At least they said the pledge. Where I work they don't have to stand or recite the pledge in any language. Don't even have to have a reason of any kind, just don't want to and therefore are not required. I see many things changing in this nation that in my opinion, and my opinion only, are taking away what this nation was built on, unity in a people. I have a problem when a student is not required to at least stand for the flag that represents the country in which they live. The very flag that represents the freedoms and privileges of living in this nation. United we stand, divided we fall. Shouldn't be long now.

I found out today that I know the STUDENT who suggested this to the Spanish class' teacher. The fact that a student had the initiative to try to enlighten the rest of the school to a different culture other than small town America by reciting THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE to AMERICA (not Mexico, Spain, or Cuba, but AMERICA)shows not only that kids today are trying to think outside of the box, demonstrate thinking GLOBALLY, yet pledging their allegiance to the country that gives them those rights is not only admirable but is a blessing to the Edgerton community and Wisconsin! Try to be like the high schoolers and think outside of the box, for the good of "these United States".

I to am a Veteran, but saying the pledge in Spanish doesnt upset me for being a Veteran but upsets me more that this is the United States our Language is English, so if you hear you speak English. If the Spanish Class wishes to say the pledge in Spanish Class they can do it in Class after the United States Pledge is recieted.

The United States has NO OFFICIAL LANGUAGE. The understood "norm" language is English but there is no government endorsed language.

Besides, this was a spanish class saying the pledge. It is a good educational experience.

Nobody would even be talking about this if a French or German class did the same thing.

Too much ignorance for me. If you want to legitimately get upset about something remember this... At a Madison, WI elementary school instead of playing the national athem they played the chinese nathional athem. Now that is something being offended about.

People need to stop listening to Rush and Hannity and open their brains a bit.

Would you rather have people pledging allegiance in a foreign language, or pledging their hatred?
_
I thought veterans died for freedom and liberty, not the English language.
_
We should say the pledge as it was originally intended - with no reference to God. Say it out loud including and excluding "God." It flows much better without God, and it's more inclusive. Did you know it was written by a Socialist! (at least according to this source:http://history.vineyard.net/pledge.htm)
_
For an interesting history of Francis Bellamy you might check out this source (http://history.vineyard.net/pdgech4.htm) which includes the Pledge author's views on Mexican labor (about 2/3 of the way down in the section "Editor of the Illustrated American").
_
If only life was as simple as 'say it this way!'

Juro fidelidad a la bandera
de los Estados Unidos de América,
y a la república que representa
una nación bajo Dios,
indivisible cón libertad
y justicía para todós.

ignorance is bliss and everywhere. so what if people are laughing at WI. tomorrow we will be laughing at them. yes, WI. needs to stop smoking,drinking, and praying but, who doesn't ? :) and people are nice for the most part as long as i don't tell them what i really think :(

Thanks mymaro!
Too bad my elderly parents still live in Janesville, as well as my sister who has lived in a nursing home there for 20 years in a coma caused by a Wisconsin drunk driver.
If it were not for them, you can bet I'd not be back, even to visit.
Anyway, you will feel more at home when the rest of us with any intelligence are gone and you can live in peace amongst your peers.

jsvlparkergrad, good riddance. see you later. dont come back anytime soon

I to am a Veteran, but saying the pledge in Spanish doesnt upset me for being a Veteran but upsets me more that this is the United States our Language is English, so if you hear you speak English. If the Spanish Class wishes to say the pledge in Spanish Class they can do it in Class after the United States Pledge is recieted.

To bad it's Wisconsin that's getting the bad rap when the focus should be on a bunch of vets who think they have more rights than everyone else.

They are coming off as unthinking and fascistic.

http://forums.fark.com/cgi/fark/comments...
It took me a little while to find it on fark. I think the rest of the country thinks we're nuts. I don't want to be included in the group "from Wisconsin" anymore.

You're right, Parker grad. Because of the ignorance of a select few in Edgerton, all of Wisconsin is being branded a bunch of dumb@$$%s. I certainly hope that people that don't suffer from misguided jingoistic tendencies also show up at the school board meeting to counter those intending to bully the board. And on another note, you rock, Mr. Fjelstad!

Well, congratulations to these "patriotic" protesters of the students saying the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish. The website Fark.com has posted this news article and has made Wisconsin the laughing stock of the rest of America (and a few neighboring countries). I am now finally and totally ashamed to say I even come from Wisconsin and am a fellow veteran of these ignorant protesters. A few days ago, an article appeared on MSNBC, stating that Wisconsin was the NUMBER ONE state in the US for percentage of the population that drives drunk. And now this! Wisconsin has now become a big joke to people in the US (as if they hadn't been enough of one in the past)!
And people wonder why there is a mass exodus of University of Wisconsin graduates from Wisconsin (myself included). We sure have a LOT of UW Alumnus groups all over the REST of the US!

um...gazettefan, you're right. but I've met some of my neighbors, and while they may not speak English fluently, they are not doing me any harm. So why do I need to excessively concern myself with it?

ms...sassy, you haven't met my neighbors!!!

everybody is so focussed on what "MY" rights are. what about focusing on and standing up for what my neighbor's rights happen to be, as well?

