March 30, 2004
Honor the Texas Flag (or not)
By Jim Dallas
As you may know, the last legislature passed a law mandating public school students say a pledge of allegiance to the Texas flag every morning.
Back at Ball High, where I've been subbing a lot, all the requisite posters and flags are up (although most teachers seem to be putting up tiny 4 inch-by-6 inch flags, since there's not enough money to get really good state flags). But there doesn't seem much enthusiasm for the pledge.
This morning, for example, I was able to encourage about half of my class to say the Pledge of Allegiance for the US flag, but just about everyone just plain ignored the Pledge to the Texas Flag.
On one level, I'd bemoan the lack of civic pride. But I'm also inclined to get snarky about having a state flag pledge. Maybe the appropriate response really is "who cares?"
Posted by Jim Dallas at March 30, 2004 01:12 PM
| TrackBack
I really can't recall saying even the US pledge in high school except at special events.
For those of us who are not students at Texas public schools, could you post the TX pledge?
Just curious.
I am also a teacher. A coupla comments:
First - Jason, you probably didn't say the Pledge in High School. It used to be recited primarily in Elementary School, but this changed after 9-11.
Second - The Texas Pledge isn't all the students ignore, at least not where I teach. The Latest Lege's Law also requires a Moment of Silence. It's pretty clear to everyone that the Texas Legislature wants students to use their moment of silence to pray to the Christian god. Students totally ignore the moment of silence, which is ironic because my students, parroting their Bible Belt parents have always complained loudly about not being "allowed" to pray in school, and of course recently have wailed and gnashed their teeth over the "Under God" issue. But, when they actually have mandated time to pray, they prefer to chitchat, or stare blankly at the ceiling, or make goo-goo eyes at each other. Young hypocrites will grow up to be old hypocrites.
SPACEDARK
I don't know if you are still checking this thread, but the pledge is:
"Honor the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to thee- Texas, one and indivisible."
THE NEW REPUBLICAN PLEDGE:
I pledge allegiance to (and wrap myself in)the flag of the (dis)United States of America and to the Republic(ans) for which it stands, (two) Nations, under (Jesus), ()divisible and with (curtailed) justice and liberty for all (except liberals, single women with kids, tree huggers, jews, atheists, women who want abortions, "dark" people, and YOU if you do not watch your step!).
We are french here in Texas, and I am particulary proud of my sons who can sing the Star Spangled Banner and say The Texas Pledge which is still a requirement in the schools in BMT
Hey y'all be proud of your country...
God Bless America
Miguel
