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Dem Politician Refuses to Lead Pledge of Allegiance at Meeting: ‘I Don’t Pray in Public’

Oct. 5, 2012 9:25am Billy Hallowell

Politicians and candidates are all-too-often derided for making accidental — and silly — public pronunciations and gaffes. But it’s not a frequent occurrence for a leader to make headlines for what he or she refrains from saying. However, this is the case surrounding Pennsylvania State Representative Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia), whose stance on the Pledge of Allegiance is creating controversy.

As WHTM-TV reports, Josephs refused to lead fellow politicians in the Pledge on Wednesday. Her reasoning? We’ll let her tell you in her own words: ”Based on my First Amendment rights and based on the fact that I really think it’s a prayer. I don’t pray in public.”

PA Rep. Babette Josephs Refuses to Say Pledge of Allegiance | Under God

Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) and State Representative Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia)

She made the aforementioned statement in front of lawmakers after Republican Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) asked her if she would lead the group in the recitation. The odd moment, which WHTM-TV plainly describes as “awkward,” was quickly remedied when Metcalfe called on another member to recite the Pledge.

After the scenario played out, Josephs attempted to further explain her reasoning for not uttering the so-called prayer. The politician referenced the decision, in 1954, by Congress to add the words “under God” to the national declaration and said that the action — which was taken when she was just 14-years-old — makes the Pledge a prayer.

“How many years ago was 1954? I have not said the Pledge of Allegiance since and I will not say it into the future unless they take those words out and make it less of a prayer,” she said.

In commenting about the situation, Metcalfe later said that it is Josephs’ right to decline saying the pledge. However, he called the inaction “shocking” and wrong.

He also said that he doesn’t believe that most Americans would willingly elect someone who holds Josephs’ views and that he doesn’t believe she should hold office based upon her position on the issue. It seems Metcalfe may get his wish, seeing as Joseph lost her April primary and will, thus, soon be exiting office.

It’s important to note that Metcalfe has received some criticism for asking Josephs to say the Pledge, as he already knew where she stood on the proclamation. Despite admitting that he was aware, he defended the action and said that he has always asked members to say the pledge at meetings.

“The man’s inscrutable to me,” Josephs said of Metcalfe when asked about the incident. “I don’t know what he’s so angry about. I don’t know why he’s so angry at me. I don’t get the whole thing. Ask him!”

Josephs made headlines earlier this year for publicly wondering if women who had co-sponsored a mandatory ultrasound bill in Pennsylvania were simply “men with breasts.”

Watch the awkward moment unfold, below:

abc27 WHTM

(H/T: WHTM-TV)

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Comments (306)

jackact
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:00am
Funny, democrats have a lot to pray about since Wednesday.

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- PubliusPencilman
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:25am
  I’d say not, since the President still has a comfortable lead in the electoral college.
  
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- jeffile
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 11:56am
  The president has a comfortable lead in the electoral college based upon polls, not fact.
  
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USACommoner
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:58am
“How many years ago was 1954? I have not said the Pledge of Allegiance since and I will not say it into the future unless they take those words out and make it less of a prayer,”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She said she doesn’t “pray” in public. Based on what she said above, sounds like she doesn’t do it at all. How in the world do these people make it to office…?? We really need to start doing our homework before elections and stop basing our decisions on their talking points! Will the taxpayers be paying her a pension now for the rest of her miserable life…?

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Hickory
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:57am
Who votes for these pigs? This stupid and ugly woman has no clue. I suspect her district is heavily subsidized freeloaders.

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Gonzo
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:57am
Don’t want to acknowledge God in public lady? Guess what, He is going to return the favor some day…and from the looks of you, it won’t be long.

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- kickagrandma
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:18am
  LOL… I did laugh at the last part of your comment….
  
  Report this comment
- OutOfTheAether
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:27am
  I was thinking the same thing – What goes around, comes around. What does it say that he says to those on the left hand?….
  
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- momrules
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:28am
  They try to make NOT acknowledging God in public sound so noble. These people do not know the dangerous water they are wading in. Love God publicly, in all things, because judgement day will come.
  
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dacorvi
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:56am
Oh no, how shocking! Another liberal illustrates exactly what the democrat party stands for.

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- PubliusPencilman
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:26am
  Yeah, the First Amendment. What a commie!
  