(I mean about the narcissism.)

sassy, that's an interesting take. Say more.

People who are here legally but speak another language have the right to say and do (in whatever language they choose) anything they want as long as it's legal. The Pledge of Allegiance is one of those things. People who believe otherwise are just narcissistic.

In the mid-'80s I lived in a country where there were thousands of U.S. service personnel and their families.
Many of them chose to live "on the economy" (renting from locals rather than living on bases).
The majority of these families kept themselves insulated enough to learn no more of the language of that country than absolutely required to order coffee and tortes in the cafes, find a bathroom and ask where the train arrives.
I had a richer experience fumbling and bumbling my way through eight months there than most of them had in two or four years doing all their shopping on the base, drinking at the bars on base, and eating at the restaurants on base.
So many of these families had children (who attended schools on base), and what a waste of an opportunity for them.

It was such an irritant when I would arrive to catch the underground and find a group of uniformed privates with their boomboxes turned up to maximum. This was not the way of the natives.
It embarrassed me.
I guess they were serving for the right to impose themselves on another culture and demand English be spoken wherever they happened to land.

Good Grief...Gay/Straight Alliance in Janesville, Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish in Edgerton...don't you people have anything more important to complain about? Get a life!

I hope that the knuckleheads who plan to bully the people at Edgerton High School are someday trapped in the Tower of Babble.

Everybody must read jfoust's comment. It is EXCELLENT! Good work :)

Good work, jfoust. The statute does not preclude saying the Pledge in another language. Therefore what happened in Edgerton was legal. And to try and compel the school to do otherwise would be illegal. And anyone who commited or attepted to commite such act would be guilty of breaking the law.

Here's what our Wisconsin law says about it. "Wis. Stat. 118.06 Flag, pledge of allegiance, and national anthem. 118.06(1) Every school board and the governing body of every private school shall cause the U.S. flag to be displayed in the schoolroom or from a flagstaff on each school ground during the school hours of each school day. 118.06(2) Every public school shall offer the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem in grades one to 12 each school day. Every private school shall offer the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem in grades one to 12 each school day unless the governing body of the private school determines that the requirement conflicts with the school's religious doctrines. No pupil may be compelled, against the pupil's objections or those of the pupil's parents or guardian, to recite the pledge or to sing the anthem."

Yes, it doesn't say anything about the language used. Yes, it means school kids don't even need to say the Pledge. A kid can decide what they want to do. They can't even be asked to or required to stand up for it. They can't be asked to place their hand over their heart. If a teacher does any of these things, they're going against State law. Of course, a kid can't be disruptive during the Pledge, just as they can't misbehave at any other time. School boards base their policies on State law. I guess we'd need to ask Edgerton students if their teachers are following the law.

For a little more Edgerton history, I encourage you to read about the Edgerton Bible case:

http://tinyurl.com/3oq4l2

It was a landmark case before our nation's Supreme Court in 1886 that helped establish our principles of religious freedom. Catholic parents complained that mandatory school readings of the Protestant Bible violated their freedoms. They won. Says the previous link, "Seventy years later, when the U.S. Supreme Court banned prayer from the public schools in 1963, the Edgerton Bible case was one of the precedents that Justice William Brennan cited."

Anyone who is offended by this situation needs to get the sand out of their underwear and quit being so uptight about everything. I assume these are the same people who complain about *anything* and *everything,* no matter how little the situation really is. You people need to just chill out and enjoy life for what it is. You only live once, let's ENJOY it!
.
How about we worry more about the rapists, pedophiles, and murderers and less about what language the Pledge Of Allegiance is spoke in.

shdow5 you say 'like spitting in the faces of those who have fought for your freedom'. ummmmm what about the hispanics that have fought AND DIED for our freedom?? is this a spit in their face too?? FO GODS SAKE PEOPLE THIS WAS A SPANISH CLASS USING WHAT THEY LEARNED IN CLASS. IT WASNT MEANT TO INSULT. IT WAS MEANT AS AN EDUCATIONAL EXERCISE. whoever pointed out yesterday was dead on when they asked if youd be offended WHEN the deaf recite the pledge in sign?? thats a dift language and it sure isnt a slap in yo face.

Thanks, gazettefan :o)
And I hope you see, even though I am factually correct, that I do a bit of my blogging in the manner of justsaynotomath, my hero of sarcasm (oh, and you as well!)

jsvlparkergrad, if you knew the correct spelling, it's not a misspelling but a typo.

Oh no! I misspelled the first word of my post! Better take myself out and put myself in the pillory!

People are wrong if they are protesting because they are against Spanish speaking people.
However, I've got a feeling that the issue is that having more than one language used in the United States is going to have an effect on the "United" part.
The language used in a given situation should be the best availabe to commuicate to the group at hand.
If this was an educational experience in a classroom situation it is good. However, if the pledge is given on a daily basis as part of the regular day it should've been done in English and then repeated for the educational experience in Spanish.

