoutng his/her unpatriotic bias and hatred for America. The Left-wing Media has created the Anti American views our young people are now acting out, like this student in question... The CONTINUOUS "PARROTING of DEFEAT" just like the scumbags during the Vietnam War. I saw the terrorist supports in the streets of Portland on the news last weekend. They hid their faces like the Cowardous Islamic Terrorist. Now they use there children.

Hmm .. hatred would mean I'm hostile towards the United States .. not exactly I think what I'm referring to in my posts. This country still has the freedom of speech and expression of opinion and if my opinion isn't what you agree with that doesn't mean I hate the United States. There are some great people in this country and the next election we have another chance to elect a good leader that will not only be good for us, but also for our children. If you talk about losing or defeat ... what are we losing in Iraq right now ? I recall vaguely that we were going to search and find WMDs there 5 years ago.

BTW if you are a true Christian .. I presume you have lived and still live according to the 10 commandments that our Lord has provided us ?

I am getting so tired of people who don't really have anything to say......but love to bring up things just enough to inflame some one who does have something to say.......I don't give a happy horse shit if you believe in god or not......it IS most clearly printed in our bill of rights and other like documents...It then points to a general consensus that our fore fathers believed in the holy spirit....GET OVER IT IT HAS BEEN HERE LONGER THAN ANY LAW OR RABBLEROUSER......and just because a few fat headed lawyers found it entertaining to pick at the foundation of this country....doesn't make what they are trying to prove , right either......it just makes them SAD...like a few others i know of......THE great thing about this country is that if you don't like what our goverment is all about......you can move to another country and we WON"T try to shoot you...or stop you in any way......