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Education

Arizona Bill Would Require HS Students to Swear Constitutional Oath Under God to Get Their Diplomas

Jan. 26, 2013 8:57am Madeleine Morgenstern

Arizona Bill Would Require Public High School Students to Swear Constitutional Oath Under God to Get Their Diplomas

Students recite the pledge of allegiance during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11, 2012. A proposed bill in Arizona would require high school students to swear a constitutional oath under God to receive their diplomas. (AP)

A bill making its way through the Arizona state legislature would require public high school students to swear an oath to defend the Constitution before they receive their diplomas.

The legislation was introduced Tuesday by a group of Republican lawmakers and referred to several state House committees. If passed, it would require principals to verify in writing that a student had recited the following oath before they were allowed to graduate, beginning in the 2013-2014 school year:

I, _________, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge these duties; So help me God.

The oath — similar to the one taken by government leaders, military members and new U.S. citizens — ends with the words “so help me God,” which could run afoul of the First Amendment, the Phoenix Business Journal noted:

Jehovah’s witnesses, some Muslims and pacifist Quakers have in the past challenged loyalty oaths imposed by the federal government and other agencies, saying they conflict with their beliefs and religious professions. Similarly, some Arizona students could challenge the proposed high school oath as a violation of their religious liberties and freedom of expression.

The legislation’s sponsor, first-time lawmaker Rep. Bob Thorpe, told Current the idea for it came from a campaign event and from constituents who said they were concerned about patriotism and the Constitution.

“The reason behind this is meant to be a positive experience, not a negative experience,” Thorpe said.

He disputed the notion that the bill is unconstitutional, saying the First Amendment prohibits Congress, not state legislatures, from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion” or “abridging the freedom of speech.” The bill doesn’t stop students from speaking out, he said.

“The idea that there’s something evil about taking this oath seems to be a pretty ineffective argument,” Thorpe said. “When you think about all the areas where people take this oath voluntarily.”

Thorpe said he was planning to offer an amendment to the bill making the oath optional instead of mandatory.

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Comments (198)

KissMyAmericanFlag
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:52am
Mmmm. I’m going to the source on this article. Too many lingering questions.

Pictured are Not HS students, pictured are mostly mexicans; is this a backdoor approach to citizenship of illegals/ their offspring? either way, are We the People expected yet again to pay for the burdensome choices of others?…

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- toiletclogga
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:10am
  I believe your comment is the best on this article, and I did not think along those lines; very insightful.
  
  Report this comment
- Oath-keeper
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 1:42pm
  Perfect comments. My first thought was awesome it is about time the Constitution s mentioned in schools however the Blaze is just like the rest of MSM in that they put deceptive pictures as their lead, remember Trayvon Martin showing picture of innocent 12 year old? Or every time there is a shooting regardless of the facts they show AK 47 as the backdrop, even when and if a rifle was used. To many blindly follow. Oathkerpers.org
  
  Report this comment
- pavepaws
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 2:32pm
  Kind of stupid if you’re an illegal.
  
  Report this comment
- strawberry411a
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 3:44pm
  How about just doing a simple background check on our beloved president…
  
  Report this comment
- desertspeaks
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 4:27pm
  how precisely does someone here ILLEGALLY take an oath?? you cannot uphold the laws of the state since you are already a CRIMINAL!
  which demoncrap communist in phoenix proffered this crap??
  
  Report this comment
- jcdaley
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 5:50pm
  You are missing the point. The purpose of this legislation is to welcome the graduating seniors into the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. I am a legal immigrant to this country. When you take the oath of citizenship it firmly sets the emotions of all immigrants before you. Americans NEVER get that feeling. Why do you think that immigrants are so patriotic?? Because of where they come from and the choices they make to come here. It is a right of passage not a pathway to citizenship. I have been advocating for this for years and years. Just MIGHT make a difference on the graduating seniors— if not it doesn’t hurt a damn thing….. and in ALL the oaths the last line is ‘SO HELP ME GOD”. if they can’t do it in school how will they ever be able to do it if they go into the military?? or run for office or become a fireman or police man?? Don’t like it don’t say it!! PLEASE!! have some common sense.
  
  Report this comment
- SgtB
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 6:26pm
  As a Marine who took a similar oath to protect and defend the Constitution, I do not feel that oaths of loyalty have a place in any school. No person under the age of 18 is able to vote, sign a legally binding contract, or can be held fully responsible for their own actions; so why would anyone think that an oath taken by a 17 year old so they can get their diploma would be anything more than an empty gesture that rang hollow like the marxist pledge of allegiance that is currently recited daily?
  
  Report this comment
- michaelmoron
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 7:14pm
  The Government is a TRUST.
  
  The United States is the Estate.
  
