Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

B.See

(4,288 posts)
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 06:26 AM Feb 2024

Rep. Jones declines to lead House in pledge; GOP leader calls for resignation

Rep. Jones declines to lead House in pledge; Top GOP leader calls for resignation

“The reason why I did not join my colleagues in the pledge is that I can not say the words ‘liberty and justice for all’ with colleagues who have done everything in their power to roll back liberty and justice for women, for minorities, for LGBTQ+ people.”

“I hope that we can get to a day that we can live up to the words of the pledge – liberty and justice for all," he said.
48 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Rep. Jones declines to lead House in pledge; GOP leader calls for resignation (Original Post) B.See Feb 2024 OP
We need more people to stand and say no Voltaire2 Feb 2024 #1
And tell 'em why B.See Feb 2024 #2
i havnt said it for years for various reasons . this one included. AllaN01Bear Feb 2024 #31
I haven't either! Grins Feb 2024 #37
I'm old enough to remember when the "under god" was put into the Pledge. PoindexterOglethorpe Feb 2024 #48
I "ain't" mad at him. LoisB Feb 2024 #3
Rep. Justin Jones takes a stand. ProudMNDemocrat Feb 2024 #4
But, ignoring oath of office, as many of them do, is OK Attilatheblond Feb 2024 #18
Rrp. Jones is not violating his oath of office. ProudMNDemocrat Feb 2024 #39
Jones is NOT the one I was referring to Attilatheblond Feb 2024 #43
My apologies. I misunderstood you. ProudMNDemocrat Feb 2024 #44
It happens Attilatheblond Feb 2024 #45
Good for him! wolfie001 Feb 2024 #5
This message was self-deleted by its author bucolic_frolic Feb 2024 #6
Okay PJMcK Feb 2024 #7
I say, "One Nation under Law" when I say the pledge Captain Zero Feb 2024 #9
Ooh, Delphinus Feb 2024 #12
I like that a lot, and I'm not even an atheist! ShazzieB Feb 2024 #35
The phrase "under God" was not part of the pledge until the Red Scare days of the 1950's. Ford_Prefect Feb 2024 #15
Hmm... bdamomma Feb 2024 #20
"In God We Trust" was put on our currency during the same red scare period. bsiebs Feb 2024 #36
Republicans once again proving their hypocrisy. All talk an no walk. KPN Feb 2024 #8
The 'Pledge of Allegiance' sop Feb 2024 #10
GQP want Rep. Jones to resign.............................. Lovie777 Feb 2024 #11
Indeed Delphinus Feb 2024 #13
F these hypocrites...oath to protect from enemies domestic JT45242 Feb 2024 #14
Have not been able to do the 'liberty & justice for all' since Nixon was pardoned Attilatheblond Feb 2024 #16
Have refused to say pledge gibraltar72 Feb 2024 #17
A little more than 50 for me MurrayDelph Feb 2024 #29
jones is a necessary needle et tu Feb 2024 #19
Rep Jones bdamomma Feb 2024 #21
totally agree et tu Feb 2024 #23
Both Justins, Jones and Pearson. sheshe2 Feb 2024 #46
The party of death threats, how many for not giving the pledge? Brainfodder Feb 2024 #22
We only said it in my classroom when some kid requested it. Good on Rep. Jones. Magoo48 Feb 2024 #24
GOPers treat their supposed "patriotism" the way they do their alleged "Christianity." GoCubsGo Feb 2024 #25
Please specify that this is a Tennessee issue and not a US Congress issue. LonePirate Feb 2024 #26
Thanks for this important clarification! Duppers Feb 2024 #27
In this specific case a regional issue,... magicarpet Feb 2024 #28
Thank you. The linked article is rather clear, I think B.See Feb 2024 #34
What kind of country demands constant displays of adoration and loyalty? SidneyR Feb 2024 #30
tell the goper leader to take a hike. AllaN01Bear Feb 2024 #32
It would be nice if we lived up to that pledge. republianmushroom Feb 2024 #33
Would they be calling for resignation if BlueKota Feb 2024 #38
I sure wish he was representing my district Generic Brad Feb 2024 #40
good for him!! Evolve Dammit Feb 2024 #41
HELL YES Skittles Feb 2024 #42
Enough Said nwliberalkiwi Feb 2024 #47

B.See

(4,288 posts)
2. And tell 'em why
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 06:34 AM
Feb 2024

Bigots want to be made to feel comfortable in the systemic cloak of structural disparities. They shouldn't be afforded that. Kaepernick made 'em squirm. And rightfully SO.

Grins

(8,018 posts)
37. I haven't either!
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 06:03 PM
Feb 2024

At first I balked at saying “under god,” then gave up on America’s “loyalty oath.”

I can’t remember ever saying it after high school. Even when I was in the Army!

