Hillary Clinton praises 11-year-old for taking a knee during Pledge of Allegiance

Hillary Clinton praises 11-year-old for taking a knee during Pledge of Allegiance
Hillary Clinton (Image via Twitter)

And to think this sorry specimen could be sitting in the Oval Office, dispensing “justice”!

On Wednesday, twice-defeated presidential candidate Hillary Clinton offered praise and encouragement to an 11-year-old girl who was reportedly reprimanded for taking a knee during the Pledge of Allegiance.

First the back story, via CBS News:

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Inspired by banished NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Baltimore middle schooler Mariana Taylor, 11, wanted to protest sexism and racism in America by taking a knee, an act that wasn’t well received by her teacher. In February, as Taylor began kneeling during the Pledge of Allegiance, the instructor reprimanded her in front of the class, saying she was required to stand. The confrontation left Taylor in tears.

“Mariana became upset right then and there. She was allowed to leave the classroom upset, the teacher did not suggest any kind of support that she go to the guidance counselor. It wasn’t until her second teacher could not calm her down that she was supportive of Mariana,” Mariana’s mother, Joanne Taylor, told CBS Baltimore.

“It is in my rights to be allowed to kneel … students are allowed to take stands as long as it’s not disruptive to the classroom, and I feel that my confrontation was more disruptive than kneeling itself,” the young student said. “And we need this policy change so other kids don’t go what I went through.”

Actually, the policy, which is self-contradictory, already allows students and staffers to be excused from the flag salute. Baltimore County Public Schools Rule 6307 contains a requirement for “all students and teachers to stand and face the flag and while standing give an approved salute and recite in unison the pledge of allegiance.” Immediately after those words come these: “Any student or staff member who wishes to be excused from the flag salute shall be excused.”

But notice what the rule doesn’t say. It doesn’t stipulate that students are free to take a knee or protest in any other way during the pledge. Being excused from participating and staging a demonstration are two very different things.

In addition to pointing this out to young Mariana, the adults in the room (if there are any) might also make sure the child isn’t merely imitating what she sees overpaid athletes do. Once again, the rule doesn’t specify that students seeking to be excused can’t be questioned on why they feel as they do. The U.S. flag deserves at least that much respect.

Of course, that’s now how Clinton feels — at least as long a Donald Trump is in office. Here’s her tweet:

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Joe Newby

Joe Newby

Joe Newby is an IT professional. He has written for Conservative Firing Line, Examiner, NewsBusters, and Spokane Faith and Values.

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