Deja Vu: Audience Once Again Has to Override LWV Moderator to Say the Pledge
- Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:36am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Controversy is once again surrounding the League of Women Voters. After a LWV moderator last week refused to allow a debate audience to say the Pledge of Allegiance, forcing them to break out into a spontaneous, unsanctioned recitation, the same thing happened in a Pittsburgh, PA suburb on Tuesday.
As a debate between Democrat congressional hopeful Dan Connolly and Republican incumbent Rep. Tim Murphy was about to begin, Murphy asked the moderator if they could say the Pledge. The moderator hesitated, and began explaining that starting with the Pledge is not the usual way to begin and that it would take too much time. The crowd ignored her explanation, stood up, and recited their allegiance:
Arlene Levy, president of the Greater Pittsburgh LWV and former history teacher, spoke about the incident afterwords. She believes the requests are political and an attempt to intentionally disturb the forums.
“There have been some groups who want to create a ruckus, call attention to something and using the pledge to the flag and making it seem the League is unpatriotic if we don’t,” she said.
Both candidates, however, seem surprised by the moderator’s opposition.
“I see it as something completely a-political. It’s something that unites all of Americans,” Connolly said after the debate.
“If the flag is political, then we have some problems here. The flag is what brings us together,” Murphy added.
“The insensitivity [of the moderator], to me, was inexcusable and outrageous,” Tom Hajzus, a former high school prinicpal, registered Democrat, and Murphy supporter, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He said the crowd’s reaction “was an American moment, that’s what that was.”
The moderator was Susan Ruether, listed on the local Washington County LWV website as a committee member in charge of media communications. She declined to comment to the Gazette.
She did however comment to Murphy during the debate that ”next time if you have a request like that, we would appreciate it if you would give it to us when the rules are discussed,” according to the Gazette.
“It didn’t need to be requested. I assumed you would do it,” Murphy replied.
The incident doesn’t sit well with Stephen Gutowski over at Eyeblast.tv, who is left asking a plethora of questions:
Why is it that both times this has happened the League seems to believe that its a result of some kind of conspiracy to attack them? Seriously, who connects a desire to recite the pledge with some sort of grand conspiracy to take them down?
Besides, how long exactly does it take to recite the pledge? A minute? Why do these moderators seem to believe its going to cut into debate time?
Levy told KDKA-TV that the Greater Pittsburgh LWV is considering now incorporating the Pledge into every candidate debate.
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Comments (184)
Mikie
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:13amIt takes too long???
Report Post »JBaer
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 10:11amOh yes, 20 seconds is just too long. //sarcasm
Report Post »Caffeinated Texan
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 1:40pmI just recited the pledge with a stopwatch at a rather slow pace. 15.29 seconds.
Doesn’t cut much into the debate time in my opinion, but then, I’m not a liberal.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:13pmI propose that everyone here include the ‘Pledge’ in all their posts until after the election.
What say ye?
” … I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for ALL!”
Amen!
Report Post »Freedom1984
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:13amI think saying the Pledge of Allegiance should be started at EVERY debate. After all what is more political than a debate to see who WE WANT TO ELECT to REPRESENT US. These things get nasty so often, that perhaps they might be more civil, and we would get better answers and therefore more insight into who these people are, IF we said the Pledge of Allegience EVERY TIME a debate starts. After all it’s US who they should be representing, not the people who buy them off.
Report Post »john seven eighteen
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:54amAnd it will allow us to see who chooses to omit the “Under God” part!!
Report Post »Sweet Sister
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:11amGod Bless America!!!!!
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:11am“A candidate has to submit a request for permission to recite the Pledge of Allegiance?”
Report Post »What have we done to our country? What must we do to become free again?
It is time.
Tyson
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:31amHmmm…is that a loaded question for me from the Agents at BATFE or FBI. May your a Janet N. plant trying to expose Patriots plan of action. I plead the 5th
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:36amYou plead the 5th, I will joiin the battle. Oh, by the way, the ATF does not have any openings for special agents at this time.