PoindexterOglethorpe

(27,087 posts)
48. I'm old enough to remember when the "under god" was put into the Pledge.
Sat Feb 3, 2024, 01:49 AM
Feb 2024

I was in Catholic school at the time, and I recall the nuns being very disturbed by this addition.

It's one of the reasons I will no longer say the Pledge of Allegiance.

ProudMNDemocrat

(19,351 posts)
4. Rep. Justin Jones takes a stand.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 06:47 AM
Feb 2024

And Tennessee Republicans have their undies in a bunch over it? How HYPOCRITICAL of them.

Perhaps they are still miffed at Colin Kaepernick for his stand regarding the National Anthem and the treatment of African-Americans by Police Forces around the country.

Attilatheblond

(5,038 posts)
18. But, ignoring oath of office, as many of them do, is OK
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:48 AM
Feb 2024

Orwell's 1984 was not supposed to be an instruction manual. Ditto Idiocracy.

ProudMNDemocrat

(19,351 posts)
39. Rrp. Jones is not violating his oath of office.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 07:37 PM
Feb 2024

He declined to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

There is a difference here.

Attilatheblond

(5,038 posts)
43. Jones is NOT the one I was referring to
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:40 PM
Feb 2024

Those GQP clowns who whine but won't do their jobs re actually passing legislation and solving problems are the ones I was talking about.

Response to B.See (Original post)

PJMcK

(23,271 posts)
7. Okay
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 07:47 AM
Feb 2024

Let’s ask the GOP about this line:

One nation, under God, indivisible…

I don’t believe in any gods. I believe in the Constitution.

More importantly, if the nation cannot be divided then Texas cannot secede.

Frankly, I think oaths like this are stupid because they are violated without a thought.

Captain Zero

(7,656 posts)
9. I say, "One Nation under Law" when I say the pledge
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:10 AM
Feb 2024

We are a nation of law not men, not any particular god. It's the truth.

ShazzieB

(19,274 posts)
35. I like that a lot, and I'm not even an atheist!
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 04:46 PM
Feb 2024

You don't have to be an atheist to be able to see that phrase as 1) divisive, and 2) inconsistent with one of the founding principles of this country (the separation of church and state). I think I'll say the pledge that way from now on.

That "under God" business was a late add on, anyway:

On June 14, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to insert the phrase “under God” into the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance that children recited every morning in school. Previously, the pledge—originally written in 1892—had contained no reference to religion.

The push to add “under God” to the pledge gained momentum during the second Red Scare, a period when U.S. politicians were keen to assert the moral superiority of U.S. capitalism over Soviet communism, which many conservatives regarded as “godless.”

And everything else aside, the way the pledge has become a quasi-sacred shibboleth in this country is ludicrous, especially when you know the whole story behind its creation and adoption: https://www.history.com/news/pledge-allegiance-under-god-schools

Ford_Prefect

(8,262 posts)
15. The phrase "under God" was not part of the pledge until the Red Scare days of the 1950's.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:32 AM
Feb 2024
The saying “one nation under God” is a part of the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America. An early version of the pledge was composed in 1885 by Captain George Thatcher Balch. Balch was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War who wanted to find ways to teach patriotism to young children in the public schools. A few years later, in 1892, Francis Bellamy, a Baptist pastor from New York, significantly revised and expanded Balch’s original pledge in an effort to promote the 1893 World Fair. This version of the pledge went largely unaltered for decades when Congress officially adopted it in 1942 at the start of World War II.

However, the saying “one nation under God” was not a part of Bellamy’s pledge (the original draft simply stated, “One nation, indivisible”). In fact, Bellamy staunchly believed in the separation of Church and State and intentionally did not include any references to God in the pledge. It wasn’t until 1954 under the direction of President Eisenhower that the words “under God” were added to the pledge. This was mostly due to the growing fear of communism throughout the United States during the Cold War.

The inclusion of the phrase under God was meant to reaffirm America’s heritage as a predominately Judeo-Christian nation in the face of looming global threats (especially ones that were derived from atheistic, materialist worldviews such as communism). Having just come out of World War II, and with the Cold War in full swing, President Eisenhower sought to unify the nation and proclaim trust in God against destructive, godless forces.


https://www.gotquestions.org/one-nation-under-God.html

KPN

(16,324 posts)
8. Republicans once again proving their hypocrisy. All talk an no walk.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 07:55 AM
Feb 2024

They are the party of no principles.

sop

(12,346 posts)
10. The 'Pledge of Allegiance'
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:12 AM
Feb 2024

was written in 1885 by a Union Army officer in the Civil War, so former Confederate states might want to rethink using the pledge, especially after they secede again. The Pledge was changed in 1892 and recited in public schools to teach patriotism to immigrant children. It was adopted by Congress in 1942, the name 'The Pledge of Allegiance' was officially adopted in 1945. It's wording was changed again in 1954 when "under God" was added, because of all those Godless communists. Today it seems "Liberty and justice for all" is still an aspirational ideal.

