BEING WHO WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO BECOME

Will Phillips, a ten year old student has refused to recite the pledge of allegiance and taken quite a bit of criticism and grief for it from some of his peers ( listen to his story in the video in his own words) but he has not let that stop him. Here is his thinking in his own words:”I’ve grown up with a lot of people and I’m good friends with a lot of people who are gay and I think they should have the rights all people should, and I’m not going to swear that they do,” the ten-year-old Phillips said.Jay Phillips, asked if his son was prepared for the media attention, said his son saw it as an opportunity to raise awareness. “He felt that just because he’s ten years old doesn’t mean he doesn’t have opinions, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have rights, and doesn’t mean he can’t make a difference.”Ask students to discuss their feelings and thoughts about this issue. What are constitutional rights? Who is and is not entittled to them?

Truth teller Dennis Kucinich sets a wonderful example for students as he carries in a pocket constitution at all times that he says guides him in his thinking in every aspect of his legislative activity. Many students today have not seen or read the United States Constitution. Doing that would be a good place to start!