  The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are the RULES of the TRUST that the TRUSTEES must follow.
  It is their “employee handbook”. THAT is why I said Beneficiaries should NOT take an oath that a TRUSTEE makes.
  
  Of Course, The Constitution is FOR YOUR BENEFIT. You should learn it to know what the TRUSTEES are BOUND BY.
  
  When the RULES say “Shall not be Infringed”, are they directing that at the PEOPLE or the SERVANT? Obviously, it is an order to a public servant.
  
  The PEOPLE are the GRANTORS and BENEFICIARIES.
  
  ALL PUBLIC SERVANTS are TRUSTEES.
  
  Under trust LAW, a TRUSTEE has NO AUTHORITY OVER A BENEFICIARY.
  (Can Odumbo make you dance or sing?, NO !!!!)
  
  Under Presumption of LAW, If your don’t make a CLAIM OF RIGHT (Reserve your Rights as a beneficiary by putting the court on notice that you are the administrator of your person/legal fiction),
  it is presumed that you are a TRUSTEE and therefore subject to statutory jurisdiction.
  then it is presumed you are a Trustee.
  
  http://www.dailypaul.com/227306/bombshell-constitution-is-a-trust-the-people-are-the-beneficiaries-public-servants-are-trustees
  
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  
  “Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees. And both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.”
  
  - Henry Clay
  
  Report this comment
- michaelmoron
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 7:31pm
  The 1500 character post before this didnt make it. arghhhhh
  
  DO NOT PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE to anything, or CLAIM to BE a U.S CITIZEN !!!!
  
  DO NOT PLEDGE to DEFEND the Constitution. THESE are ALL TRICKS !!!!
  
  They are verbal contracts !!!!
  
  ONLY TRUSTEES pledge an oath to the Constitution. If you do so you are pledging to be
  TRUSTEE and PUBLIC SERVANT. You are then liable for Federal Income Tax in addition to being under the jurisdiction of Statutory law (Public servant code)
  
  YOU CAN BE AN INDIVIDUAL and retain your rights !!!
  You don’t have to Join any “clubs” like the “Citizen” club.
  
  They lead you to believe that you MUST be a COLLECTIVIST to be an AMERICAN with RIGHTS.
  
  You can love America, The Constitution and be a PROUD AMERICAN with INALIENABLE RIGHTS
  WITHOUT “PLEDGING” or “Taking this OBLIGATION”.
  
  “OBLIGATION FREELY” ??????……???
  
  Report this comment
- michaelmoron
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 7:37pm
  *Bad edit on first post
  
  Report this comment
- crackerone
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:35pm
  @MICHAELMORON
  
  Think someone stole your avatar, or maybe you have a twin?
  
  Report this comment
- oldguy49
  Posted on January 27, 2013 at 12:03am
  yep, notice no white folks in photo
  
  Report this comment
- oldguy49
  Posted on January 27, 2013 at 12:05am
  its ok………….love to be a t a game and see the people that don’t sing the national anthem…………….target designator
  
  Report this comment
- AZsparrow
  Posted on January 27, 2013 at 11:10am
  “… pictured are mostly mexicans…” Oh really? How would you know that? I’m not sure your comment in this context is purposeful or just a brain fart, but certainly poorly said. There are millions of Americans in this country that have been here for generations of Hispanic and yes, even Mexican ethnic decent, especially in the southwest… note they are AMERICANS, “We the People” born and raised. I’m about as white as you can get, but I have family members from different ethnic backgrounds, including Hispanic, and calling them Mexicans the way you put it as though “illegal” or somehow the lesser for it might end up with you having a fat lip… and deservedly so.
  
  Report this comment
TIMEBOMB
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:52am
The lawmaker is misguided so I will help him out,my future serfs won’t be required to swear an oath to the constitution,they’ll be required to swear allegiance to ME your magnificent gay Marxist ruler and I will ensure that their lives are worth living as they toil for my pleasure.They’ll work harder for less pay,have fewer employment opportunities because of my plan to destroy your economy and in short they’ll have a hellish existence in my new Amerika! I will occasionally allow my serfs to gaze upon me but they’ll never be allowed to touch my caramel colored skin,I don’t even allow my beard to touch my skin,that pleasure is only for my rugged SS men.

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- Ballot_Box_Revolution
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:14am
  “I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation”
  
  No your not….you are taking it to get your diploma!!
  
  This Bill is dumb….I’d much rather they have to take a test on their understanding of the constitution. This way they can use their Liberty to decide if they want to support it or not…..I have no fear that people who understand it and its intentions would chose to oppose it…I’m sure there will be some, but they would be a minority…
  
  Report this comment
- RANGER1965
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:14am
  Thank you Oh Great One!
  
  Your sacred words send tingles up both my legs, and into my sore back. Like a healing balm that helps me work hard for you, another day.
  