Asa a veteran of the Army of the United States of America, I am outraged that shdow5, ame8736 and IBTF want to curtail the First Amendment rights of people, the same Constitution I swore to uphold and defend. That is not the America I put my life on the line for!
And I will say it again, if you insist on using English only, then you must also learn how to write it correctly as well. The gibberish you pass off as English in your posts telling others to use English only is worse than a 5th grader.
This is America, we don't hold tribunals where citizens decide whether or not kids can say the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish class, as a learning exercise, for crying out loud!

True, Ryanthehut, welcome home.

US Army veteran here who served in Iraq also- and this is dumb. A Pledge of Allegiance is just that- a pledge! Who cares what language it is spoken in. It is the "pledge" that matters! Unless they are pledginf allegiance to Syria or some other country- no harm done!

My previous post was a little excessive, so I requested that it be deleted.

shdow5's post ignores the importance of the incident. It was an exercise for students learning a second language in school.

shdow5's post was in response to something imaginary and not the actual incident.

"shdw5" the citizens of New York would like to disagree with you ! they gave their lives on sept.11th without being asked to or trained to do so. they gave their lives to save other Americans and they were NOT soldiers. they spoke all different languages and did not care when the buildings were falling down around them what language they spoke. YOU and people like you drag America down. it is sad you learned nothing about LIBERTY in your tour of duty. LIBERTY is for all Americans not just english speaking but ALL Americans.

Remember that America is a Democratic Republic, and while he take great pride in our country, we're not fascists... statements like Shdow5 made are not all too different from what Benito Mussolini might have said about Italy, or Hitler about Germany.

As a wounded combat veteran I find your post to be ridiculous, incoherent, and borderline psychotic.

I am amazed at how easy some will sell the heritage of an entire nation down the tubes because they have no concept of what Freedom, Liberty really costs. I am proud to be an citizen of the United States of America and just like every other immigrant to this great land my family learned to speak English, it was not easy but Liberty and Freedom do not come cheap and English has been and always will be the National Language! In our Public schools this should be a major point. before somebody starts this kind of incident again how about clearing it with the citizens first. What has happened here, intentional or not was like spitting in the faces of those who have fought for your freedom. Frankly I do not think we deserve that kind of disrespect. Do not drag the Spirit of America thru the streets like a corpse. Stand up and defend her!Learn the english language and take part in the greatest country the world has ever known.
God Bless The U.S.A.

I'm so sorry for not reading everyone's posts before posting. I'll be sure to read it all thoroughly after this, though. I just wanted to say a couple things, and I also apologize if I repeat what someone else has already said.
°
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I absolutely LOVE people who have lost their Caps Lock key. Not only does it fail to prove your point, but it also undermines the whole purpose of capitalizing words in the first place. It hurts the eyes and produces a bad image of a person who apparently doesn't know how to speak without yelling.
°
I'm a Marine and I support saying the pledge of allegiance in any language. *Gasp* Spanish, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swahili, Navajo (I apologize that I do not know the politically correct name for the language of the Navajo, or any other Native American tribes.) These are all the nations and people who make America what we are. I think that school districts should put on a show where the pledge of allegiance is said in as many different American languages as possible (languages of people who have come to America.)
°
Let us not be bigots. I'm ever grateful to ALL minorities who have fought for The United States of America's infamy, even while they were being persecuted themselves. They have sacrificed much more than the ungrateful could ever understand.

ZOMG! Teh wurld iz coming 2 an end! Teh Pledge of Allegiance was sed in *gasp* ESPANYOL!!!!!

Right on, Hockeyjockey, right on!!!

A high school Spanish class demonstrated their progress learning the language by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Nothing more, nothing less. The posts by IBTF and ame8736 sadden me.

Mr. Decker, thank you for your service to our country. But you are very, very wrong about this issue. And I hope the Edgerton school board doesn't offer you a public apology, because you should be the one apologizing. You are teaching the students of Edgerton a lesson they are likely to remember long after they've left their Spanish class behind. You've taught them intolerance.

Meanwhile, I will go back to reading my New Testament in the original Greek, because that's how it was written and it would be disrespectful to do it any other way. (This paragraph was sarcasm, by the way.)

IBTF My husband just read your postings and agrees with you also.

thekid...., trick question, you got me!!!

The vigorous debate this story has generated (and the forum provided by this newspaper) is more of a tribute to American ideals -- where we can debate an issue publicly -- than is the enforcement of a language requirement to pledge allegiance to those ideals.

May we ever defend our freedom more vigorously than we defend our language.

yer wrong gazettefan. the royale w cheese is the quater pounder. the whoppers still the whopper;)

This is a matter of academic freedom. Thuggery does not determine what goes on in our schools.

It's about an exercise for students who are learning a second language.

