On Monday morning, CNN had this amazing segment about Will Phillips, a 10-year-old boy in Arkansas, who is refusing to say the pledge of allegiance due to discrimination against gays and lesbians.
Why, in particular, did he decide to take this stand?
“There really isn’t liberty and justice for all,” Phillips told host John Roberts. “Gays and lesbians can’t marry. There’s still a lot of racism and sexism in the world.”
Phillips also mentioned wanting to be a lawyer when he grows up, and the fact that he already has a lot of friends who are gay.
“I think they should have the rights all people should,” he continued. “And I’m not going to swear that they do,” until it’s a reality.
It’s clear after watching the boy that he is brilliant. In fact, I found his eloquence almost hard to believe. What is more remarkable, however, is his morality and willingness to take such a bold move for his convictions at his young age. His parents should be proud.
This story actually reminded me of one of the first times I addressed a grade school class about nonviolence.
Several years ago, I was invited by one of my best friends to talk with his students at a Catholic school on the south side of Chicago.
I got there early, and at the spur of the moment, decided to remain sitting when the class stood for the pledge. I then began by explaining why I did this. I argued that if you are really a Christian, you cannot pledge allegiance to any flag or country. Our allegiance is to a different kingdom. We obey a higher law. The country for which our flag stands, I explained, has done and continues to do some terrible things that I could not vouch for and that were simply contrary to Jesus’ teachings.
At the time, I don’t remember getting any serious reaction. However, my friend told me that for the rest of the year one of his students, who I stayed in touch with after my visit, did not say the pledge for the rest of the year.
And even though it was just one student, I was thrilled. That’s where it starts.
The world would truly be in better hands if there were only more children – and adults, for that matter – with such sensibilities.
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I’ve long had difficulty with the pledge for any number of reasons. Believing in each other, believing in God, believing in liberty and justice shouldn’t be tied up with patriotism and nationalism, two forces that typically circumvent wisdom and sense and therefore leave awful destruction in their wake.
It’s the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the
Press. It’s the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of
Speech. It’s the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It’s the Military who salutes
The flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by
The flag.
With that being said…this ten year old boy should pledge to our Flag.
He is a brat! Express your opinion by NOT disrespecting everything that stands for our flag.
I think the flag can and should represent different things to different Americans. It should represent our highest hopes, even those not yet achieved. It shouldn’t represent military might, though to many here and abroad, that’s all it means.
I understand what America (the commenter) is presenting and representing, though it’s troubling to imagine that some believe it to be true. Any number of countries around the world today enjoy democracy, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness without resorting to violence.
Fortunately, and for the moment, at least nominally, our military serves a civilian commander. Decisions on taking military action are not left up to the military leaders, who, not surprisingly, often see military solutions as the best course. Sadly, our politicians rarely have the courage to pursue long-term, non-military solutions to problems, for fear of being seen as “weak.” So they condemn us to yet another generation of war, and more of our best young men and women to coffins draped by the flag that must represent liberty and justice for all Americans.
“…everything that stands for our flag.”
You’ve got it backwards. “I pledge allegiance to the flag, and to the republic for which it stands.”
Freedom, democracy and free speech are the real stuff. The flag is a symbol. Nothing “stands for” the flag, not in the metaphorical sense.
True, kids (literally) stand for the flag, to recite by rote a speech containing words they won’t understand until they’re much older (if they EVER bother to think about what they mean). But only because they’re forced to do it.
Despite the Supreme Court decision dating back to the ’40s affirming everyone’s right to refuse to perform this meaningless ritual, Will Phillips’ school punished him for remaining seated. Despite the fact he obviously understands a lot more about freedom and civil rights than his teachers.
It’s clear that you have drunk the Kool-Aid, bought the lie, believe in the myth that members of the military have succumbed to. If you have served in the military–and your comment suggests that–I feel sorry that you have served the elite, the corporations, the Imperialists and don’t know it.
With all due respect, Mr. American, it’s not the military that preserves freedom. Most of the most famous regimes in history have had very capable and prestigious militaries. What keeps a society free is an informed and conscientious citizenry, both military and civilian, which the press is essential for.
Frankly, Mr. American, as a wartime veteran, I say it’s only the willingness to be obedient in defiance of one’s conscience and conviction that can turn the military from protector to opressor. Consider that before you call this boy a brat. You can learn from him.
Franklin, I’m with you 100%. With any luck we won’t need civil rights lawyers when he passes the bar. Hope springs eternal.