Politician Who Won't Say Pledge Of Allegiance May Be Recalled

local6.com ^ | December 15, 2004 | local6

[crushelits]

DENVER -- A recall election is now set for an Estes Park, Colo., trustee who refuses to stand up and recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the Town Board meetings.
I have not been standing for the Pledge of Allegiance due to a conflict I have with the wording of the pledge, specifically the words 'under God,'" Councilman David Habecker said.

Habecker said it's a violation of church and state to include the words in the pledge and for that reason, he won't stand.The board began reciting the pledge before meetings earlier this year at the suggestion of Trustee Lori Jeffrey-Clark. She suggested it as a way to show respect for the country during wartime.Jeffrey-Clark said Habecker is expressing his personal views, not representing townspeople, when he sits down.

Habecker, who's served on the Town Board for 12 years, said he doesn't oppose the meaning of the pledge, and considers himself a patriot.But some other council members and residents are upset about his actions and have enough signatures to hold a recall election. That recall election will occur Tuesday, Feb. 15.All residents will vote on whether to recall David Habecker and a choice for his replacement in the event the recall passes. The recall is expected to cost a few thousand dollars."I'm sad for the community, that there is that much intolerance in our community. But if the people want to have a voice in what's going on, this is their way of doing it. And I will respect whatever the wishes of the community are," Habecker said.Estes Park, which has about 5,500 residents, is the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park about 60 miles northwest of Denver.

[Parley Baer]

Yep, let the voters decide. I would vote in favor of the recall. Parley

[moog]

Unless, it is for religious reasons, there is no reason NOT to say it. I say it proudly with my students in my first grade class every day. Not one of them would even think of not saying it.

[crazyhorse691]

The intolerance word. Justification for all things that are knee jerk reactions. Mighty civil of him to say he would leave office if recalled. Pseudo intellectuality is a requirement to be a liberal.

[Pikachu_Dad]

Plus he could even do the 'lite' version...

[Pikachu_Dad]

Plus he could even do the 'lite' version...

[26lemoncharlie]

That's great because I CANNOT TOLORATE ATHEISTS OR AGNOSTICS ANY LONGER!! Let the MAJORITY RULE!!

[TYVets]

"I would vote in favor of the recall."

So would a lot of other people voting in a survey on Drudge.

For recall 25,127 81%

Against recall 5,883 19%

A lot of votes from a town of 5,500 residents.

[RAY]

Throw him out!

[Dog Gone]

He could recite it and mumble "under dog" without anyone noticing. This guy wants to be a turd and to make sure everyone notices.

[keat]

Luddite commie b***ard doesn't have an email address, this is from the town website so it public



Mr. David Habecker
P. O. Box 70
Estes Park, CO 80517
Term Expires: 4/2006 (970) 586-2121 (H)

David is 54 years old and has been a resident and Building Designer in Estes Park since 1977. He is married to Susan, who is general manager and co-owner of The Appenzell Inn. They have a daughter Wendy, a son Christopher, and two extremely smart and good looking grandchildren. David is a former Chairman of the Bobcat Marching Band Boosters, former President of the Estes Park Lions Club, and former Estes Park Town Trustee.

[keat]

so it's public

[Proud2BeRight]

He should be able to not say the Pledge .... When he wins an election in Beijing.

[vpintheak]

I am really getting tired of these lunatics waving their fanaticism in my face! Its not as if we don't disagree with them, only on our part it has to do with decency, morals, and patriotism. All of which these idiot leftist scumbags have none of.

[keat]

David is 54 years old and has been a resident and Building Designer in Estes Park since 1977.

i.e. too lazy, ignorant to get an Architectural Degree/License. Also, probably regularly breaking state and local laws by designing buildings without one.

[gotmatt]

Habecker said it's a violation of church and state to include the words in the pledge and for that reason, he won't stand"

What law is that a violation of? i'd like for this "lawmaker" to quote me the law/article/whatever that says "Thous shalt have a separation of your churches and your state!" no such thing... a MINOR Supreme Court case used that line TO PROTECT... wait for it now... THE CHURCH FROM THE state! not the other way around!

[write_on61]

Well, what if you believe you are being asked to support the profession a religious belief?

[write_on61]

Then I guess you can't tolerate the First Amendment either, which after all is about protection of minority views.

[gotmatt]

if you have no religious belief than lying shouldn't be too big of an apprehension for you... you have no one to answer to.

[nothingnew]

Another A-hole who thinks there's a "violition of separation of church and state" exists. What "violition" of a nonexistent sepaparation of church and state is this brainless and constitution no nothing basing this crap on?

FMCDH(BITS)