10 yr old refuses to Pledge Allegiance

[MaryMary]

I don't disagree with any of that, Mary. What I disagree with is some of the (IMO) silly analyses of this kid's "agenda." While I think he's smart and that he showed courage, he's ten and I doubt he planned and predicted the media response. He may be enjoying it and he may even be coached, but I doubt he planned all of that.

I still think he's shown more gumption than many adults who simply whine about "rights."

Very true.
Hope this kid will retain that in his adulthood, with some refinement of advance thinking skills and consequences.

Hey, I just realize why Forrest Gump has his last name! Thanks!

[CW&M Mom]

Well, gays have the right to be gay, just not marry.

They have the right to marry...just not marry another person of the same sex.

[Smee]

I still think he's shown more gumption than many adults who simply whine about "rights."

Very true.
Hope this kid will retain that in his adulthood, with some refinement of advance thinking skills and consequences.

Hey, I just realize why Forrest Gump has his last name! Thanks!

Heh, I'm surprised no one has run with my "whining about rights" bait... er, comment. I fear I've become predictable and need to come up with some new material.

[loaslaen]

I don't disagree with any of that, Mary. What I disagree with is some of the (IMO) silly analyses of this kid's "agenda." While I think he's smart and that he showed courage, he's ten and I doubt he planned and predicted the media response. He may be enjoying it and he may even be coached, but I doubt he planned all of that.

Exactly!!! Adults using a child to push their agenda as well.

[Smee]

The thing is when adults use children to push agendas you support, you don't cry foul.

[shashabell]

The thing is when adults use children to push agendas you support, you don't cry foul.

Can you give an example of this please?

[loaslaen]

I still call hypocrisy. You constantly jump through a lot of hoops to validate things adults do if it supports your beliefs. You bend over backward and sideways to make excuses for all sorts of things you believe in. You sure do seem to be assigning a lot of... something to a ten year old. Just own the fact that what he stood up for-- or his inappropriate behavior, if that makes it you feel better-- is a cause you do not support. Otherwise you continue to look disingenuous.

Did you read my first post in this thread? Here it is:

I did the same thing in school for very different reasons. No matter what the reasons, I don't think someone should be forced to do something they don't agree with. Especially when it's a PLEDGE, a solemn oath.

I FULLY SUPPORT his right to refuse to stand for the pledge. However, I do not support his inappropriate behavior toward the teacher, or seeking media attention for his agenda. If he had been punished for NOT STANDING OR RECITING THE PLEDGE I might be more supportive. If media attention were sought because the school was inappropriately punishing him for STANDING UP FOR HIS RIGHTS, then I might be supportive. But the school was justified in sending the boy to the principal, therefore the attention brought to this case is NOT justifiable IMO.

[meems]

Sorry, but he was just plain annoying! Good point or not, he just screamed nerdiness..if a 10 yr old talked to me like his interview, I would have a hard time keeping a straight face.

[Smee]

Can you give an example of this please?

No, I can not. Board rulez and stuff.

[Smee]

Did you read my first post in this thread? Here it is:



I FULLY SUPPORT his right to refuse to stand for the pledge. However, I do not support his inappropriate behavior toward the teacher, or seeking media attention for his agenda. If he had been punished for NOT STANDING OR RECITING THE PLEDGE I might be more supportive. If media attention were sought because the school was inappropriately punishing him for STANDING UP FOR HIS RIGHTS, then I might be supportive. But the school was justified in sending the boy to the principal, therefore the attention brought to this case is NOT justifiable IMO.

Yes, I did read your first post. I think you are back pedaling and realllllly stretching to suit your own agenda.