'Pledge of Allegiance Bill' Introduced In California

CNSNews.com ^ | 2/24/03 | Chris Rizo

[kattracks]

Sacramento (CNSNEws.com) - A Republican state senator in California says with a war in Iraq looming, it's more important than ever for the Legislature to encourage patriotism in California's public schools.

"Kids need to know how great this country is," said state Sen. William "Pete" Knight, who has introduced a bill that would have public school students in kindergarten through twelfth grade recite the Pledge of Allegiance before class each day.

Students in California are currently required to participate in a daily "patriotic exercise," which may include a moment of silence. But that is not enough, argues the highly decorated former U.S. Air Force test pilot and Vietnam veteran.

Last year, Knight proposed similar legislation, which was rejected by the Assembly Appropriations Committee because of the estimated $200,000 cost of notifying parents across the state of their right not to have their child participate.

"Maybe, just maybe, the Democrats will let this bill get to the governor's desk this year," Knight said. "The Pledge of Allegiance should be a part of every single school day in every single school. That is my goal."

State Sen. John Vasconcellos, a Democrat who opposed the idea last year, said it is "just a waste of time" to require students to blindly recite the Pledge. "I would rather have people indulge themselves in understanding their nation and its ideals," he said.

Still, supporters argue the bill would not "mandate" patriotism or compel students to voice sentiments they may not have. Rather, they say, it is intended to give students the means to express their patriotism.

Knight's proposal, outlined in Senate Bill 394, would also establish protections for students and teachers who chose not to say the pledge for personal reasons.

Students who refuse to say the Pledge would be permitted to remain seated in class and not be subjected to discipline, retaliation or ostracism.

The bill has not yet been set for committee debate.

 

[struggle]

i pledge allegence, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All.

[freeper12]

This is a pathetic waste of time by a politician who has no better ideas on how to improve this country...any politicians that uses more than 2 minutes of time to advance dumb ideas like flag burning amendments, mandates to pledge allegiance to the flag etc should be immediately voted out of office.

My guess is that california, and the US as a whole has bigger problems that deserve attention.

I guess small minded politicians, can only get their small-minds around small problems.

[Sangamon Kid]

Though I am personally opposed to the pledge as a matter of Christian principle, I suppose you think that pledging our allegience to an all powerful state should never be questioned?

[LaraCroft]

REpublicans know that the anti religious won't vote for them anyway, so why bother trying to placate them?

This isn't a constitutional issue and there is no problems with church and state seperation,... it has nothing to do with saying the pledge or praying in school. The majority of Americans ARE religious, believe in God and are patriotic. What about that don't you get?

They lost, they lost big time and you will continue to lose as they veer further to the left, and further from religion. And OF COURSE the religious right should have tax payer money for use on social programs, JUST LIKE the socialist left gets it.

You don't like it, eliminate both from getting it, but it won't work anymore to ONLY have the leftist socialists funded by federal funds.

[Sangamon Kid]

You didn't answer my question?

[steve-b]

Sounds like this guy would be more at home in France.

[freeper12]

>>The Republican Party says it's for smaller government and no sooner do they gain control than they work to impose religious views upon the rest of us.

That was just to get eelcted? You didn't really beleive it did you? Same with defecit reduction, paying down the debt, reducing the size of government etc etc,...just empty promises....