I see both sides. But, what I think many are passing over is that fact that these were students who were participating in their high school class. Perhaps the arguments against reciting the Pledge in a foreign language--at a school--would hold more water if it was not part of an educational experience. (Like if Principal Halberg allowed all students of Latin decent to recite the Pledge via the intercom in honor of cinco de mayo). There are 2 totally separate issues here.....and whether (we) believe the actions of Jim Halberg to be correct or unpatriotic. this issue is not the same as illegals (or legals) refusing to learn "our" language or culture.

This isn't about the insertion of second language into the workings of the U.S government nor is about making a second language a requirement for the American mainsteam (two ideas for which I have no sympathy).

It's about having our students and our people learn a second language as a matter of cultural depth.

jvlparkergrad, I noticed the poorly written posts.

thekid.... Le Royale

acjd93 says: "When we go to a foreign country, we're expected to know their languages, mainly because they don't know ours." On the contrary-many, many countries require students to take English courses.
We are likely to encounter many English speakers (to some degree or another) if we travel, for example, to Europe. Do we afford them the same "hospitality" when they come here? Many seem to think it is not our "job" to do that. But, of course, which of the many "standard" languages (French, German, Spanish....) would we choose to learn? (Apparently not Spanish for most.)

ame8736; Thank you! I've spent all of my life believing in this country, and now I am starting to doubt it. We fought for our independence partly because of all the taxes. Now we are taxed on everything! The Politicians aren't really for the people, their for themselves and what it gets them, not what it does for us. If we really knew where all our hard earned tax dollars were going, there would be another Revolutionary War against ourselves.

I'm just worried that some day in the not to distant future, that there won't be a USA. We'll be taken over by some other country that owns more of our land than Americans do, and our Politicians will let it happen because it will put money in their pockets and thats all they really care about. I know this is off the main stream of this subject but I needed to get it out there. Money is the root of all evil. And we all know there aren't any poor Politicians. Just wish they really had us in mind when they pass their laws.

MikeF, I'm not an "English Only" but (to the best of my knowledge) I think the bible was originally written in Aremaic? (sp. error, I'm sure). Not totally sure, though. Any other ideas? They have to be more interesting than the idiotic babble dominating this blog.

justsaynotomath: that is AWESOME!!! I'm dying to learn sign language. Do you know anywhere (locally) that teaches it?

IBTF I like what you say in your posting

When my (and probably most of yours) ancestors came from overseas, they were expected to learn, speak and write in english and if they wanted to speak their language, they did it in private. When I went to school, a second language was a elective, now it's required. What is this country coming to? Why should we bend over for them? When we go to a foreign country, we're expected to know their languages, mainly because they don't know ours. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with anyone who wants to better themselves and come to our country to do so, but we shouldn't have to bend on our heritages and traditions. Most of the Spanish speaking immigrants don't even make an attempt to speak english and that is wrong. Along with our Economy, society seem to be going down the tubes. Kids don't respect their elders, mabee because you can't punish them anymore; Seems like all the 'freedoms' people fought for in the past are being governed and we can't have or do anymore; and now we seem to have to adopt spanish into our lives. If there is a language that should be taught in schools, it should be 'sign'. Hearing impared english taught persons have it hard to communicate without the confusion of trying to understand spanish if they lip read. Perhaps it should be up to our lawmakers to make english the so called official language. English has been used in the United States without any protest or conroversy for 100+ years, and now it's getting out of hand. In closing, to those who want to better themselves, great, but please learn and speak english since 99% of us do and if you don't want to do that, go home!

Can't we all just get along????????????? :-)

"They" should learn our language? Do some our uneducated citizens of Rock County not realize that English isn't the official language of the United States? It actually doesn't have one. It's true that 28 states have English as an official language, but is Wisconsin one of them? Nope.

You are missing the point. I don't hate anyone. If you want to move to the USA legally, great! But you must learn to READ and SPEAK our language. We shouldn't have to change everthing for you. Pretty soon every package, sign, newspaper, Ect. Ect. will have to be 10 times as big and have 52 different languages on them. Why are we just Catering to the Hispanic communities. Like you say, "There Are Americans here from all over the World" how come they aren't getting their native language written out on everthing as well. We thank those who have come here legally and helped make this country what it is. But we can't let a bunch of freeloaders come in and destroy what we've all worked so hard for. Like the Social Security System. Do you think it is fair for someone who has not paid one penny into it, to be able to collect benifits from it. Would you like the banks to tell you that the money that is in your savings account can be used by anyone that wants it? It's one bad thing for them to allow legal citizens to draw off it even though they haven't paid into it. It's another for now to let Illegals to! And as for Christian Symbols to be ruled out of being displayed anywhere we want. It has nothing to do with seperation of Church and State. That was meant for not having the Churches run our Government. Just seeing a Christian Symbol doesn't do that. If you don't like the Christian Symbols, don't look at them, don't say it offends you, don't look. I see several things all over the country I don't like, but I don't go around forcing them out. They may offend me but I just choose to ignor them. How come they don't stop any and all other religous symbols from being displayed? If the way it is here isn't to your liking than go somewhere else. Americans READ and SPEAK English, and a very high percentage are Christians. That is what this USA was founded on. Like it or Leave it!!! I used to think this was the Greatest Country in the World, but I'm not so sure anymore. I don't HATE anyone, and if you want to come here to live legally and make a living for yourself, great! If you want to come here, illegaly, live off others and then try to change our lives by forcing your religous symbols and your languages on us, stay away. Go back to where you came from, and stop stealing our AMERICA. And as for the Spanish class saying the Pledge, keep it in your classroom. How many other really want to hear you say it, out side of that room?

mmmm!
Belgian waffles and Canadian bacon.
Whatever should I have for lunch.