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- mtcountrygrl
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:04pm
  The first amendment…you’re funny. If the pledge said “one nation under Jesus” or “one nation under Allah” you would have an argument. I know athiests who say the pledge and just leave out the under God part. No she clearly has a problem with this country.
  
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Whatdoesntkillyou
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:55am
If you take a look at website you’ll understand how her Un-American closed commy mind works. Typical socialist/communist. I loathe her kind. BTW- DO YOU THINK SHE HAS DENTAL PLAN?
http://babette.org/issues-and-priorities

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Jezreel
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:54am
You are so correct. During the democratic convention I really noticed how ugly and hard and old that the women looked compared to the ones who are conservative or republican are so much more feminine and pretty. What is on the inside does manifest on the outside, especially when you get older, it actually distorts the face.

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- Dorugremon
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 4:27pm
  The price you pay for being stuck on pissed off.
  
  Report this comment
- donald clark
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:05pm
  Your comment eases my mind. That was the impression I had: what a bunch of ugly people! But, I’m not so attractive either, but I don’t go on national television to show it. The Republican women seemed to be a lot better looking. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not why I’m voting for Romney. He wins on all other standards in my opinion.
  
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wingedwolf
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:54am
ROFLMAO! They are so frantic they are running around like their heads are on fire and their butts are catching!

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NYCParent
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:52am
Pay no attention to what that old man is saying.

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right-wing-waco
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:52am
It is a “her”?

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Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:49am
Yet another ****-ugly, clueless, idiot in the deomcrap party. They are busting at the seams with them.

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- destrecht
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:53am
  Just like my father.
  
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screamineagle
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:49am
Nothing New Here, Move Along, She Does Not Know It. Not Sure Which Is Worse, To Recite The Pledge In A Baldfaced Lie Like Most Progressive Politicians, Or Simply Refuse To Say The Pledge. These Leftist Are DEFINENTLY Not A Beliver That We Are “Under God”. After Seeing People Like Her, I Am Beginning To Question My Stand Against ALL Abortions…. Maybe,,, Well,,, You Figure It Out,, If We Could Just,,,, No,, That Is Wrong Too, That Is What THEY Do… Sorry, Move Along Now… :)

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djeffcoat
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:47am
That’s one ugly “woman”!

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- Yeah_Buddy
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:38am
  Thats a women? Must be a dem or its really Dick Morris dressed in drag for Halloweenie.
  
  Blessed with those looks, no wonder she doesn’t believe in a just God.
  
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cookcountypatriot
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:47am
as long as progressives keep electing these un americans..its gonna get worse

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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:45am
One more example of UnAmerican Democratic insanity.

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- PubliusPencilman
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:23am
  Now, explain exactly how that is “unAmerican.”
  
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- mecanic
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:52am
  @publiusdickhead……you really are a troll and we know it. move along little troll.
  
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Gary S
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:44am
More proof that Demo polititions are ugly as homemade sin.

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:42am
Democrats are very homely people in general……………..is that the root of ther anger ?

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- loriann12
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:03am
  It’s the reason for their share the wealth and prosperity beliefs. no one would give them a second look if they didn’t hide their absolute disdain for America behind flowery speech and only bring it out when they leave office.
  
  Report this comment
- taxpro4u03
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 11:02am
  These types of people have a big empty hole right thru the middle of them. BOTH sides of the political spectrum. No amount of lying, cheating, stealing, inflicting physical, mental and emotional distress on people who disagree with them can ever fill it. What they want is REVENGE… for being born. Tolerance for everything they believe, while hating on the very principles and values that allows them to behave that way. At one time lepers were ostracized – there IS no ‘cure’ for “stupid.” It’s time the BUGS stand up to these people in a way which allows them to slink back into the sewers from which they came, with what lil dignity they can muster – Romney did it with poise, tact and RESPECT. I expect Ryan will do the same next week with Biden. Give them the opportunity to ‘escape, cease and desist.’ Failing that — well — Truman was a ‘simple old skool democrat,’ before the party was usurped by JOHNSON. I think the Emperor of Japan got the idea — some of the most docile people on the planet today – respectful, intelligent and productive. Treat them like the spoiled children they are… No COOKIE for YOU! ;-) Time for them to find another sandbox to play in — pick another spot on the map. Nobody’s telling them they can’t behave that way… Just not HERE.
  
