It's good this didn't run on Veterans Day

Hey, I'm in an op-ed page in Florida today. But first, a long-winded explanation:

Earlier this month, I was thrilled to read about a court case in Florida, in which a federal judge struck down a Florida law mandating students stand for the pledge of allegiance. The case was brought by a high school student who refused to stand for the pledge -- which, as far as I'm concerned, is his right. It's something I feel strongly about because, 10 years ago or so, I also challenged the pledge as a Florida high school student. I've thought differently of the pledge ever since.

Republican state Sen. Mike Fasano told the Palm Beach Post that the federal court decision has "taken away patriotism from our schools." That's irritatingly absurd, and I planned on writing him to say so. I even wrote myself a reminder to do it. But then I thought: Well, he won't take my letter seriously, and there's a good chance he won't even read it.

So, I decided to get louder: I wrote my story in the op-ed section of today's South Florida Sun-Sentinel. This is a lot of fun for me, because my parents get the Sun-Sentinel and I read it as a kid. Also, this is my first appearance on an op-ed page.

Now I'm just waiting for the angry e-mails from vets and the invitation to be berated on some right-winger's talk radio show. I've already gotten one e-mail -- this from a WWII veteran's wife who says, "you certainly would not be my idea of a role model for my grandchildren!" Oh well.

Posted by Jason Feifer at June 12, 2006 09:20 AM