I've never sworn to anything. It is against my Quaker beliefs, which are, by the way, older than the United States itself.
Now it seems that some hard nosed know nothings at a California State College, who apparently don't know we have Soldiers, under arms and in two wars, who are fighting for just the freedoms that they have trashed.
Read about it HERE if you care to.
I think this is outrageous! We Quakers have a right to not pledge to fight! It's our religious right! Wake up, Eunice Chan! Why do we have armies defending Democracy??? Have you checked lately? Read the constitution!
This "loyalty oath" has been a problem for a long, long time. It was created during the Cold War, and directed toward Communist agents. Like an agent wouldn't lie under oath. It's only honest people who have a problem with signing it. Not to mention that I'm pretty sure that a 50-year-old math teacher isn't eligible for military service anyway. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be appealed and corrected. Is there a legal defense fund? The ACLU would take this on, I think.
Yes, Pogo, it's to be challenged, I just read about that, and the AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) is going to rattle some cages on this, too. I'm sure that the ACLU needs to be involved. When my daughter was fired from a job, with the owner telling her that she probably could sue them for the reasons, hers was not a large enough issue for them to touch. This one is.
ReplyDeleteIt's about time that this ridiculous relic of a McCarthy era law was off the books in California, which is one of the most progressive states in the country.
This shit makes me crazy. My dad was a court reporter, and always had the Quaker version of taking an oath is his wallet. He probably thought it was foolish, but I learned that you have to respect this stuff. I've always considered demanding the Quaker oath, just because it made more sense. But I'm usually a chicken.
ReplyDeletek
Sallyjo, thanks for sharing your memory of your dad, and his dedication to all of our freedoms.
ReplyDeleteIt makes one feel odd sometimes to take the "affirm" oath, though you know you are standing up for freedom of religion, and I, as a Quaker, had a terrific sense of love for a country that upholds that freedom.
And, you appreciate your country even more when you know you have the right to refuse to put any power between you and your God.
I was several years in the Rockhounds, lots of times an officer, and it made me feel secure to know that because of the freedom of religion, I didn't have to salute the flag. They all supported me the whole way through, not because they thought I was right, but because they thought freedom of religion was right. I say, God Bless em!