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Law sought to require classroom flags

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Out of touch legislature | 1:08 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Our legislature is extremely out of touch with Utah schools. I wonder how many of them have visited schools extensively. I haven't been in a public school that doesn't have a flag in every classroom, and what good is a copy of the Declaration of Independence really going to do other than decorate the wall with an old looking piece of parchment. Kids learn about the Revolutionary War in their respective history classes and having it on the wall is not going to make one more patriotic. The best thing that can be done to boost our nationalistic pride is to do great things. Put a man on Mars, make nuclear fusion work, innovate and create and set national goals rather than run around like rats in a maze trying to make a quick buck. We don't need our government leaders telling us to be patriotic by looking at the past over and over, we need them to help create an America that everyone can be proud of right now in the present and the future.
Goose | 2:20 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
No problem , the flag and the TRUE PLEDGE to the USA

I pledge allegiance to my Flag,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.

October 11, 1892

And lasted until 1953.
The greatest wars were fought with the greatest people with out these words. Did they care?
Great Idea | 4:23 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
We all enjoy the fruits of the labors of those founding fathers and of the sacrifices our troops made. Let us be patriotic and teach patriotism in our schools. This is our land; let us appreciate it.
Comments continue below
Wren | 6:10 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Those teachers should incorporate the American historical documents into their lesson plans -- (a comparative-contrast paper about the Mayflower Compact and Article I of the U.S. Constitution) or a discussion in communications using speeches by Lincoln (the Gettysburg Address) and Faubus (his pro-segregation speech during the Little Rock high-school integration problems) -- would be of far greater impact than whatever the legislature could suggest.
Richard G. | 7:42 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Don't the buffoons in our Legislature have anything better to do than to try to force patriotism?
Anonymous | 7:52 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
This is idiotic! Why don't the buffoons in the legislature focus on raising wages in Utah so that all Utahns will have a decent living and support their families. Now that's patriotic!
Kevin L | 8:03 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
I once spoke to a former state Legislator who told me that when a bill came to her desk the first thing she asked was what is the problem that this is deigned to solve if it was not really a problem she voted against it. This bill sure would fail the is it a problem test.

come on people especially our Legislature deal with real problems and quit this silly nothing Legislature. I realize you think you know it all all and have to have a say on everything but get serious. I for one plan to vote for a non incumbent this coming year
Founding Fatther | 8:08 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
The genesis for America centered on SMALL government. I find legislators expanding our laws to force patriotism a stark contrast to our Founders intent!

As Jefferson said, "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance." but laws are not the way to create vigilance!!
Earl | 8:22 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Whose version of patriotism should be the one forced upon the schools? Francis Bellamy, the author of the first Pledge of Allegiance, was a nationalist and a socialist (does that sound familiar? Nationalist/Socialist?) whose intent was to indoctrinate children for the purpose of looking forward to a utopian state where all things were owned by the government. And what about the Constitution? Will children be taught the original Constitution or the mangled and emasculated version that exists today?
RH | 8:27 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Good thought, wrong approach. Patriotism is something that is nurtured over years and is an individual choice. Every U.S. citizen should develope their own Patriotism through reading, seeing and learning about our wonderful country, not just is a school setting.
This is what happens ... | 9:02 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
A Colorado geography teacher was placed on paid administrative for hanging several flags from other countries in his classroom.

Eric Hamlin said the flags were part of a world geography lesson plan and refused to take them down. The school's principal escorted Hamlin out of class Wednesday morning after he refused to remove the flags of China and Mexico.