Report Post »Big Toe
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:58amStand and Recite the Pledge! That is all you have to do.
Report Post »muldrake24
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 1:02pmAlso from PA: What we have to do, is throw out the TRASH on November 2nd in PA!
Report Post »louzyana
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:09amOh good, they were able to recite the pledge “without incident”. What a relief.. *sarcasm*
Can someone tell me exactly what kind of “incident” saying the Pledge might cause??
Report Post »uncleherbert
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 12:45pmIt’s alll about the isums, socialisum, communisum and marxisum. These groups should look to europe to see the failures. You would think they would know better, being so well educated and all. They have been brainwashed!
Report Post »bry
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:07amI pledge of Allegiance to the flag of
the United States of America and to the Republic
for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all.
Report Post »Big Toe
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:56amI pledge allegiance to the flag Of the united states of America,For which it stands, one nation under God, Indivisible with liberty and justice for all… Please remain standing for a moment of silent Prayer!
Report Post »kozski
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:06amI get a message that the video is not available. Does anyone have an alternate site?
Report Post »SpawnofThomasJefferson
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:05am~ They have already removed this video…just like the other one. Does anyone have a good link? Save these videos to your computer people….they will strip all evidence of rebellious patriotism.
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:00amYES YES YES,, we the peopel stand up and take BACK our country. I am THRILLED to see this yet again.
God Bless America
Report Post »tonkaslim
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:00amThe secret is out now. The “pledge” is really a signal for sleeper cells to engage. Once activated they will topple the status quo by voting in massive droves this Tuesday.
Report Post »mimitweetin
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:59amI beleive these spntaneous Pledges will be bursting out everywhere. The American people have had enough and if our elected officials won’t stand up for us then, “WE WILL STAND UP FOR OURSELVES”!
Kudos to the Great Patriots of this Country!
Report Post »felina g
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:58amStart the Pledge in every venue you attend and follow it with “America the Beautimous” !!!!
Report Post »travlman77
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:58amHas the LWV gone so far left that this makes sense to them?
Report Post »Dirty Harry
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:58amStep by step, pledge by pledge, we take our country back.
Report Post »Freedom1984
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:14amYou have that right…. Step by Step….. and if we continue…we WILL GET OUR BELOVED COUNTRY BACK from those who want to destry it’s ideology!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let’s get our “feet” moving!!!!
Report Post »PeachyinGA
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:58amYes, of course, it should be put on the every debate schedule! The candidates wouldn‘t be sitting there if the American flag didn’t exist! If a candidate or audience doesn’t want to stand and say the pledge, that is their option. The LWV is going to waste hours/days of valuable time wringing their hands to decide if this is ‘appropriate’ when all they have to do is just say it which takes 10 seconds.
Report Post »Zcat
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:57amI love it!!!
Report Post »overlumber
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:54amHere we ARE! And, here we come to take our country back! Got into a face-to-face debate yesterday at a polling place where we were working for the 9-12-ers, the Tea Party group. GOD won the day as we got past the loud rhetoric of the left and into what we have in common as AMERICANS! They have been brainwashed and seemed confused that we turned our to be nice, rational people who love our country and were ok with them. Fun to watch the transformation over a couple of hours’ time. If we can just hold true and stay the course, AMERICANS will be AMERICA again! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Report Post »mhanderson123
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:52amLWV? What is wrong with saying the Pledge of Allegiance? Who are you getting your marching orders from?
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:50amWhat a way to start my day with a smile.
Report Post »Huff-a-Ton Post
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:24amAnd a tear. Followed by further steel to keep this moving. Celebrate our victories, but never take our eyes off the objective.
Report Post »sailormanretired
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:50amMore of the Left REVEALED! Godless, Mindless and Arrogant.
