To The Editor
January 12, 2010
By Contributor
Pledge of Allegiance
This unnecessary and offensive practice needs to be stoppedIgnoring that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at school board meetings is a blatant attempt at forced patriotic and religious indoctrination, we need to focus on the real question.
Why is the pledge being done at the meetings or even in the schools? These are not citizens joining the military taking an oath. These are free citizens attending a public meeting and this unnecessary and offensive practice needs to be stopped.
I feel sad for those who believe that forced, rote indoctrination through repetitive symbolic daily process is necessary for citizenship. This tactic is the same propaganda technique used by those handling the Hitler Youth.
This practice does not make a “good” citizen. It is just like the child who speeds through saying “grace” at dinner and really cares nothing about the spirit or meaning of the words and lacks understanding but instead focuses on accomplishing the task of stating the words to please the parents. These exercises need to be freely done to really mean anything.
Telling others to just sit there quietly, while this is forced on them at a public meeting is just plain rude, ignorant, insensitive behavior.
Michael T. Barr
Sammamish
Dave Kappler
Former councilman’s dedication helped protect, preserve environment
Your excellent story about Dave Kappler’s contributions to the city and region as a councilman, Issaquah Alps Trails Club member and citizen activist was well deserved.
I hope those new to the city who may not know Dave recognize that the forested hillsides, trails and thousands of acres of open space surrounding Issaquah didn’t just happen to be here by accident. It took intense, dedicated, long-term effort by Dave and others to protect and preserve the unique environment that surrounds and benefits all local residents. Dave has contributed for more than 30 years to achieving much of what may be taken for granted by many.
Thus, just as your story rightly paid tribute to Dave’s dedication and thousands of hours of public service both as a citizen and city official, I hope my fellow residents will also recognize and personally thank Dave for all that he has done to benefit all of us for so many years.
Ken Konigsmark
Issaquah
Comments
2 Responses to “To The Editor”
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It always amazes me when people like Michael Barr complain about the Pledge of Allegiance. While Mr Barr, an atheist, shows no tolerance for other religions, that he wrote the comment he did shows he firmly believes others should show tolerance of his religion.
That he expects other religions to be tolerant of his religion, while he shows no tolerance for other religions, is mindful of Germany under Hitler when the slaughtering of millions was justified because of their religious beliefs.
Mr Barr needs to remember that the First Amendment not only grants him the right to worship as he chooses, but others also. If he doesn’t like that, there are countries where such tolerance isn’t observed. No doubt he won’t like the reality of those countries either.
“Mr Barr needs to remember that the First Amendment not only grants him the right to worship as he chooses, but others also”
If you are granted something it’s a privilege and not a right. Contrary to popular belief, the Constitution does not apply to the people but only to the federal government. You have a right to free speech because you have a voicebox, not because the government allows it.
Religions didn’t start because of an amendment… It, like gun ownership was already in existence well before any bill of rights came along.