Recall

So, I keep getting surprised by the stupidity and pettiness of some Americans. At this point in my life (especially since we re-elected the President) I would expect to have a thick skin when it comes to the dumbness of my fellow Yanks...unfortunate for me and my blood pressure, that's not true.

This latest demonstration of American silliness comes from Estes Park, Colorado. The people of Estes Park are planning on recalling one of their city council members for not standing and saying the Pledge of Allegiance at city council meetings. Yes, a recall.

Now for a little side note: as a Boisean, I know a lot about recalls. We tried to recall our former mayor, Brent Coles, for several (many) instances to fraud, deception and misuse of public funds in 2002-2003. I did my part in collecting signatures on the recall petitions. Mayor Coles resigned before he could be recalled.

Now, a recall is a serious matter and should only be used for serious matters, such as the Boise mayoral scandal. You don't recall an official who has done nothing wrong and broken no laws:

That's the official in question, David Habecker, a 12-year councilman for the people of Estes Park. What a heinous office he has committed...not. Now, I could understand the need for a recall if he had a crack pipe in his hand or a 14-year-old boy under the table...but no.

You see, "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,'" Habecker said. He believes it's a violation of church and state to include the words in the pledge and for that reason, and that reason alone, he won't stand. He is exercising his first amendment right to free expression, and he's going to be recalled.

I didn't understand the magnitude of the stupidity until I took the online poll provided by the local television station. It asked:

Should a town trustee be recalled because he refuses to stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance during Town Board meetings?

80%...that's not a typo...80% answered yes, he should be recalled because he refuses to stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance which he has the right to do.

Only one statement sums up my mindset right now: Serenity Now!