Lovie777

(16,300 posts)
11. GQP want Rep. Jones to resign..............................
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:21 AM
Feb 2024

but they are ok with a known rapist for President. GQP know what shithole did on J6, but alas, they still want him to be president. GQP know that shithole committed fraud and took money from our adversaries, but that's ok. GQP know that shithole took classified documents and probably sold them to our enemies for profit. But that's ok too. GQP know shithole tried to steal the elections, but that is also fine with them too.

GQP house congress-critters misinformed of what Rep. Omar actually said, or did they? Anywho, they want to depot her, an American citizen.

GQP in general are truly fucked up.

Delphinus

(12,176 posts)
13. Indeed
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:25 AM
Feb 2024

(in response to your last statement)

It would be GREAT if the M$M would hammer the hypocrisy home.

JT45242

(3,088 posts)
14. F these hypocrites...oath to protect from enemies domestic
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:27 AM
Feb 2024

These domestic terrorists and insurrectionists in maga world pledge allegiance to a flag while every day violating their oath to protect the US from enemies foreign and domestic.

Putin puppets are enemies both foreign and domestic.
F them.

Attilatheblond

(5,038 posts)
16. Have not been able to do the 'liberty & justice for all' since Nixon was pardoned
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:45 AM
Feb 2024

I was pretty young during the 60s civil rights movement, but after Nixon, I realized I should have just set quietly with some classmates of a particular religious sect during the pledge. Then again, I really didn't want to be identified with them, as they never got invited to birthday parties.

gibraltar72

(7,629 posts)
17. Have refused to say pledge
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:45 AM
Feb 2024

for about 50 years. Same reasons, justice for all is witnessing a lie. Hoped we were making progress towards that goal. I was wrong.

MurrayDelph

(5,478 posts)
29. A little more than 50 for me
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 11:43 AM
Feb 2024

as i graduated from high school in 1971, and had already given it up a couple of years earlier.
During the two years I taught elementary school (in Watts), we had better uses for our time.
Since then, if I'm in a situation where they are going to recite the Pledge, I will politely stand, but not join in either in word or motion.

et tu

(1,920 posts)
19. jones is a necessary needle
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 08:56 AM
Feb 2024

to keep reminding us about 'injustices' and
to forge change that is still desperately needed
for equality in this country. the beat goes on~

sheshe2

(89,282 posts)
46. Both Justins, Jones and Pearson.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 10:48 PM
Feb 2024

They have already been expelled once. They won their seats back and the racist white men are trying it again.

I believe they are both going places and would love to see both as either Rep, Senator or Governor of Tennessee.

Brainfodder

(7,181 posts)
22. The party of death threats, how many for not giving the pledge?
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 09:20 AM
Feb 2024

My version of how many marbles in this jar?

GoCubsGo

(33,406 posts)
25. GOPers treat their supposed "patriotism" the way they do their alleged "Christianity."
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 09:36 AM
Feb 2024

It's all show. Make sure everyone sees you making your pledge, or professing your faith, but that's where it all ends. All hat. No cattle.

LonePirate

(13,996 posts)
26. Please specify that this is a Tennessee issue and not a US Congress issue.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 10:05 AM
Feb 2024

There is no way of knowing that simply by reading the headline or the text in the OP.

magicarpet

(17,519 posts)
28. In this specific case a regional issue,...
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 11:21 AM
Feb 2024

..... attempting to bring national awareness and exposure.

Hard to find fault with that.



B.See

(4,288 posts)
34. Thank you. The linked article is rather clear, I think
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 03:21 PM
Feb 2024

as to the specifics of the story as well as the history behind Jones' tumultuous relationship with his gop adversaries.

And given the MAGA proclivity nationally, to deny racism and racial disparity in America, it is, imo, yet another story that relates to the whole.

SidneyR

(134 posts)
30. What kind of country demands constant displays of adoration and loyalty?
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 12:21 PM
Feb 2024

It's sick. Why should anyone be forced to recite a loyalty pledge?

BlueKota

(3,808 posts)
38. Would they be calling for resignation if
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 07:32 PM
Feb 2024

someone said they refused to say the pledge because they believe it is wrong to pledge allegiance to anyone or anything but God? If not they should shut their hypocritical traps.

Generic Brad

(14,374 posts)
40. I sure wish he was representing my district
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 07:41 PM
Feb 2024

He is a natural born leader and exemplifies true morality. I'm so sick of the KKKhristians dominating our TN state house who prove daily they are small minded, petty, bigoted jerks.

nwliberalkiwi

(382 posts)
47. Enough Said
Sat Feb 3, 2024, 01:11 AM
Feb 2024

I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America.

That's all that is needed!!!

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Rep. Jones declines to le...