Dear Cr-Abby from Silent Supporter

August 26, 2008
DEAR (CR) ABBY: Would you please tell your readers that not reciting or participating in the Pledge of Allegiance does NOT mean that someone is a “bad American”?
For religious reasons, I cannot say the Pledge. I sit quietly while it's recited, but unfortunately, others can't keep quiet about my silence. They make a scene and begin interrogating me – especially at sporting events. Others have better manners but still insist that I stand in “respect” – but standing IS participating.
Cr-Abby, I have been punched, kicked, cursed at and spat upon, often in front of my children. People scream about their war records or their soldier relatives. Well, I have kin “over there,” too. Please do not assume that nonparticipants are bad people. They might even be Canadian!
– Silent Supporter, Benson, N.C.

Dear SS (I crack myself up sometimes),

Your request of me is nothing more than "spitting in the wind"...even if I wax poetically about your right not to observe this rite of Patriotism the impact will be nill. Unfortunately,, I have no power to protect you from stupid people doing stupid things.

That said, Cr-Abby wants to take you to the theological wood shed for a moment. The bible says "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and render unto God that which is God". Where is it written or inferred in your book of choice that standing during a song is idiotry or an afront to your GOD? Is this your conviction or the inane prodding of a minister who has made a "man's choice" about how you should act?

Having spent some time with JW's I totally get the "don't worship a golden calf/IDOL thing". However, if you think that this country's religious freedom tenets will eliminate you appearing "odd man/woman out" in venues where standing during the National Anthem or Pledge is the norm you are in for a lifetime of disappointment.

Why not come to the ball game in the middle of the first inning...you still get to see the home team bat :)

BTW; I'm curious...when they sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the 7th inning stretch are you also precluded from standing, stretching or singing? If you are allowed to do that because it's whimsical and not saluting a false diety, why not think of the flag as just a fun little piece of cloth and the pledge is just a little fun ditty handed down form generation to generation.

You have the right to not participate in those activities and you should be able to do so without violence or abuse, but other folks have the right to look at you and think what they will about your choice.

If you are MAKING A STAND NOT TO STAND you need to grow the internal stones to handle/absorb the verbal snipes your choice(s) are likely to inspire in others.

OTHERS SHOULD NOT ABUSE YOU FOR YOUR CHOICE!!!

There I said it...Now what?

John the Baptists had his head chopped off by the Roman's and you dont hear him moaning.

If you want to be God's soldier, there are costs associated with the duty...nut it up and quit whining!

CR-Abby