The school district placed him on administrative leave for insubordination, citing a Colorado law that makes it illegal to display foreign flags permanently in schools.
Eric | 9:09 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
In my classroom I have a flag, our nation�s motto, a copy of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence on the wall. We speak in depth about the documents, engage in group activities to analyze the documents, and look at case studies so that the students can apply the past to the present. Students who come from loving, nurturing homes are the quickest to see the relevance to their own lives, and their responsibility to the future. I love my job, and part of that job is to help those who don�t care to begin to care. I like the fact that it was my choice to put these objects on display in my classroom. � Great ideas don�t have to be mandated � just encouraged.
Ernest T. Bass | 9:13 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
This is good news. We need to require prayer in class as well.
Patriotism | 9:14 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Patriotism, like all values, is best taught in the home. It is the role of the schools to provide academic instruction and to support, rather than undermine, family values. Patriotism is a family value and the current curriculum is sufficient to support children's growing affection for and devotion to our country--given that parents are teaching this at home. In the absence of parental guidance, no amount of legislation will significantly impact the role of schools in the development of patriotism or even an understanding our our founding documents or founders' sacrifices.
Patriotism taken too far | 9:25 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
You must glorify war in order to get the public to accept the fact that your going to send their sons and daughters to die.

This is what Hollywood understands and has been doing (for profit) for years and people are buying it.
Nate Daniels | 9:41 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Last time I checked, the Bill of Rights was part of the constitution. Maybe that's the problem. If every citizen actually had the 9th and 10th amendments to the Constitution memorized, government wouldn't be able o get away with half of the nonsense they pull.

As far as him using the Constitution as an example, but not including it. Well, I'll admit this is bigoted for me to assume this, but I honestly can't think of another reason. The Constitution doesn't reference God, so it doesn't support the traditional Utah Republican agenda of trying to force Christianity into the classroom any way they can. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But why would you honestly leave out the most important document ever written in our history. I wonder what would happen if we taught our young kids that 'under God' was not in the original pledge before we taught them the pledge. Now that the nation is no longer frothing at the mouth with McCarthyism and trying to separate ourselves from the Godless Commies, I wonder if everyone would be so quick to liberally interpret the Establishment Clause. I was pretty ticked to learn that bit of history was left out.
Anonymous | 9:55 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
As with everything else, people always take things too far.
Same with flags.
Lawrence Britt | 10:35 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
What's Britt's first of fourteen points of fascism?

1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism. From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia.

(Google it for the other 13 points)
what | 10:56 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Don't the politicians have anything better to do? The legislature needs to stop passing these spending initiatives. We need less government not more.

glendenb | 10:59 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
I attended a school that required the pledge every morning. Students recited it as a rote, mindless activity every morning, mumbling and stumbling over the words because we had to. This proposed bill is perhaps well-intentioned, but has the formula completely backwards. I became a patriot after studied American history in college and learned of the great sweep of our nation's history - the roots of our government in Enlightenment rationalism, the centuries long struggle over slavery and racism, the 18th and 19th century feminists who fought for a woman's right to vote, get an education and be treated equally to men, the progressive movement that fought against giant corporate dominance of our nation's politics, the union members who laid their lives on the line for a fair wage and 40 hour work week, the civil rights activists - black and white, male and female - who loved America enough to call us to a true vision of equality.

Reciting the pledge every day may make some peopel feel better but it won't create patriots.
Beware | 11:22 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Beware of a government that starts to exhibit fascist tendencies.
Extreme authoritarianism and passing laws demanding obedience to flag-waving is a tell-tale sign.
Rick | 11:23 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
"This is idiotic! Why don't the buffoons in the legislature focus on raising wages in Utah so that all Utahns will have a decent living and support their families. Now that's patriotic!" Now here is a really stupid thought. To think that to just raise wages will take people out of poverty really shows how misguided we really are concering poverty. Wealth is not created by giving more money to people but by ADDED VALUE. To give more money to the needy only creates a greater need for more money. No ADDED VALUE was every created. You want to show Patriotism? then simply ADD VALUE to yours and others' lives.
Anonymous | 11:32 a.m. Dec. 26, 2007
The powers that be are becoming more and more frightend at the unrest in this country.
Look for more and more authoritarianistic nonsense such as this from the far-right types.
Ron Paul may be right about this country clamoring for a revolution of sorts.
After all, this country was founded on revolution.
Just and Idea | 12:34 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
How about legislation that requires class sizes be small enough that ALL children in the classroom are close enough to actually SEE the flag?
Anonymous | 12:56 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Patriotism is earned, not mandated.