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BillyPenn
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:40am
No doubt she also works for NBC. Least we forget, that they removed GOD from the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening of the 2011 US Open Golf Tournament

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paperpushermj
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:38am
Where do people come up with these whacked out ideas?

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thegreatcarnac
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:37am
Notice that the politician is a DEMOCRAT. This is not about ‘praying in public’, she just wants “God” out of the ‘pledge’. Democrats have become the new ‘soviets’ and a godless bunch of trash.

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- starman70
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:47am
  Yep, and the party is led by a president who rather promote Islam than worship the one and only true GOD.
  
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- momrules
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:34am
  Carnac…..They removed God from theit platform and denied Him three times. That speaks volumes to every Christian.
  
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- Dorugremon
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 4:01pm
  “Carnac…..They removed God from theit platform and denied Him three times. That speaks volumes to every Christian”.
  
  I don’t call myself a “believer”, though I have read the Bible (more than once) and the irony of that didn’t escape me. What a PR disaster that was!
  
  That’s another thing libbies don’t get: irony. It zips over their heads with parsecs to spare.
  
  Report this comment
clandaddy
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:35am
She’s welcome to be true to her beliefs. I will defend her right. But, she needs to understand that this will make anathema to *most* Americans. Stick to your guns (whatever they are), but don’t whine that nobody understands me…

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- Bloody Sam
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:40am
  “I don’t pray in public.”
  
  I don’t think she prays at all.
  
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- Cavallo
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:50am
  @Bloody, No, she just prays to the State. God in the pledge places something above her coveted deity. The God called Government also has a commandment to it’s followers. Thou shalt have no God before me. She is following the commandments of her Lord and Master, the State. She worships at the alter of the State and sings the praises of the State’s chosen Messiah, Obama.
  
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- PaxInVeritate
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:24am
  BLOODY SAM… It is an unfortunate reality that the unchurched and the “churched” are under educated in religious matters and in positions of authority. There is a huge difference between a pledge of allegiance to a nation and to uphold its laws and a prayer to a Divine being. This woman is clueless and should not be voted back in to office. Why? Because she showed a complete lack of common sense.
  
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- Detah
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:42am
  Agreed. She has a right to her position. In fact, she has a first amendment right to her position. But the beauty of the Constitution is, so do I. I am not from PA, so I don’t know this woman. But were her long-standing positions on the Pledge and praying public knowledge before her elections? Or is this a secret that is just now coming out? Seems like this would be a hard thing to hide. While not a dealbreaker for a vote, people should get to choose with full knowledge.
  
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- RightWingLeftyGolfer
  Posted on October 7, 2012 at 12:11pm
  Clandaddy – fully agree with you. I spent 33+ years defending her right to be an _______ (fill in the blank). The simple solution for her constituents is to either recall her or vote her out.
  
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Tex Expatriate
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:35am
Now if this old politico had said, “I won’t pledge allegiance to the flag because it represents a so-called ‘union’ of states, many of whom operate beyond the limits of the U.S. Constitution and consistently re-elect traitors and treasonous crooks,” then I would agree.

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biohazard23
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:34am
Babbette? I thought it’s name was Pat.

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- Pro-Palin
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:49am
  No No pat from the SNL days is much sexier and smarter LOL
  
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- biohazard23
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 10:18am
  Ewww!!!! Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!
  
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Seagal45
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:33am
These people do not belong in office!!!

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golfer8805
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:32am
Why is this news?

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- paperpushermj
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:41am
  It’s not news its content.
  
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- starman70
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:58am
  It shows the true feelings of the majority of Democrats. It is the mantra of a party who will place godless bureaucrats in charge of your healthcare (Death Panels under Obamacare) and determine if your life is worth saving when you get old. Is the surgery or procedeure you need to save your life justified, measured by your worth to society. No matter your worth to your family and loved ones, only the STATE and its needs matter.
  
  WELCOME TO THE UNITED SOVIET STATES OF AMERICA. Brought to you by GODLESS Democrats trying to model America after the old Soviet Union.
  
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- Zipit
  Posted on October 5, 2012 at 9:59am
  Please turn to page 8802!
  
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