We Have a Problem
Last Friday this video was shown at an assembly at my children's school. Now, I don't usually express my political opinions; I vote, that's how I share my beliefs. And when I heard the uproar over this video, I didn't rush headlong into a political debate like some parents did. Instead I talked to my kids, asked them about it. And then, based on what they told me, I checked it out for myself.
The premise of this video is pledging to serve, which is why it was shown to the kids at school. The school's theme for the year is service. I get that. That's cool. Oh, but there's more to the story--so much more. And now we have a problem.
First of all, the use of celebrities was Oooover the top in this video--celebrities my children don't even know because they are celebrities that act, sing, appear in more grown-up genres of music, film, etc. I have a problem with this. I don't want my six-year-old to look up to a tattooed burnout who pledges allegiance to funk. (Yes, he really said that. It's in the video; you can check it out.)
Secondly--and this is a biggie--I do not, and I don't want my children to, pledge allegiance to Barack Obama. Yes, he is the president of the United States of America. I support that and respect that. But I pledge allegiance to a nation, not a man.
And last of all, I do not pledge to be a servant to Barack Obama. Last time I checked, the president of the United States was a servant of the people, not the other way around.
The airing of the video to my children did prompt some good discussions. We talked about the 12th Article of Faith which states: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." And how honoring the president and respecting that position is not the same as being a servant to any man.
I think the thing that upsets me about this video is the fact that these celebrities, who do have the right of free speech, said these lines so flippantly, as if they didn't think about what they were saying. To pledge to be a servant to anyone. Come on, people. Think before you speak.
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Comments
I can't stand the guy kissing his biceps as he dedicates them (symbolically, I assume) to Obama.
Unreal. And yes, we are in trouble. So let's get busy.
I showed the beginning to my daughter and told me to let me know if they show that in her school. I'm thinking this may be a good FHE lesson even if they don't show it in school
Rachel
I pledge to read the name right.jk
The rest of the pledges, except for funk (who IS that guy?!), I really liked. And it would be what I wish for America to do. These are admirable pledges. The only thing I found offensive is the Obama thing. He should be making these pledges to US, I am not going to be a servant to a man who spent more money in his first 3 months as president, as others did in their 4 year run!!
Would this video have been produced if McCain had won?
I seem to remember this kind of stuff on a lower media scale, being made to convince all of Germany to follow under rule of a wicked leader who was able to submit an entire of culture under him to death.
I know, that sounds extreme, but that is exactly what I felt.
Also. I have a problem with these kinds of videos..because they feel like manipulation with an agenda. There is no Spirit in them.