Did anyone see that girl in some school who turned her back and refused to do the pledge of allegiance?

To clarify a bit more....

Imagine a scale from 1-10.

Lets say that her life is a 9 out of 10.

Some here have implied she shouldn't complain, since there are other people in the world whose lives are a 2 out of 10.

I'm saying she has every right to complain if she thinks there is a way her life could become a 10 out of 10.

For whoever said that her actions are not disrespectful, rude, or offensive to this country, I find them to be so to me as an American and also to my relatives who have fought in wars to perserve the rights that this girl does have and obviously takes for granted.
The fact is, at a time like this while OUR country is at war, we should not be refusing to pledge or show loyalty to our country. It makes us look like a$$es. I understand that people do not agree with the war, but guess what, it doesn't matter. The President doesn't care, go ahead, protest all you want. What do you think that will accomplish? Do you think the Pres is going to put on the news, see these protestors, and say, 'Hey, you know what, they're right. Let's get all of our men out of Iraq, I made a mistake.' NO, it's not going to happen.
So, b/c we live here and b/c there are brothers/sisters/children/husbands/wives/parents all AMERICANS, all defending our country right now, we should concentrate on uniting as AMERICANS and pray that our loved ones come home safe and that our country stays in one piece.
If you would rather Iraq come out on top in this war, or believe in their side, then it's my right to tell you to go move to Iraq and try out their rights out for size.....(JMO)

November I assume you are 100% for the war in Iraq right now? because if you go against what your country is doing then aren't you turing your back on your country (flag)?

I just want to say- no matter what you are for or against the whole POINT of this country is that you can freely express your positive and negative views (as long as you are not advocating going out right now and kill the govn't)

Many people COME here just so that they can express their beliefs.

I will not get into a debate about whether what this girl did goes with or against my belief - but doesn't the USA stand for the tolerance of peoples expression of beliefs whether or not they mesh with your own. I think if we all believed that there was only one correct way of thinking - Why have elections? wouldn't we all vote the same way?

Whether her behavoir was appropriate or even right should not be the issue - the issue here is does she have a right to voice her opinion - last time I checked it was not against the law.

I don't think we need to throw people out of the country for their ideas- would that not make us the same as some of these oppressive countries.

Now november - these are the same ideas and laws that allow you to say get out of the country. Is it wrong maybe- but you have that right as well as she has a right to do what she did.

to not say the pledge...that is her right not too but to turn your back on your country's flag, that to me is as bad as burning the flag or treason. The flag is our symbol of our country and it needs to get the respect that it is entitled to!

I respect her, in a way, for taking a stand but for people to understand your cause, you need to verbalize it!! staying silent only leads to misunderstandings and you will never win yoour fight!

Just wanted to paste a link to the article on growing income gap that I mentioned earlier.

Growing income gap

Erica (Yabbo)-
I have been in a librarian's meeting all afternoon (superintendents conference day), and that is why I did not respond sooner...

Without rehashing this whole thing...please let me publicly apologize for offending you in anyway. You're one of the many women on this board that I would NEVER want to hurt. I've known you for a quite a while through the boards, and respect the fact that you are entitled to your own opinion. Although I stand by what I say - I was also referring to a specific case. I never meant to imply you in particular. Please accept my apology and know that I believe you are a loyal citizen and would never want to hurt your feelings.

Marni

thank you Marni...although I don't turn my back at the flag (I actually stand up and face it everyday) I don't say it for personal reasons..

shannon...let the fighting your relatives and mine did for our rights mean something...let people have freedom of religion and speech

...and yes...Ford finally pulled the troops out of Vietnam b/c the war was so unpopular (i.e. protesters)...