Sit, stand or kneel: Everyone has these rights (Editorial)
More stories from Reese Daugherty
The American flag is a symbol of our great nation but should you have the right not to stand for it?
Sitting, standing, or kneeling during a ceremonial tribute to our nation’s flag is one way to peacefully protest. However, recently, this has sparked controversy among most Americans but why do we question other’s rights to do this?
According to Flag Salute and the Pledge of Allegiance, “It is the responsibility of every citizen to show proper respect for his country and its flag.”
However, this statement doesn’t put the issue into clear terms. Are citizens obligated to stand to show respect? Is this an issue of morality or is it disobedience to the law?
An article by CBS on the actions of NFL players reported the opinions of several individuals including Alabama’s Republican nominee for U.S. senate, Roy Moore. He said that this is a legal issue and kneeling during the pledge of allegiance is breaking the law.
However, according to Catherine Ross, a law professor at George Washington University, “When laws are binding they use the word ‘shall.’ Shall is non-negotiable, and not discretionary, ‘Should’ is a recommendation. That is, in the context of patriotic ceremonies, it’s what a civilian should do if they want to follow best practices.” This shows that the law is open for interpretation.
In simple terms, no one is legally obligated to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem. This is a form of peaceful protest to express one’s opinions on the current state of America. Utilizing a peaceful form of protest can be an effective way to share one’s feelings/opinions without violence or offense. I believe that sharing these opinions can better our nation and these rights should not be moderated.
Whether we sit, stand, or kneel, the fact remains that America was built on freedom, where opinions are welcome and help move our country forward. We must continue to allow freedom of expression and not restrict actions.
Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2017-2018 Periscope staff, CHS Administration, or the CHS student body.
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Reese Daugherty is currently a freshman at Carlisle High School and this is her first time on Periscope staff. Reese enjoys playing the guitar and ukulele...
Kenzy is currently a freshman at Carlisle High School. This is her first year on Periscope and she is a photo editor and photographer. While not getting...
Selma • Oct 30, 2017 at 10:27 am
I think this is a wonderful article and has amazing content!
Mr. Gavazzi • Oct 27, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Reese, good job taking on an issue which is very emotional and divisive, and implores that we further sustain constructive dialogue.
Frank Frazier • Oct 27, 2017 at 2:13 pm
10/10 would read again.
Carmen Hershey • Oct 27, 2017 at 8:34 am
Very insightful, Reese! Keep up the great (and important) work!
Grace • Oct 27, 2017 at 7:56 am
Awesome article Reese! Tastefully written and definitely addresses a controversial topic very well! In my opinion, I don’t think that kneeling for the anthem is disrespectful to our country, rather the servicemembers who fight to keep us safe. As a military kid, it’s often hard to side with those who show little respect for the people who keep us safe. Although, I understand the thinking behind it, as it is a form of peaceful protest, which is often hard to come by today. I’m not saying they shouldn’t do it, because it is their right to protest peacefully, but I personally am not a fan of the methods being used.
Josetta Checkett • Oct 26, 2017 at 9:50 pm
Excellent article! It’s important to remember, it’s not necessarily about disrespecting the United States, it’s a form of protest- sort of the same way Rosa Parks wan’t protesting the bus, she was protesting what the bus stood for: injustice. Keep it up, Reese!
Nic Adams • Oct 26, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Kneeling or sitting during the pledge won’t help anything. They just sit quietly and don’t actually say they want to change something/what they want to change. It is the people’s right to do as they please during the Anthem/Pledge, but I and many others find it very disrespectful to America, the people who fought to make it free, and the people currently fighting to keep it free. It is a right, which cannot be taken away, but it is still disrespectful.
Donavan Glasser • Oct 26, 2017 at 5:25 pm
“without violence or offense.” That’s is quoted directly from this article. No, there is no violence, but there is offense taken by first responders, soldiers and veterans along with the family of soldiers and veterans. People are over seas, and on the streets willing to die to keep us safe, willing to give it all up for a stranger and willing to and have give up their lives to defend our country and flag. If you want to kneel or sit during the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem, then you are blatantly disrespecting those who serve for this country. This kneeling thing brings great offense to me because I have family and friends who served this country as soldiers and police, this is NOT the thanks they deserve.
Donavan Glasser • Oct 26, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Also, let the record show I have no hard feelings to my friend who wrote this story or to chs staff and Periscope staff.
Mrs. Diesing • Oct 26, 2017 at 5:21 pm
Interesting… thank you!
Melisa • Oct 26, 2017 at 3:52 pm
Loved it Reese!!
Jax • Oct 26, 2017 at 3:35 pm
Really cool to see Periscope analyzing the legalities behind issues that are really close to home.
Duncan • Oct 26, 2017 at 3:23 pm
Thanks for a to-the-point article, I hope more people read this important message.
Olivia • Oct 26, 2017 at 3:18 pm
What an amazing article! Way to go Reese!
Isabelle • Oct 26, 2017 at 3:17 pm
Not meaning to be disrespectful (like the people who sit/kneel during the anthem) but it is rude and completely disrespectful to the families that have served to kneel or sit during the anthem unless you are physically unable to stand.
Adelisa • Oct 26, 2017 at 1:02 pm
Loved this!
Jamie Hafner • Oct 26, 2017 at 12:59 pm
I appreciate that Periscope is addressing important topics that define our nation right now. Thank you for continuing to inform the students of CHS about what is happening in our country. Keep it up!