Pledge of Allegiance in Schools October 1, 2001

Abbotsford -- State Representative Scott Suder (R - Abbotsford) today blasted the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) for their recent statement urging Wisconsin schools to require students to sing the national anthem instead of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Most recently, Suder blasted the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a Wisconsin-based anti-religious group, for criticizing the President of the United States for proclaiming Friday, September 11as National Day of Prayer and Remembrance.

FFRF claims that the Pledge of Allegiance, which includes a single reference to "one nation, under God" is a religious pledge that school children will not be able to "escape it" in their schools.

"It's sad. although not entirely unsurprising, to see the fringe elements of our society once again fight against patriotism and religion in our nation at this time of national tragedy. " Suder added.

Suder co-sponsored a provision passed in the state budget that requires public schools to begin each day by offering either the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem.

FFRF issued their request to the state Department of Public Instruction and Madison Metropolitan School District, allegedly in response to "distraught phone calls from teachers in Madison" who are upset by reports that the Pledge of Allegiance will be broadcast daily over school intercoms, according to their statement.

"While I'm not surprised that a few Madison teachers are hiding from reality, the majority of us believe that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is a wholly appropriate way to begin each day of school, " Suder said. "The last three weeks have seen our country brought closer together than it's ever been. It's unfortunate that groups like the FFRF can't bring themselves to support the nation that guarantees their right to spread such hateful demagoguery, " Suder added.

Suder also noted that it is ironic that FFRF President Anne Gaylor referred to the national anthem as "the most secular, and least coercive alternative," as the fourth verse of Francis Scott Key's original lyrics includes a reference to God. [see full text]

"Far be it for the radicals at the Freedom From Religion Foundation to actually do some research before launching another one of their attacks on a symbol of American patriotism," Suder said. "I suppose in the world they wish we lived in facts and accuracy just don't matter. But up here in the real world, honesty and the truth are valued, a love and respect for this nation is a positive, and the belief and faith in God is a sign of a healthy society. "

Representative Scott Suder is Chairman of the Assembly's Criminal Justice Committee.