  That you would even deem to explain your magnificence to we lowly creatures is a favor that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
  
  Thank you great one, may you live forever.
  
  Report this comment
- woodyee
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:16am
  Lucky for you, Gaybama, that they’ll still be stupid enough to blame Bush and Repubs…
  
  Report this comment
- civilwarcometh
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:18am
  Still don’t mean they mean it. Forcing them to take an oath mean’s NOTHING. What we need is our illegal alien tag’s or no limit kill’s… http://weaselzippers.us/2013/01/26/report-bipartisan-senate-group-including-durbin-schumer-mcrino-graham-nearing-agreement-on-amnesty-proposal/
- dylan
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:19am
  O is working very hard for just what you list. He is a sack of spilth. It will split soon. I won’t be around, thank God.
  
  Report this comment
- Trigus
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:34am
  No need to swear an oath to graduate misguided attempt to promote Patriotism. Bring American History back to schools – 4th grade – American History – 11th Grade – US Constitution.
  
  Everyone is to blame, me, you, and Obama and his band of 40 thieves. “Take back America” – Should Have been the Slogan. We have allowed the Government to dumb down our children thru education. We have allowed our core, our family to be taken away from us by the BLING. How many people actually raise their children today? How many sit down the table and have dinner at least 5 times a week?
  
  From Birth our children are in Daycare, then school – where in there do you think, you as a parent, that you raised your children? How many awake hours a day do you honestly spend time with your children. 3 hours at most?
  
  We are allowing others to mold our children. This is the number one problem in America. It starts at home.
  
  1) Get off the BLING Machine: cut out of your life the excess and take back control of your family
  2) remove your children from school and start home schooling – take back your children
  – Here it comes – I cannot do that because we need 2 incomes – really – do you honestly feel that Bling is more important then your children.
  3) make a effort to shut down all electronic devices and have a nice dinner with your children every day. Time to get to know your children.
  4) teach your children how to be responsible, hardworking, and to respect others
  
  Report this comment
- Trigus
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:36am
  side note here – If Oath is the same OAth that is given when getting your citizenship – then would those graduating from High school, that are illegal aliens, now become US Citizens?
  
  Report this comment
- The Big Mick
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:51am
  EXCELLENT POINT BALLOT BOX!
  A Coerced Oath is NO Virtue.
  
  Report this comment
- afishfarted
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:53am
  Seems to me if the education would get back on track, out God back in school as He used to be, quite teaching social diversity, return to real education, teach American history as is was and not the re-written version of today, the lawmakers wouldn’t have a need for such a bill. While the spirit of the bill is worthy to note, the bill would ultimately subject to graduate to unintended consequences–too many to name here
  
  Report this comment
- tonypro
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:17am
  How about getting teachers to swear an oath to teach the Constitution.
  
  Report this comment
- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:24am
  So not only is Obama a marxist, America-hating Kenyan, now he’s gay?
  
  What’s sad is some of you pathetic morons actually believe it…
  
  Report this comment
- wzanesdad
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:40pm
  unless they’re giving it in spanish, they’ll never know what they’re swearing to.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:46pm
  FREEDOM: ” pathetic morons” rings such a bell. What name did you Troll with before December 28 when you took this ” identity?”
  
  Report this comment
- GardenoftheGods
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 1:05pm
  You’re not looking at it correctly….AZ has provided children with an education that their citizens paid for, if the child is not willing to uphold the Constitution of the USA, then their education is not certified..no job, no higher education for people unwilling to swear allegiance. I think this is a GREAT IDEA & more states with illegals should follow AZ’s example!
  
  Report this comment
- Ballot_Box_Revolution
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 6:23pm
  So you believe that because they took the oath it will mean something to them??? Right have you noticed the idiots running the country who take the oath?? They do it for the power and paychecks it means nothing to them….The same thing this kids will do….Parrot back some words so they can get that piece of paper….
  
  Report this comment
- earache-my-eye
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 7:13pm
  Been missing you Timebomb
  
  Report this comment
pryxp11
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:50am
If obama has his way most HS students will have to swear in spanish because they don’t know English. and it want really matter because they don’t even know what the Constitution is or what it means to American Citizens.

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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:26am
  MOST US students don’t know English? Care to offer any proof of that?
  
  I love all the Obama conspiracy theories on this site – they all have one thing in common – not a shred of evidence to back them up exists!!!
  
  Report this comment
- VanceUppercut
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:25pm
  @Freedomlover_US
  
  Didn’t you hear? Evidence is for pansies. LOL.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:52pm
  Oh, cute. Our Trolls are having a GroupSpeak session !
  