Report Post »KINGRUDDY
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:46amThinking about incorporating into every debate. DAH, that is the problem they have to think about this……THIS IS A NO BRAINER. NOw should be obvious that the PC- politically correct people are the progrssives and have no clue what life, liberty and pursuit are all about.
Report Post »This is small stuff, but I see this a excellent example of the scary course our nation has taken in the past 50 years, where it all seems to be coming to the surface.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Alvin691
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:46amI think it shines a light on the LWV, they are out of touch with America.
Report Post »HillCountryPatriot
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:45amThe LIBS need to get with the program. The tide is turning… better get behind it LWV, or you’re going to get crushed.
Report Post »overlumber
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:04amGood morning, TEXAS! We are TEXANS but living in another State. In my comment this a.m. I mentioned a confrontation with someone very vocal and aggressive from the left. My husband returned volleys with the man while I was saying under my breath, “Don’t get into it with him. Come on, this way.” The man followed us and finally struck a nerve with me and I wheeled around to let him have it. THEN, the man said something about W. I stepped into his space and face and said loudly and with great courage and “my teacher’s voice”: “I am a TEXAN. Don’t you dare bring up Bush to me. You just back off him right now!” It stopped the showdown in its tracks and the man walked away from us. GOD IS SO GOOD!
Report Post »TEXAS
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 5:40pmGood for you (overlumber) good afternoon.
Report Post »We Are Not Alone
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:45amMUST SEE:
WE THE PEOPLE youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVAhr4hZDJE
I AM AMERICA by Krista Branch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0heL2Czeraw&feature=fvw
Makes you proud to be an American ♥
PLEASE VOTE…. take a friend or two
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:14amgood videos.. thanks
Report Post »truthncharity
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:10amGreat videos…thanks for sharing and giving us the opportunity to share them too ;o)
Report Post »biggreenboo
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 12:18pmLove the Vetran in the hat… shot right up. Gotta love the Oldtimers (no disrepect) I’ve kind of lost sight of what the pledge ment… outa sight outa mind. It’s awsome to see this kind of reaction from true Patriots… and the lady saying “We don’t have time…) You’re a fool… now turn and face the flag and joint in! You better make time before it’s taken from you.
standswithafist
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 1:04pmRay Stevens has a good one too“ Throw the Bums Out” on you tube also. some humor is also good for the soul . and his “God Save Arizona” is awesome. Krista has a beautiful voice.
Report Post »Maybe the GEESE Know More than the BEES Know
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:43amWe the People!!! love it!
Report Post »MAULEMALL
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 7:53amSomebody tell that paronoid ignorant shrew who thinks we the people are out to paint them as unpatriotic that they are doing a fine job by themselves.. It‘s my flag and just because your master obamie doesn’t take the time and give the effort to put his hand over his heart doesn’t make it ok…
joy bahar acting bitch
Report Post »john seven eighteen
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:01amYup, that’s us – Obama’s “enemies” showing how evil we are because we want to recite the pledge of allegiance and show that we actually do love and honor our country. We should be ashamed of our low-ball tactics to “disrupt” a stupid debate.
Report Post »Independent Tess
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:08amBravo, PA!
Report Post »I hope this happens more and more!!
Miami
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:33amIt seem the league better start playing ball…
Or they’ll find themselves irrelevant.
Report Post »DrammyCoke
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:36amStupid libs.
Report Post »LAMET
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 8:48amEveryone needs to go the League of Women Voters website and use the Contact link and tell them how you feel.. I did it when it happened the first time and just did it again on this one. I told them I am not a member and NEVER WILL BE.
BOMBARD THEIR WEBSITES WITH emails that tell them to STOP being ANTI-American!
Remember to be nice about – but let them know HOW WE FEEL!
Report Post »Seven
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:05amThat woman representing the league of women voters said we have nothing against the pledge. She should have said we love America and we do want to say the pledge.How much more will we have to take into our own hands. God I love America!