Hungarian Goulash and Dutch apple pie?

This veteran cannot help laughing at the posts of the people who want everyone to speak English in the US. If it should be a requirement that the Pledge of Allegiance be spoken only in English, then I demand that the requirement of English-only communication be extended to written English as well.
Has anyone else noticed the bad spelling, punctuation and grammar used by the very folks who demand we all speak English?

hey truth-- what do they call the whopper where they use the metric system??;)

Janesville is full of rednecks? Now there's a revelation.

Protesting Spanish, freaking out about Gay Straight alliance....
Janesville's redneck ways are like a puppy bucking at the leash... they are going to break, and the laws and young people will make sure of this.

Yes, someone's ancestors slaughtered most of the native americans and took over their country. My ancestors did not participate in this activity, but there is little doubt that their ancestors slaughtered and took over someone's land from someone who slaughtered and took over someone else's land. "We" enjoy this country and our quality of life because they took it and will continue to do so until someone takes it from us (hopefully not anytime soon). Grim facts from the real world.

IBTF, nobody is stopping anyone from speaking English. The pledge was said in Spanish as part of the Spanish class. They do it one morning a year.
*
The majority of us are descendants of immigrants, most of whom did not speak English when they came here. Part of the reason this country was founded by our forefathers was to escape persecution and to have the freedom of religious belief. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish one day a year doesn't hurt anyone. If anything, it can open eyes to the diversity in this country.
*
As for the veterans, myself being one, there were about 30% of the recruits in my basic training class who were Spanish speaking citizens. They also spoke English, but not as a first language. There are illegals in our country from every nationality, not just Spanish speaking. The argument here is so flawed and full of hate it's silly.

IBTF-Your "ancestors" didn't assimilate to the culture of the Native Americans; they slaughtered them and took over.
---------------------------------
Is anyone who is reading/writing these posts planning on protesting the protesters? Where do I sign up?

justsaynotomath- That's the funniest thing I've heard all week.

i just got back from having some gay sex, smoking a joint, and saying the pledge in spanish. have a nice day doing whatever you want with your freedom.

Thank GOD someone is protesting this!!! My ancestors came here from Germany. My dad was wounded in WWII and later died from those injuries. They came her legally and learned the language. They worked hard and paid their own way and helped make this country what it was. Now your working at destroying what they worked, fought and died for! If you don't like English and the fact we believe in GOD, then go back to where you came from. I'm sure there are a lot of people immagrating to those countries and forcing their Governments to switch their beliefs and languages. The majority of us Americans need to get up off our lazy butts and start a movement to stop what is going on. SPEAK ENGLISH AND LET US SHOW THAT WE BELIEVE IN ONE TRUE GOD AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT GET TO HELL OUT. We don't stop you from believing what you want and saying what you want but don't stop us either. We've allowed to many of you to make changes to our ways, that it is destroying our AMERICA. GET OUT AND STAY OUT!!!

ame...., what's that have to do with the issue of:

The ignorant flag-waving thugs who think they can bully away the sanctity of academic freedom are a disgrace.

This is from one of my message boards where we are discussing this topic also
bratcat444
I feel for all the men and women that are serving overseas, I have a
nephue over there. But when one comes to another contry they leave
their old one behind, keep your culture alive in your home, but you
must learn the launguish and laws of the land as did all of our
forfathers did and as Americans would have to do if they moved to
aother country. The Pledge of Allegiance is just that you are
pledging your loyaty to this country and giving up your citizanship
from where you came, so its only proper to learn the launguish of our
country the United Ststes of America, where we speak english!!!-

unknown - i am suprised you even graduated with grammar skills such as yours.

The ignorant flag-waving thugs who think they can bully away the sanctity of academic freedom are a disgrace.

this story is just ridiculous
i only read the first couple sentences and was outraged
its a spanish class
for christ sakes!
of course they are going to say it in spanish.
and besides isnt this country about "all men are created equal"
so we should all be able to say the pledge how we want to. unless it is really discriminting
other than that i could care less
as more
me i dont even say the pledge its a waste of time

And before anyone takes the Native American Indian statement from my last post and runs off in another direction with it. They as well have added a heritage that has lasted through the years into our culture, Spoken and committed there lives to the allegiance of this land and did it in a language other then English.

