Death Threats for (Republican) Councilman Who Won’t Stand for the Pledge

[deadparrot]

Tom Rawles won’t stand for Bush’s Iraq policy--or for the Pledge of Allegiance, either.

He’s no leftwing protester. He’s a registered Republican and a libertarian who voted for Bush in 2000. A lawyer, he also is a member of the city council of Mesa, Arizona, and formerly a Maricopa County board member.

While he’s not worried about his own safety, Tom Rawles of the Mesa City Council is worried “about the future of freedom in this country.”

Most of his colleagues on the city council did not take kindly to his decision not to stand for the Pledge or to recite it at the January 22 meeting.

He vowed then to continue his protest until the troops come home.

http://www.progressive.org/mag_mc021207

[youngdem]

1. This must be the liberty and justice part

I really hate nationalism.

Pride is indeed a deadly sin.

[Selatius]

2. The 1st Amendment protects unpopular views and opinions as well as popular ones.

If it weren't for that, this man would likely suffer more consequences than he already has.

[jobycom]

3. I hate when Republicans do things I respect.

It scares me. :scared:

I don't know the rest of your politics, Councilman rawles, but this liberal is behind you on this issue.

[tanyev]

4. Why do some people think that all differences of opinion have to be solved

by obliterating anyone who disagrees with you?

Kudos to the councilman. I've never understood why a (supposedly) democratic society so mindlessly accepts the recitation of a loyalty oath, anyway.