  Report this comment
- Sanchito
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 1:04pm
  FREEDOM”Lover”
  
  Have you ever seen Tucson Unified School District? The same district that almost had a huge uprising because they cut funding for “Mex-American Studies”… U know the classes where they taught students about how Americans stole Mexico and how terrible the US is and how we have destroyed Mexico.
  So Yes, it would have to be in Spanish for anyone to understand it.
  
  Report this comment
woodyee
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:50am
Good morning, Friends.
I think this is not a good idea. I think it best, for a load of reasons to stick to the Pledge of Allegiance.

These are high schoolers. After 12years of Indoctrination, you’re not going to be able to reverse much of what ‘the system’ has done, that they don’t want to reverse themselves. For example, I come from a line of DemonicRats.
In grade school, we recited the Pledge frequently. On Wednesdays, we had Auditorium – it was the one day per week we showed up in uniform – dark skirts and white blouses for girls, navy blue or black trousers for boys, white long-sleeves and a NB or black tie. We had guests who spoke of their professions, or our history. Once a month after Auditorium, we went out for ‘Flag Day’; sang patriotic songs.
By the time I graduated to Middle School, I thought gobblement was the be all to end all; the answer to our ill’s and our enemies. During high school, i was an ‘activist’ – then I went into the military and was a registered Democrat. Got married during just as Carter became President.

All in all, some might say I was properly indoctrinated, but they’d be wrong – I was PROPERLY EDUCATED, with a mind of my own. Jimmy Carter taught me just how dangerous a politician armed with an assault pen could be. Ronald Reagan taught me just how refreshing the air of Freedom smells, and I’ve never looked back.

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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:28am
  I went to Catholic school – you don’t know what indoctrination is until you have to suffer that experience…
  
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- barber2
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:44pm
  FREEDOM: Poor baby. Guess that must be why you are an Obama Troll Atheist today on the Blaze ?! Usually you guys blame everything on Bush ! But you, Freedom, got the new twist : the Catholic Church . Somehow I do not believe you were ever indoctrinated in anything other than the usual Far Left hate ! Just like Obama.
  
  Report this comment
azsmitty
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:46am
Seems more than just recitation of an oath is in order. The curriculum for high school graduation could include a section in Civics class teaching the requirements to become a U.S. citizen including taking and passing the same Citizenship test required by those seeking to become Americans. Two things would be accomplished, an understanding by those who were born into citizenship just how demanding we are of those who wish to become Americans and how fortunate they are to have been born in America. Second, teachers who conduct the civics class may learn things about this country that they have ridiculed in the past as being out of touch……..yet millions will apply to become citizens of this great country. As part of the curriculum required to graduate everyone will become educated to the reality of the American dream. Just as the hopeful immigrant taking the test the students must pass the test with 100% accuracy. By the way, those newly minted citizens take the oath being cited.

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barber2
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:46am
Ah, patriotism is so ” old hat” in this “new” Age of Internationalists like Obama . That is why Holder and Obama have targeted Arizona for “special treatment.” The Obama people want open borders to attract more ” give me stuff” voters. The Obama Lefties think anyone who has money is evil and ” didn’t make that” and surely must have made that money only by screwing some poor, minority of what they should have been given. Yes. No more of that old-time American patriotism of the KKK Era. Now its the Age Of Internationalist , Collectivist Obama where redistribution is KING and where SOCIAL JUSTICE requires an end to American supremacy and individual wealth and ownership ! Big Brother said so ….

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- American Soldier (Separated)
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 5:21pm
  Is patriotism really patriotism if your forced to say it? This goes both for the oath and pledge of allegiance..
  
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Gonzo
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:41am
I would settle for just making sure they are all American citizens..

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- TheCalmOne
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:30pm
  Yes. Wouldn’t want to educate any of those damn foreigners, would we?
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:51pm
  CAL: Ok. You pay ! We can’t even afford to pay for our own citizens so educating the world seems a stretch – unless you are a Democrat who believes in such kind but disastrous economic ideas as The ” AffordableHousing Act !” You guys love to paint those who believe in only spending what you have earned as cold and evil , when the disasters you guys cause with your unworkable “kindness” hurt far more people. WAKE UP.
  
  Report this comment
DZ-015
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:40am
This will go nowhere fast. There are many Christians who refuse to swear oaths in court, so they affirm instead. Are these folks not going to get diplomas in AZ?

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- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:53am
  Reminds of when that crazy Republican in the Senate brought forward a bill to re-affirm the national motto “In God We Trust”
  
  Great use of time.
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:12am
  Arizona has come a long way…..From Goldwater to McCain….From freedom to facism
  
  Report this comment
GuruMeditation
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:37am
I’m digging it.

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Thinman
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:31am
When our politicians lie cheat and steal as an example, what makes them think kids aren’t going to follow their example. Lie under oath like they do and you can get away with murder. The phrase “crime doesn’t pay” has been proven to be wrong by our political elite.