Want me to be patriotic? Give me something to be proud of with regards to my country.
Anonymous | 1:46 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
More mounting evidence that authoritarianism is taking over.
Freedom Guy | 2:18 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Patriotism for sure can't be "mandated" in children, but it can be "nurtured." For this very reason the American flag, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and a litany of other American symbols and documents should be displayed in a predominant place in every school.

Nurturing patriotism cannot be accomplished in children by hiding all our national symbols in a basement; it must be remembered and ingrained into our children that freedom requires sacrifices.

Political correctness has been a scourge in our country and is sickening to those of us who have lived long enough to have witnessed the decline of American culture. We see PC every day in the news media, in our leaders speeches---it is being crammed down the throats of school children every day in the public schools and universities.

You people who are so "worried" about patriotism being "mandated" in schools by the displaying of the American flag are probably a product of "mandated" PC---have you ever considered that?

Political correctness isn't correct---it's a national disgrace that will eliminate freedom in America!

Probably nine out of 10 college students know the entire Bill of Rights. Do you know your rights? Political correctness STINKS!



Freedom Guy | 2:31 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Self Correction:

In my posted comments earlier I made a mistake when I said "probably nine out of ten college students know the entire Bill of Rights. What I meant to say was "nine out of ten college students DO NOT know the entire Bill of Rights."

Suffice to say, if political correctness is not eradicated in America we will lose our freedom. American history as taught in our public schools and universities has become nothing more than socialist indoctrination. This practice needs to stop---NOW!
Earl | 2:36 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Re Freedom Guy: if you want to understand what is and isn't politically correct, you ought to read The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution. Chances are, you'll find that you're the PC guy.
AJ, teacher | 2:36 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
If you want students to learn a particular set of values, it should start with the parents. Patriotic parents have patriotic children. Since the legislature is interested in increasing patriotism, why not mandate that the pledge be recited and the flag flown at all businesses, offices, restaurants, stores, etc. If the parents learn to love the country and stop teaching students to hate the government, perhaps it will trickle down.

Now, I realize that the suggestion above is not realistic, but neither is what the bill is proposing. If the author of the bill has his way, all that will be accomplished is another set of things on the wall that no one looks at and no one reads. Just because something is hanging on a wall in a classroom does not mean that it is going to be taught or even referenced.

Rather than mandating how a teacher's room is decorated, why not ASK A TEACHER how you can help them teach more effectively!!! Teachers KNOW how to teach. They just want people to stop fighting against them!!! (low wages, low budgets, over-sized classes, mandated standardized tests, over-inflated administrations, know-it-all parents, obtrusive legislatures, etc)
Anon | 2:36 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
I pledge allegiance to Liberty and Justice for all.
Anonymous | 3:15 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Sure.
Mandate the pledge of allegiance.
Then move right along and teach the kiddies how to goose-step.
Frank Zanone | 3:17 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
It would be wonderful to post a copy of the Declaration of Independence in every classroom -- unlike our state legislators, students might actually read it.
Anonymous | 3:29 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
And why were at it, why not change the anthem's
"rocket's red glare, bombs bursting in air"
(has a nice, pleasant ring to it, doesn't it?)
to a much shorter:
Jingo Bells
Jingo Bells
Jingo all the way
A Great American | 3:44 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
I proudly display American flags on my car, home, and body. We still haven't caught bin Laden. Am I supposed to keep [the flags] up until we get him? But what if we never do?

I'm still fine with having them up, but I'm really not the type of person who would have flags all over the place if there wasn't a war.


I don't want to be the first to take one down and look like a fool. When I put the flags up, I was saying, 'I support America.' If I take them down, some people will probably think I'm saying, 'I no longer support America.'

Yikes! What should I do?
I know what you mean | 4:22 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
During a shopping excursion to Wal-Mart, I purchased one flag to hang outside my front door, another for my car-radio antenna, and a flag pin for my coat. A full-page insert from The Deseret News provided another flag, which I placed in my garage-door window. A fifth flag, in my office, was a gift from a coworker. After donating $20 to the Boy Scouts, I received another flag, bringing the total to six. The one on my car antenna is looking pretty beat up. I think it might be illegal to display a desecrated flag like that.

