American Legion pulls park funding after atheist official won’t pledge ‘under God’
Ashta pointed out that the First Amendment of the United State Constitution afforded citizens the right not to speak.
“This section of the agenda says Pledge of Allegiance, and I feel like we’re compelling people to speak,” Ashta explained. “So you either stand up and say it or you don’t, but either way you’re making a statement. If you come to the meeting, you don’t have a choice but to make a statement.”
“I’m not entirely sure it’s accurate to say this is a personal choice, but more of a duty. I have an obligation as an elected official to uphold the constitution,” he continued. “I have a sincere, serious relationship with the law. I study law and constitutional law is of particular interest to me. I think the Constitution is what makes this country great and worth making sacrifices for. Countries with weak constitutions usually don’t last.”
“It really saddens me when I hear people say that they think what I’m doing is disrespectful… I do appreciate the sacrifices people have made so that I can be here at this meeting. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. I have no objections to people who do stand for the pledge.”