And my great-grandfather spoke his Pledge of Allegiance at Ellis Island along with hundreds of thousands of other immigrants who make up this great nation in a language other then English. Unless you’re a Native American Indian, Everyone posting here owes some family member who spoke that wonderful Pledge in whatever language they spoke it in, honor and respect for the courage it took to bring there heritage, our heritage which is made up of a melting pot of the peoples from every corner of the world to form this nation.

Just for clarification,
The Old Testament was written in Hebrew
The New Testament was written in Greek.
King James had both translated into English starting in 1604 and finishing in 1611

I've seen enough of these high-profile vets to know that they don't represent me. They are just a fraction of one percent of all vets.

All they represent is their need for glory-mongering. They have the mentality of the defunk soviet politbureau.

the bible was NOT written in english, my exact thought when reading these posts. it's NOT bible thumping to say this when you proclaim english as the official language. when you read the bible did you learn latin first or did you buy a translated copy ? to say it has nothing to do with this is ignorant. i hope when all the bigot hate bashing people are on here get old and enter the nursing home, that they are cared for by a Spanish, Atheist, Gay person. will your god forgive you ???

I'm sorry, I was just expecting a very close minded response to such a question.

It's very much not in my nature to rail on someone for they way they write or speak.

I was expecting a "speak english or get the F out" kind of response.

I understand that it can be frustrating for you when you can't understand what some people you work with are talking about when they speak in their native language. I too, have had to deal with working with people who either don't speak English, or don't have a well enough grasp on the English language to feel comfortable speaking it to an obvious American.

Just remember, speaking English, is neither a requirement for temporary citizenship, nor is it a requirement to get a job. They feel just as awkward not being able to understand you, as you do them.

Just try your best and hope they do can do the same.

First, be able to WRITE a sentence in ENGLISH and spell words correctly.

Second, America doesn't have an official language.

Before World War II, the Pledge would begin with the right hand over the heart during the phrase "I pledge allegiance". The arm was then extended toward the Flag at the phrase "to the Flag", and it remained outstretched during the rest of the pledge, with the palm facing upward, as if to lift the flag.

An early version of the salute, adopted in 1892, was known as the Bellamy salute. It also ended with the arm outstretched and the palm upwards, but began with the right hand outstretched, palm facing downward. However, during World War II the outstretched arm became identified with Nazism and Fascism, and the custom was changed: today the Pledge is said from beginning to end with the right hand over the heart.

ruserious, thank-you for the info, i wasnt sure how far it had gone, i guess i spoke prematurely.

the pledge as it was originally written, in 1892:

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

The words "of the united states of america" were added so Immigrants would know to which flag they were pledging allegiance to.

The pledge was originally written to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America, and if I remember right, Columbus was Italian, but was sailing for SPAIN, which is the language this whole article is about.

So when you think about it, saying the pledge in SPANISH is just an homage to the country the funded the discovery of America, and it's right to be as ignorant and full of bigotry as it pleases

My god, how ignorant can people be!!! Saying the words in another language does not change the meaning of the words. You have to be kidding me, what the hell does it matter. You could say the pledge in Pig Latin for all I give a crap. Does that change the sentiment? America does not have a "national language" nor does it have a "national religion" all these "american" sentiments, are b.s. since this country was founded by IMMIGRANTS.

I live in Edgerton and it saddens me that someone thinks that just because they are a veteran it's a free pass to be ignorant and a bigot.

My Grandfather fought in world war II, my uncles fought in Vietnam, and my father was also in the military, but during a time of peace, he was stationed in Germany, NONE of them could care less what language the Pledge is spoke in. There are WAY bigger problems facing America than what language the friggin pledge is spoke in.

Thank you Shorty for complimenting my ideas! And thank you Gazettefan for bringing the truth to the posters about how people who did not speak English fighting for the United States of American in the Vietnam War.

I do have some more points I want to add. There is a Freedom of Speech Amendment which protects this school and many other schools from this sort of harassment done by people who like to make excuses as to what this debate is really about, (hate). Please, for those who are ignorant, read up on it. Here's the website: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_...)

Another point is that more languages we learn, the more we pass along information as important as those which bring great pride to countries around this Earth, in which WE ALL LIVE UPON, (which I find ironic at times that ignorant people keep on being regenerated at numerous rates, that they're even human), that it brings a great opportunity for us all to learn each other's cultures. I think it is AWESOME that we can learn how to say the Pledge of Allegiance in other culture's languages! We can teach those who do not speak the language that well, the tremendous pride we have in our country.

As for the grumpy man who is against this... I say, "Why don't you do something useful, like go volunteer more for a Literary Council, than bash and harass a school for teaching very good things to children, just because YOU have hatred in your soul?"

I would tell you off in Spanish, but I'd rather not waste my time.

Adios!

YOU GO AL!!!

A few Hispanic friends that I know, are actually quite offended by others who insist not to learn English. MANY Hispanics come here, learn the language, and are good productive members of society. It's unfortunate that many of those get a bad name by the ones who come here; refuse to learn the language, commit crime, and and mock American culture.

