http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/11/16/am.boy.no.pledge.cnn
CNN published a story about a 10-year old Arkansas boy who refuses to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance until “liberty and justice for all” includes equal rights for gays and lesbians.
Due to the fifth-grader’s desire to become a lawyer, he was analyzing the Pledge one weekend, and decided he did not want to proclaim “liberty and justice for all” until it was true for everyone. Although he explained to his teacher that it is his First Amendment right to not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, he has been ridiculed by his classmates. Fortunately, his passion for this issue has not diminished and he claims that he will remain seated until everyone is able to get married.
This story reminded me of our class discussions about taking action for something that is important to us. Just because we have the right to stand up for something does not mean we do not have to pay a price. While many people claim to care about certain issues, some fail to take action in fear of the consequences they may endure, and this 10-year old set an excellent example for others to follow.