The one by my front door should cover my bases at home, so I could take down the one from the window in the garage. Then again, the garage one is pretty prominent: The neighbors would definitely notice if that one were gone.

After the Taliban fell I figured somebody would take something down, so I took a stroll up and down the block to see. Not a single one was removed. Even the Dutlers, the world's biggest liberals, still had their three up. It's like the whole neighborhood is playing this giant game of flag chicken and I don't want to lose!

Before we all get too excited... | 4:27 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Most classrooms have flags in them. I teach high school and we have the flag posted. Most of my colleagues do the same. We say the Pledge once a week following state law. My children at elementary are very patriotic and they say the Pledge of Allegiance every single day, again as mandated by the state.

Most schools respect the flag and say the pledge. Our ROTC unit raises and takes down the flag every single day and retires flags in a respectful manner...

Just some thoughts of what is typically being done in most Utah public schools...
Further... | 4:31 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
We also have two Freedom Shrines where fascimiles of the following documents are found:

Declaration of Independnece
The Constitution
Gettysburg Address
Lincoln's Inaugural Addresses
Francis Scott's Keys Star Spangled Banner

and many, many more historical documents.

The point of these posts is that these documents are posted in about every school, probably in multiple places. Now my question is this: WHAT ARE PARENTS DOING TO FOSTER PATRIOTISM IN THEIR OWN CHILDREN?
starts at home | 5:11 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
To answer "Further...'s" question: What am I as a parent doing to foster patriotism in my children?
I would say to discuss what happened in Nazi Germany when excessive patriotism and nationalism took hold of their country with them.
I explain scapegoating as a unifying cause and last but not least, the supremacy of the military even when there are widespread domestic problems, how the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
It seem that these sorts of things are verboten in school today and I am wondering why that is?
James Bernard | 5:12 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
If you could find the meaning or a copy of the United States Constitution than that student has fail his or her American History class in school. Most of the students that are attending school. would have or is required to at lest take a class in American History. In study of Amercian Histry you would find a great deal of information concerning the how the United States constitution was started. To many student in the United States just don't study hard enough in understanding American History. This is the what or could be the problem.
Moronic | 5:28 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
I agree with Richard G and others who are wondering "don't our legislators have something better to do."

If this is an attempt to increase support for the current war then it is twice as idiotic. (1) It's a misguided war based on false pretenses, (2) Narrow minded individuals need to realize that those who oppose the war are being patriotic. Speaking up for your beliefs and working towards that end are the values we admire in the founding fathers. Democracy is not when all individuals fall in line behind a ruler and obey without question. A democracy involves free speach, an open exchange of ideas, and when necessary, objection to misguided political leaders.

I hope this legislation fails quickly. Although I would agree that understanding the documents on which our government is based is a good idea. For that, we ought to encourage our Civics teachers, and fellow educators, and ourselves as parents and individuals.
Anonymous | 5:46 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Although nobody like it, there has always been the comparison between how Utah runs its government and fascism.
I have never seen it quite so transparent as it is today, however.
Do teachers in Utah instruct our children as to exactly what led up to The 3rd Reich's power grab?
Or do they fast-fwd to the U.S. military coming in and being the heroes?
MTM | 6:33 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Shame that patriotism shows only when it's convenient. I've been in high schools all across this country. There are far fewer problems in Utah schools then elsewhere. If you want to start instilling patriotism in youth, ensure their teachers are patriots and not part of some union!
michael bradley | 7:15 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
i'm confused.. the article begins by specifically mentioning the declaration of independence.. after that, every specific reference is to the constitution. which is it?
Too many thoughts... | 7:24 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Wren, I love you idea and think it would be great for me to do with my family. Thanks...

Ernest T...I think thou doth protest too much. I'm not sure you have contributed to one post with your snide and sarcastic comments. Please go back to the hills of Mayberry...