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WakeUp
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:29am
More important than swearing an oath, they should be required to learn the Constitution and it’s ORIGINAL meanings of the Constitution and it’s amendments.

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- OldSurfRat
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:38am
  Nice point!!!
  
  Report this comment
- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:41am
  That’s correct they should be required to learn all about the constitution and our founders original intent.
  It’s too bad we allowed progressives to pervert the meaning of the constitution and bill of rights.It got really bad in the 60′s with the counter culture teaching that America was the cause of all the worlds problems. The sooner we disinfect our school systems of progressives and their sick twisted ideology the better.
  
  Report this comment
- ohiograndma
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:52am
  I agree with Wakeup. Students should know their history (even to the point of understanding REVISIONIST history), the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and pass rigorous exams. Then bring back Civics class and understand how to navigate government, be effective locally, and find out what our representatives are up to in DC. And do schools still say the Pledge of Allegiance? I would not demand that a student pledge under God; however, one should at least stand respectfully and if their conscience dictates, repeat the words that are amenable.
  While pledging support of the Constitution is immediately appealing to me, I believe teaching it is more important.
  
  Report this comment
- TheCalmOne
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:25pm
  By ‘original meaning’ I expect you mean your interpretation.
  
  Report this comment
- J. Locke
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 1:08pm
  Hand them the writings of the Founders and let them see the meaning, not interpretation. And maybe we’ll get past people thinking the SC has interpretation power and that the 10th is outdated
  
  Report this comment
Trance
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:28am
“He disputed the notion that the bill is unconstitutional, saying the First Amendment prohibits Congress, not state legislatures, from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion” or “abridging the freedom of speech.” The bill doesn’t stop students from speaking out, he said.

“The idea that there’s something evil about taking this oath seems to be a pretty ineffective argument,” Thorpe said.”

—-

But the equal protection clause in the 14th amendment requires that states cannot violate a person’s civil rights, including those in the 1st amendment. And what a silly straw man argument…

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- usedCZARsalesman
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:13am
  Which is EXACTLY why the 14th MUST be abolished…it allows for the federal government to branch out into tons of areas that were meant for states to decide all by themselves. For MANY years after this nations founding, most states had STATE RELIGIONS. You couldn’t even be a member if the legislature unless you were a member of said religion.
  
  That is how IT WAS INTENDED…don’t want to follow catholic dogma, move to a different state. Want gay marriage, move to a different state. Want to murder a baby for convenience, MOVE TO A DIFFERENT STATE. The 14th has allowed the Feds to FORCE an entire nation to follow its “personal morality” while ignoring the rights of the states to practice theirs.
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:07am
  yea we need to get the 14th removed in order to enjoy the 10th.
  
  The liberals and republicans are hypocritical on the 10th/14th….For example, liberals say a state cannot put religious symbol in a courthouse but republicans say a state CAN force you to buy insurance like Romneycare.
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:09am
  The 14th amendment should have freed the slaves and left it at that. I am just talking about the ‘incoporation clause’ of it
  
  Report this comment
Eastinfection
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:24am
This is ridiculous. Why waste time with legislation that even the most Conservative of Supreme Courts would laugh at?
There is no Constitutional requirement to believe in a deity.
Anyone who believes in God makes this oath with every breath they take anyway, so it will be unnecessarily redundant for them.
Anyone that doesn’t believe will be forced to lie.
Lose the Theocratic fantasy.. it’s not going to happen.

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- OldSurfRat
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:35am
  Morning East
  
  You are correct about ones faith but you have to admit that it pissed off all the libs just by the thought of introducing the bill.
  I say piss them off and piss them off often. They have been using the same tactics for years and we need to learn to play by the same rules. Sometimes head games are the best weapon.
  
  Report this comment
- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:53am
  Hey SURF..
  
  I disagree. This ****** me off, too, & i’m not a Lib.
  Ridiculous proposals reduce our credibility when it comes time to enact helpful, Constitutional, legislation. It’s like Akin’s “legitimate rape” comment. Not helpful.
  
  Report this comment
- john vincent
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:55am
  east-
  fair point-
  but why do these alleged atheists who complain about a God they do not believe exists, on the other hand curse the same God they do not believe in???
  
  ie -hit hand with hammer
  
  ‘G_d da_n it’
  or walk into a chair
  ‘oh J__sus Chr_st’ a little hypocrisy?
  
  or if you sneeze and somebody as a courtesy says ‘God bless you,’ I guess you turn this into an argument?
  
  would it not be better to bless a god who does not exist, than to appear more stupid by
  cursing he who does not exist?
  
  the article is about something good, graduating in the country you live in- ok, leave out God if you will, but the point was made already about actually learning about what is in the book before pledging allegiance- sadly this is not taught.
  