Isn't that fence built yet?? May I suggest putting an electric current through it :)

I know for a fact that some Puerto Ricans, who spokek little or no English -but Spanish instead-, died fighting for this country in Vietnam,

When I hear about knee-jerk "patriots" like Al Decker who cling to suspicious mentallities like patriotriotism, I know I'm hearing about brainless, illitrate, jerkwads who if they were born in a communist society would be romping, stomping, screaming heads of the central politbureau.

justathought4uall---

very well said
we MUST stop teaching our children to hate
just because someone/something is differnt, doesnt make them/it wrong or inferior

and I especially like your point about us not having to learn the Indian language when our forefathers came to America.

allwaysright-
i think danhartung was just being sarcastic
dont think he was serious... at least i hope he wasnt lol

This is not about speaking another language, just it's application. To become a U.S. citizen, you must have a working knowledge of English. The pledge is your commitment to your country. It was written in English, not Spainish, Polish, or Latin. If you don't wish to blend in, that is your perogative. Just don't pretend it makes no difference.

Wow! Sounds like we're teaching our kids the wrong values to have.

If you do not like the Spanish language because you have a hang-up or racist views against Hispanics, then keep it to yourself. But to teach our children to hate? To teach our children that what they choose to do in a new language they learn is wrong? THAT'S SO UNAMERICAN!!!! None of us were made to learn the Indian language upon our arrival. People can be so ignorant.

Also, look at all the foreign countries who know more than one language. Why do some chose to be so ignorant and hateful towards other cultures? Because that's how they're raised. Well stop raising children this way.

As for the Pledge of Allegiance. It is a beautiful piece of work! It doesn't become less beautiful in any language, and for anyone who says so, maybe you ought to find a nicer hobby in which you do not bug or offend people, and do not teach people to hate other cultures and other languages.

This man is really insulting himself showing how cowardly and ignorant he is.

You're all right!
Now I aam going to that Scottish restaurant, you know, McDonald's, and getting some french fries and a Royal with cheese.
You know, because of the metric system.

If they are pledging allegiance to the United States, why does it matter what language its in, its still a pledge to the United States.

If the Spanish class had pledged allegiance to Mexico, Spain, or another spanish speaking country I can understand the uproar.

As a Spanish teacher (not in Wisconsin), I try to teach tolerance of other cultures. We say the Pledge of Allegience every day at our school, at the same time via televised announcements. During Foreign Language Week (in March) some of our Spanish students do recite the pledge in Spanish and never have we heard the backlash that the teacher and principal are receiving in Edgerton! I understand patriotism, but I also want my students to be able to communicate in another language. They are proud to show off their ability to say the pledge both in English and Spanish. By the way....the United States of America does NOT have an official language.

Well, it's a good thing we're going to stop this silly business of teaching our kids second languages. It's not like we ever have occasion to send them overseas as soldiers anywhere where English isn't spoken.
.
Let's deport all the foreign language teachers, while we're at it. Suspicious lot, if you ask me.

Picking up on Justsaynotomath's comment, did you know that the Pledge of Allegiance is given every school day in American Sign Language at that deaf school in Delavan? And no...American Sign Language is not English. It's no more related to English than French is. Hmmm...wonder if that makes them traitors?

Well said, Jdowd. The last time I had the great good fortune to travel abroad, I found people in France, England and Italy speaking French, Italian, Spanish, Russia, German, Chinese, Japanese...and, yes, more often than not, English. Imagine! Everyone learning from everyone else! Peace AND understanding one another THRU diversity! I wonder just how people of so many nations can get along with one another without the animosity and cultural fears we see so blatantly in the U.S. It's time Americans support what freedom and democracy are about by ACTIVELY participating in democracy and encouraging diversity rather than just slavishly worshiping the symbolic representations of it. By all means be proud of your cultural heritage but don't dismiss others who can also honorably share in respecting that heritage by expanding upon it.

melstew, what you read, I assume, was a March 13 story saying that the bill was actually half-passed, so to speak, in Wisconsin. The bill passed the Assembly but it was doubtful it would pass the Senate. I can't recall of seeing anything more on it since then.
The story can be found here: http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/latest-ne...

Yes, on March 13th, 2008. This conversation seems to not be about an official language. It's about xenophobia.

MikeF: I understood where you were going with your post. The point you were making was that the bible was originally written in Latin, I could be wrong, yet in today's society is in English. Did I get it right? :-)

well, actually i read in the janesville gazette a few weeks ago, that english was declared the official language in wisconsin.

wow! theyre, still allowed to say the pledge in school,i thought they banned that like they have everything else.

Well camper61. The idiot is the one who thinks "your" is the contraction for "you are", but let us not call each other names here.
Also, I am not "bible thumping" here at all. My point was that saying the pledge was written in English, therefore must be recited in English is a double standard if you use a bible that is not printed in the original language it was written in.
Finally, there is no "official language" in either Wisconsin or USA. Yes, there are efforts to declare one, but currently there is no official language.