For the 14 points of fascism fanatic..please go start your own blog and write as much as you want about them...here, you sound like the little boy who cried wolf...

Patriotism can't be forced on anyone; but the history of this country does need to be taught and not the watered down version put forth by the liberals. It is time for another Tea Party to get rid of the corruption that is eating away at this country within. The isn't a left v right it's right v wrong!

It's time to take back our government from the special interests and return it to the people. State's need to tell the Feds to get out of our business and not give up the money that creates this mess.

It takes guts and action. Is anyone up for it or are you comfortable just posting?
DUH | 7:44 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
These legislators can spend over $129,000 dollars for a one day junket touring Salt Lake County and the legislator from Ogden proposing this is absolutely clueless what is happening in the classroom.

How about they start interacting with their constituents and find out what is actually happening outside the capital. Talk about a no-brainer legislation, this is one of them.

Some people are even trying to make a big issue out of how much it would cost to get a flag in each classroom. Perhaps $5 for a small 2 X 3 flag with a stick and a wall holder, that is if a class doesn't already have one. A school budget should be able to handle that easily.

Legislators start thinking in the 21st century and get your heads out of the sand and leave the 19th century.

I thought I left looney legislators when I left CA but apparently they followed me to Utah.
Hatano | 7:50 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
Will children who show up at school with flag on their clothing (a violation of uniform flag code) be sent home? Will their parents who fly flags from their car antennas also be punished for their act of flag desecration? Why is it that the most enthusiastic of so-called "patriots" are the worst offenders when it comes to sticking the flag where it is not supposed to be. Flags do not belong glued to doors or windshields. That is not where you put something you believe in sacred.
AZ teacher | 9:15 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
The Arizona Legislature passed a similar bill last year. Every classroom in every public institution is now required to have a flag and a copy of the Constitution�all produced in the USA, of course. It has been a trial for the colleges, K-12 had flags, and we all have copies of the Constitution printed with some benevolent business�s advertisement on the bottom. In my school we say the pledge every morning. None of this makes my students more patriotic. Like everyone says, if kids are going to love their country, it is going to start and develop at home. Nanny-states don�t make people love them by forcing posters and flags in the room.
The new patriotism | 11:33 p.m. Dec. 26, 2007
MTM, Walmart hates unions and you are trying to tell me that those who are against unions are patriotic? I guess Walmart's outsourcing of labor to the Chinese, our ideological enemies, is patriotic. Unfortunately, for many people, making money at any cost is a patriotic thing to do in America. Most unions are trying to help their workers make a decent wage especially when many companies can afford to pay them, but won't so their shareholders and investors can make all the profit. Perhaps some unions drive some companies to put jobs overseas, but what is the excuse for non-unionized companies to outsource jobs elsewhere? The real traitors to our country are greedy corporations, not the unions. Thank the unions for safer working conditions, 40 hour work weeks, and decent wages in our country. Unions have been on the decline for a long time and what have we to show for it? More outsourcing, unsafe toys and health products from China, stagnant wages, and 40 million uninsured Americans. The only people that are feeling much patriotism these days are those who get dividend checks in the mail at the expense of the American worker.
Freedom Guy | 12:58 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007
Let's clarify the definition of "patriotism" for sake of argument here. Patriotism is nothing more, nothing less, than love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it. Patrotism is not, as some have carelessly thrown the word about, "nationalism disguised in a flag!

let's get another thing straight---the "great American freedom experiment" was not founded on the concepts of Karl Marx or Adolph Hitler!

Do not forget these words in the Declaration of Independence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

If "we the people" lose sight of the origins of our country and the sacred principles of freedom, we will once again find ourselves under totalitariun rule.

These concepts of freedom are the things, my friends, that are worth sacrificing for! Displaying the American flag represents reverence for freedom and honors the sacrifices of those who died for it.

Again, patriotism is love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it---displaying the American flag represents these concepts.

Get it?





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Third-graders at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Salt Lake follow through on a state law requiring them to say the Pledge of Allegiance each day.

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