  Report this comment
- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:04am
  odd.. I hit reply for your comment not the second page, lol…
  
  Hi, East.
  
  They should learn the constitution instead. I will never support swearing a oath or pledging allegiance to the state. Let’s not forget this picture… http://i48.tinypic.com/rvy80x.jpg
  
  “When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.” ~ Sinclair Lewis
  
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- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:08am
  JOHNVINCENT…
  
  I am not an atheist. Far from it. I have a strong belief in God.
  
  My belief in God is voluntary, and i would like to keep it that way. I don’t want myself, Atheists, Satanists, Agnostics, Wiccans, Evangelical Christians, or any other social sub-group to be FORCED to make any oath invoking God.
  If you don’t believe, then you are lying, and therefore bearing false witness. Why force people to sin more than they already do? You may say that shouldn’t matter to non-believers- I say it matters to me. My values say don’t encourage people to lie… Christians or otherwise… And forcing religious oaths on believers is unnecessary… It has to be a choice.
  
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- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:13am
  @john vincent, I personally always believed Christianity was based firmly on the non-coercion principle.
  
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- john vincent
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:18am
  east-
  cant disagree w/you-
  re-read my point about ‘these alleged atheists,’ i do not recall including u-
  anyway, there will be a fight about implementing this at all levels, for good reasons,
  but it is still not a bad idea-
  kind of like a reminder what country you live in- believing in a Constitution is a kind of allegiance, I know the ‘one nation under God’ part ticks people off- but so what
  
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- john vincent
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:22am
  res-
  agreed
  it is ‘based on non-coercion-’
  
  I think we are talking about something other than christianity- belief in God is not distincly christian, ask any Jew
  
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- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:28am
  Hey RESME…
  
  I agree. Some of these comments are evidence enough of Constitutional ignorance.
  Some people just can’t separate their own sense of morality from legality.
  Hell, there are plenty of rights granted by the Constitution that give free people the ability to live life & make choices that conflict with my personal, moral, & religious values… but i don’t desire any amendments or legislation that force my opinions on others. Violating the Constitution seems to be en vogue for ALL Progressives right now- Liberals and Conservatives, alike.
  
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- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:32am
  “Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It is better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. – C.S. Lewis”
  
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- bushido
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:35am
  It’s also funny how there talking about high school students but they show a bunch of grade schoolers. Wth??
  
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- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:47am
  @east, Conservatives always have a feeling of moral superiority over a individual. My morals are better than your morals,etc.
  
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- john vincent
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:51am
  res-
  great quote
  clive staples
  more commonly known as ‘jack’, and a very sharp mind had he.
  
  distincly christian- he too agreed that a belief in God is not necessarily christian, for he reminded us
  ‘the devil believes in God, and trembles.’ one can be the greatest of moralists, and be dead spiritually.
  
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- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:56am
  lol RESME… it’s like we’re all living through the plot of “Footloose”… Cue the Kenny Loggins music.
  
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- OldSurfRat
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:27am
  East
  WHAT!!!! You disagree with me?? I’m heart broken LOL (: (:
  
  I understand where your coming from and you are very correct concerning the learning of the constitution. You are also correct about it not being helpful. I guess I just like ******* people on the far left off as much as possible.
  
  BTW I swear no allegiance to anyone other than my lord. And yes I know that I’m not a great representative for him but I try (:
  
  Resme
  You are also correct. I have defended the right of abortion on this site and had my @ss bit off. The far right says less government unless they want to impose their views or religion.
  You are also right about not pushing Christianity on another. The point of free will is that if god wanted to make us love him than he would just make it so. However it would not be real love it would be forced.
  
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- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:35pm
  “it’s like we’re all living through the plot of “Footloose”… Cue the Kenny Loggins music.”
  
  heh, I know right.
  
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- americangrammy
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:39pm
  @resme
  Guess you’ve never had to deal with any rabid environmentalists! Their morals are superior to EVERYONE’S ! Just ask ‘em. Humans are slime mold on the Earth. Gotta scrape ‘em off so the Earth can be pure again.
  They make wild eyed religionists look like kittens.
  
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- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:50pm
  “Guess you’ve never had to deal with any rabid environmentalists! Their morals are superior to EVERYONE’S ! Just ask ‘em. Humans are slime mold on the Earth. Gotta scrape ‘em off so the Earth can be pure again.
  They make wild eyed religionists look like kittens”
  
  Yeh, The left and the right fundamentally agree in the use of force. Conservatives hijacked the socialist mantra and now scream “NAA UHH IT WAS MY IDEA FIRST”.
  
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- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:55pm
  “I think we are talking about something other than christianity- belief in God is not distincly christian, ask any Jew:”
  
  Just now read this, My bad. Yeh, I agree.
  