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:24amThe People of America are speaking up loud and clear, the progressives do not know how to stop them as they have been use to snapping the whip and America jumps. Now We the People are standing up for what is right, true, and American.
Let freedom ring from shore to shore Nov2.
Report Post »oldoldtimer
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:44amAny thing patriotic is repugnant to Progressives. They know you must destroy patriotism and the family in order to make people turn to Gov’t of the left. Same way they want you to put your faith in their Gov’t and not God. They must destroy the belief system so you turn to them. This is what happens when patriotism and God is removed from the schools. I still remember saying the pledge every single day all the way through high school. My Grand kids can not recite it without help. How sad a state our country is in. The Political Correct crap is destroying us.
ron the veteran
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:36amits great to see americans standing together after all we are one nation under God indevisable with liberty and justice for all. the left want more justice for some than others and to devide us. DONT LET THEM, together we are strong.
Report Post »gobluebuckeye
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 11:50amFantastic, people lets take back our nation. WE THE PEOPLE IS RIGHT
Report Post »White Devil
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 12:17pmWhen asked, that woman should have said without hesitation “say the pledge?, that is a fantastic idea”. Instead she showed how she really feels. And no amount of talking can change the minds of most people. I’m sick and tired of having to defend normal American behavior like it is optional behavior.
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 1:05pmI love it. We are telling the self-appointed “rulers” to stuff it and they should are scared. Obama and his goons have awoken a sleeping giant.
Obama is now burning books like the Nazis did.
This comment does not necessarily reflect the views of Glenn Beck, The Blaze, theblaze.com, Fox News or anyone else for that matter. The FAT CLOWN ANCHOR at MSNBC can eat balls.
Report Post »terryu1
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 2:12pmYes I am more proud than ever to be from the Keystone State. Bravo!!!!
Report Post »ILFarmer
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 2:21pmKeep it going, We The People. There is no reason why it shouldn’t be recited as at best it show our Pride in this Nation and at worse, makes us reflect on what the debates are really about.
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 4:25pmSee how some citizen action can have an effect. Maybe they will decide to just say it at the beginning of every meeting. They we can work on our schools next
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 5:52pm“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All !”
‘nough said …
Report Post »watchmany2k
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 6:02pmMaybe it’s me, Can somebody look this up?
I always thought that ANY public gathering over x number of people was REQUIRED by law
to have the National Anthem played, and the Pledge said aloud.
It distinguishes between a gathering and a RIOT.
EVERY gathering did it when I was growing up Even church gatherings, except services.
part of why I tear up now when we do it…so much water under the bridge.
You can sure as hell COUNT on my doing it, if you’re specifically REJECTING it.
Report Post »It brings great JOY and hope to see these videos
GO AMERICA !
ru12
Posted on October 28, 2010 at 9:12pmOLDOLDTIMER
Report Post »You are exactly right! Search: the origins of political correctness@ http://www.academia.org
A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 12:00amI realize that the League of Women Voters hate America, but isn’t this like praying before every bite?
I love the idea that there might be patriotism here, in the face of socialist, class-warfare instigators; but it does seem a bit contrived.
No one should have a neutral view of the content of the Pledge of Allegiance, for sure; but is it normal to begin debates with it?
Report Post »joiseycop
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:24amOLDOLDTIMER… I remember saying the pledge every school day too… and we used to recite the Lords prayer as well… and we sang Christmas carols like Silent Night and Oh Come All Ye Faithful for the holidays, we knew that Christmas celebrated the birth of Christ not just a gift giving fest…thats when we really were one nation under God…and I’m glad I remember growing up with that…I feel sorry for todays children…they know not what they are missing :(
Report Post »Infidels R Us
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:41am” … I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for ALL!”
I think this is great!!! Maybe this could be a new group – “Pledgers.” Those of us who make sure that at every public meeting or function, The Pledge of Allegiance is recited with pride. This will farret out these USA-hating libs.
Report Post »