I find it amzing that people give their lives for flags and the English language. Last i checked, I thought our veterans were fighting for freedom not the american symbols.
The freedom of speech, the freedom to assemble, the freedom to practice religion.
Veterans fought for all Americans regardless of language. Asian, Irish, Franch, German, Russian, Mexican, cuban, canadian all came to this country and at times of history of this country, cultural traditions were practiced and some assimilated into society. What makes the UNited States special is the melting pot philosophy. My daughter goes to college and has taken years of Spanish and Chinese. This is how we expand and become stronger. Diversity strengthens this country, not defeats it. I have hosted exchange students from Argentina and China. I have struggled to communicate with them at times with the different levels of understanding. More people need to host exchange students from all over to better appreciate the different cultures on this planet and if someone chooses to emmigrate to the USA, tolerance should be paracticed. Canada speak English and French. It does not make them any less of a country for embracing their strong French history. The same goes for the pledge. Regardless of what language it is said, it is an oath to this country and doesn't hurt anyone, but strenghtens us.

America, home of the intolerant.

There is still no official language. The English Language Unity Act, HR 997, has not been passed. I hope it never is.

dear mr old grumpy vet: instead of wastin yo time at a school board meeting complaining about something that has ZERO bearing on your day to day life, why dont you find a buffet or maybe a nice bingo game and bring some positives to yo life instead of wasting the few years you got left worryin about negatives.

To all you "English only" people out there..What language is your bible printed in?

The Pledge is the Pledge no mater what language it is in. The meaning is the same.

This is another example of intolerance in the area.

When the Wisconsin Constitution was first published it was sent out in English, German and Norwegian so that all of the citizens of the state could understand the freedoms it granted. Now we have a couple of jingoistic yahoos who hide their xenophobia behind Veteran's badges working against all that it stands for.

Words have meanings and the Pledge should have a meaning as well. "One nation, indivisible." The Pledge says that we are better together than separately.

I'm sad that the school board didn't have the good sense to tell Dix and Decker to go pound sand.

Yes I would still be upset if it was presented to the whole school over the PA in any other language than English. The pledge is written in English, and should only be spoken in English. This is the same as the Star Spangled Banner being sung in another language. NEVER. NEVER. NEVER.

WOW! Its not like they hung a flag of another nation above an upside down US flag. Sounds like they are learning to me. Call me crazy but isnt that what suppose to happen. If it were in french would people be so upset?

i think i will ask some deaf people to go there too and do the entire pledge in sign language. actions do speak louder then words. i am only learning sign language with my kids right now because, i forgot most of what i learned as a child having not used it since. maybe this guy forgot what it is to be American ?

Is this are real upset about what language the pledge is spoken in? Or is it about immigration issues?

I'm wondering if there would this big of an issue if the French or German classes did this?

I am also a Vietnam-era veteran.
I think that you should be proud that people who take a foreign language in school, or someone new to the US are saying the Pledge of Allegiance in another language.
First, it shows truly what the First Amendment concerning free speech really means.
Second, that someone from another country who wants to embrace the the US as their chosen country is willing to pledge allegiance to America, even if it is the only way they can do it until they learn English. At least they aren't spitting on or burning the flag!

THATS JUST IT YOU ARE AMERICAN WHEN YOU COME TO AMERICA TO LIVE YOU SHOULD LEARN ENGLISH AND THE AMERICAN WAYS. IF I WENT TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY TO LIVE I CERTAINLY WOULD LEARN THEIR LANGUAGE AND CUSTOMS

Actions speak far louder than words when it comes to patriotism. Those in the White House are prime examples by the lack of patriotism (demonstrated with numerous acts including but certainly not limited to torture, invasion, occupation, corporate greed, etc.) in spite of wearing flag lapel pins. When real patriotism and working on behalf of all citizens is lacking, the symbols are left empty and meaningless.

ame8736-I don't understand what you mean by your last comment. Please elaborate.

I may not be a veteran, but I am an American. I love my country and my ethnic diversity. I am putting myself through college so that one day I might solve environmental problems left to my generation by previous generations. I contribute positively to my family and my community at large. The protest is a direct display of bigotry, hatred, and ignorance, and I am not that kind of American.

MY FATHER WAS IN KOREA AND MY HUSBAND WAS IN VIET NAM HUSBAND WAS/IS VERY UPSET BY THE WAY HE WAS TREATED WHEN HE CAME HOME FROM VIET NAM

Ame8736-My Puerto Rican Grandfather fought in Korea, and my Puerto Rican father did 2 tours in Viet Nam . Both served for the US Army. What did you do?

TO GREENGINA8 OBVIOUSLY YOU ARE NOT A VERTERAN

This is rediculous. It was a Spanish class showing the rest of the school that they can apply what they've learned to an everyday situation. The school should encourage the other language classes to participate in the activity. It doesn't matter what language it's said in, it's still the Pledge of Allegiance to the US. As for a public apology, too bad. Grow up. It's not a crime to speak a foreign language. It should be encouraged, not discouraged.

GOOD!!
IF THEY REFUSE TO SPEAK ENGLISH THEY ARE REFUSING ALLIGIANCE!