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- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:56pm
  @east,soy, and monk.
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okPnDZ1Txlo
  
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- DLV
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 1:38pm
  Old- whoa what you defended the right for an abortion? That’s pretty sick! There is no such right to have an abortion. It’s just legal
  
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- OldSurfRat
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 2:39pm
  DVL
  
  And my point has been made.
  
  Look I don’t agree with abortion. However to answer your question YES I do support a persons RIGHT to have an abortion or to not have an abortion. It is not up to you or me to decide for another.
  Don’t pull the “RIGHTS” stuff on me either just because it does not say “abortion” in the bill of rights or the constitution. It also does not say“abortion” in the bible so that dog dont hunt.
  
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- DLV
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 3:24pm
  Old- um okay where is this right to have an abortion. If we conservatives call it what it is murder, then why do people have the right to murder? Again I would argue it’s not a RIGHT. It’s just legal. Something that should be illegal. That’s great you don’t agree with it but that’s not enough we have to actively going against it. One of the biggest problems in the country is this and god hates it! Big time! It’s up their with Sodom and gammorah. This is of course assuming you are a Christian which is a big assumption on my part. I am not for anyones right to do something god despises. Anyone supporting abortion needs to seriously rethink their position with god. No offense or anything but if I had to give my life to stop abortion I would.
  
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All Pro
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:24am
Not only is it a waste of time, it’s a violation of the first amendment.

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- turkey13
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:32am
  We never heard about kids killing kids or nuts shooting up schools untill we took God and Prayer out of school. With a prayer kids learned of the difference between right & wrong. Here in S. Oklahoma a college kid in our little college town killed a friend because he wanted to feel what it felt like to take another persons life. Only problem was he got caught and now his lawyer is saying that he was insane and the devil told him to do it..
  
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- azsmitty
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:35am
  The approach is wrong the message isn’t. Rather than taking an oath prior to graduation the curriculum leading to graduation could be changed. High School Civics could teach every aspect of what is required to become a citizen of the United States by those not born here, two things would be accomplished, students would understand how blessed they are to have been born here and how difficult it is to pass what is required by others to become citizens, the second would be educational to the teachers as well, many of whom lack basic knowledge of the subject. Lesson preperation would open their eyes as well. The final exam for completion of the class (make the class a requirement to graduate) would be the Citizenship test with the same demand of those who take it for real……….100%.
  
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- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:48am
  TURKEY…
  
  When prayer was common in schools, it was a reflection of the communities those schools were in. Parents, neighbors, etc. shared the same faith-based values and churches. There was prayer at home. People were going to church and praying there. School was not the source of morality- it was merely a re-enforcement of the values being taught in the rest of people’s lives. Our communities are far more diverse now- for better or worse- and kids aren’t getting those values at home. THIS is the problem- not public school evangelism. Schools will usually reflect the principles of their populace. The populace doesn’t, much to the chagrin of Progressives, reflect the values of the school.
  
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- J. Locke
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 1:11pm
  No, it’s not. Read the 1st amendment. “Congress shall make no law”. Unless it’s Congress, it’s not a violation
  
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americanexile
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:21am
Foolish. Optional prayer should be allowed in schools, but this is a huge overreaction to the left’s attacks on religion. You don’t counter attacks on free speech and religion with mandatedspeech and religion.

Stupid laws like this just continue giving conservatives a bad name as big government control freaks.

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- ModerationIsBest
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:51am
  Prayer IS allowed in school, it just can’t be lead by school officials.
  
  Suddenly not being able to force everyone else to pray, or not being able to force everyone to stop while you pray is considered “banning” prayer.
  
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- barber2
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:55am
  AMERICAN: I also think it ties nicely into the Democrats plan for ” dividing the conservatives” for the next election. Witness the comments we get here on the Blaze. This is EXACTLY what the Democrats are trying to accomplish which worked so well in 2012! Divide and Conquer…old as time.
  
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- Pnis
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:43am
  Barber, I think the conservatives are dividing themselves without any help from the Democrats. They need to get their **** in order.
  
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sethlevy
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:20am
Just what we need to do, put an additional barrier between students and success. An oath to graduate high school? We are not North Korea folks, this is getting absurd. You should not have to believe in god or even this country in order to be recognized as a graduate should you pass your classes. Plain and simple. Stop trying to legislate morality!

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Need to be FREE
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:17am
Love this idea!!

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soybomb315_II
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:16am
requiring children to swear a military oath……Another form of PROGRESSIVISM

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- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:37am
  Hey SOY…
  
  I think this whizzes right past PROGRESSIVENESS and shortcuts right to FASCISM.
  
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- soybomb315_II
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:56am
  lol. and it appears 50% of the posters love this oath idea…. these are truly dark times
  
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- resme
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:09am
  If you look above and below, soy. You will see the republicans rely on the same thing the democrats rely on “force”.
  
