Of Pledges And Pins

The question I have is not why the school suspended the kids for not standing during the Pledge of Allegiance. If they don’t want to stand, fine. Free speech and all that. (Although it is my personal opinion that kids, while in school, should not have the same free speech rights as adults. Unfortunately, the courts have ruled otherwise in this case so what can you do?)

No, the question I have is why the hell did their parents did not raise them to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s sad that they haven’t taught them to voluntarily show respect for the flag of a nation that secures and protects their right to free speech. Then again, when Barry Obama, the likely Democratic nominee and possible next President of these United States won’t even wear a flag pin why should they?

I bet they know there aren’t 57 states though.

“MySpace”**

I had so many reactions when watching this. First, I felt like a parent since I have had conversations like this with my sons. It really struck home when she said, “I’m not, like, young and, like, stupid” and started screaming. Been there, experienced that.

Then I started laughing at the comments of her brother. His “My Space” and “In the butt” snark even makes their mother laugh after a bit. But then the girl starts crying at the thought of her stupidity ending-up on the Internet and I felt bad for her.

But only for a moment because then I thought that being embarrassed in front of her friends and strangers alike may just teach her a lesson. Or not.

Hat-tip to Blowing Smoke.

** Changed the title.