One Minnesota legislative body has decided the Pledge of Allegiance is un-American, even as Independence Day arrives.
With no warning to residents, the St. Louis Park City Council abruptly decided the Pledge of Allegiance was an unwelcoming, intimidating, non-diverse weapon used against people and will drop its use. The Star Tribune reported on the council’s vote and its reasoning.
The council took the action on June 17, according to the council’s agenda.
In response, the Minnesota Senate Republicans tweeted, “SHOCKING: Democrats on the St. Louis Park, MN City Council voted unanimously to eliminate the pledge of allegiance at their meetings.”
SHOCKING: Democrats on the St. Louis Park, MN City Council voted unanimously to eliminate the pledge of allegiance at their meetings. 🧐 pic.twitter.com/quurAmBm3I
— Minnesota Senate Republicans (@mnsrc) June 26, 2019
The Star Tribune quoted one resident who was surprised by the council’s 5-0 vote.
St. Louis Park resident Dennis Moran said he and his neighbors were surprised by the council’s decision, which came at the end of the June 17 meeting with little said. “There was no real reason given why they did it,” Moran said.
Council Member Tim Brausen told The Star Tribune that the council wants to welcome the growing diversity in the community and the Pledge intimidates some. He said that “some of us feel like patriotism has been so politicized that it’s almost used as a weapon against people, and we worry about that.”
The Pledge may still be recited in special circumstances, WCCO said. One example given was if the Boy Scouts were to recite it.
Video of the council meeting is available here:
The change will go into effect July 15.
The council’s thinking echoes a January decision by the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees. Fox News reported on the trustees’ decision. They said the phrase “one nation under God” is “steeped in expressions of nativism and white nationalism.”
Actor Rob Lowe called attention to that decision. The board relented after receiving backlash.
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Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
The Pledge may make some non citizens feel uncomfortable. The remedy: if the Pledge of Allegiance makes you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome; get the F*** out of America. Go back to where you came from. You come to MY country and I have to accommodate you??? Screw you!
Is this really something to be proud of. You people are a disgrace to Minnesota and the United States!!