  Fascism on the right and socialism on the left.
  
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- Eastinfection
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:13am
  SOY..
  
  I know, right?.. The irony is they are promoting this to fend off the darkness, without recognizing the blindness it will promote.
  It’s like setting all your cash on fire to create enough light to find your wallet in the dark.
  
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- Fubared
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 11:24am
  Great analogy East.
  
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karen162
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:16am
I see nothing wrong with this. I have proudly taken oaths to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic… several times. It was the one ceremony I always insisted be a big deal. I didn’t even make a big deal out of my retirement, but my reenlistments were always a big to do. Heck, I even asked one of my Commanders to just give me my Meritorious Service medal, and he obliged by tossing it across the table to me during a meeting, and reading the citation. :-)

Lets instill some pride in the constitution of the united states with our kids. Taking an oath as you pass from child to adult and become a productive citizen can do no harm, only good.

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- TheCalmOne
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:41pm
  Sounds like you deserve a few more medals!
  
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- wzanesdad
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 1:31pm
  karen,
  absolutely agree…..The left would have our children believe that anything and everything is just fine with them. want an abortion? no problem….don’t want to work? great…we have the answer,….don’t want responsibility? fine, we got you covered…..don’t want to contribute anything to society? ….society? we don’t need no stinking society….
  They are indoctrinatin our children as early as kindergarten….it’s about time we start doing the same. At least give the children something good to build on….plant the seed.
  
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- Xylliab_of_the_Znarghh
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 3:23pm
  Well, the Arizona State Constitution says that, “no religious or political test or qualification shall ever be required as a condition of admission into any public educational institution of the state.” I will grant that it doesn’t specifically state that there can’t be a religious or political test for getting out of the school once you have completed your studies, but I wouldn’t consider it wild judicial activism to read it as implying that there shouldn’t be one and ruling in accordance with the spirit of the law that this nonsense is completely unconstitutional.
  
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- Xylliab_of_the_Znarghh
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 3:32pm
  In fact, forget what I just said about it the spirit of the law and implied unconstitutionality. A religious or political test for graduating from high school is a de facto religious or political test for admission to college. This bill is completely unconstitutional under to the Constitution of the State of Arizona.
  
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sizzlinsexybeckster
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:12am
This is really great! Morals need to be back in place and that’s the root that needs to be planted.

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- TheCalmOne
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:17pm
  Wrong on so many levels.
  
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:12am
Oh my God! ENCINOM will literally sh/t a brick!

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- Fubared
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:33am
  Proper verbiage would be Encindiot will Jihad Jerk a TechEngineer.
  
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progressiveslayer
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:11am
Another unnecessary law from the lawbreakers,here’s a radical idea teach the three R’s and some critical thinking,don’t engage in the political correctness garbage that’s destroyed this country and leave oath taking to adults.

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- barber2
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:50am
  Agree. The Lefties in the educational system have substituted teaching the old, traditional ” right from wrong,” to the New Age ” everybody’s beautiful ” and ” let’s just get along.” Started in the 60s when it became illegal to have school standards which ” hurt” kids feelings and made them feel like “failures” so they were passed on, ignorant of old grade level accomplishments but feeling ” good ” about themselves! Great results for our society , huh ?
  
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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:22am
  Yes indeed they’ve really done a number on us and it’s going to take many years to correct.
  
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- VanceUppercut
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:28pm
  Of the Three R’s, only one actually begins with an r.
  
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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 1:48pm
  Vance It’s an old saying lighten up,have a few drinks.
  
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toomuchgovt
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:08am
I doesn’t seem to matter to that guy or any elected official.

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DougHuffman
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:06am
Seems quite similar to the Federal Executive’s oath of office and we see just what good that is doing. Should we send the Lord of Flies back to his elementary schooling for review of oath breaking.

In the United States, the oath of office for the President is specified in the Constitution (Article II, Section 1): “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

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- barber2
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:52am
  DOUG: Maybe he is counting on getting a pass due to the ” to the best of my ability” phrase ?!
  
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- DougHuffman
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 12:19pm
  Wazzat, passin’ fo’ black?
  
  I chaired a critique at a nuclear power facility – “critique” being what may lead to an incident report. We had wrapped a component in protective wrapping to prevent scratches and dings. When it was unwrapped and the last layer of paper pulled away, long scratches were found – like someone had used a knife to cut the paper wrapping away. The old insulator that may have done the work said, “They be no knife on me this day[sic erat scriptum].” Jus’ doin’ the best he could, usually good enough. Better is the enemy of ‘good enough’.
  
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Fubared
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:00am
Que?

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- Zipit
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:06am
  Si, Es mui loco!!!!
  
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- Fubared
  Posted on January 26, 2013 at 9:11am
  Es verdad.
  
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