Thursday evening, I wrote about a story that was beginning to ignite social media. In Winter Garden, Florida, Joseph Richardson refused to take part in the ritual of standing for the
Pledge of Allegiance. Richardson, 51, objected to the pledge's 'One Nation Under God.' The city's mayor demanded Richardson rise, out of
'respect,' and when Richardson refused, the 'disrespectful' man was escorted out of the meeting by a police officer. During the whole encounter, Richardson was taping the incident on his cellphone.
Here is a link to the original Daily Kos diary and video:
'Disrespectful' Man Kicked Out Of Town Meeting - Refused To Stand For 'One Nation Under God' (VIDEO)
Friday afternoon brought
good news.
The Winter Garden City Commission, in Florida, voted Friday afternoon to change the ceremony by which they open their meetings. The resolution they adopted calls for a moment of silence (instead of) a prayer and makes it clear no one has to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance.
This is not only encouraging news for Joseph Richardson, it's also a promising sign for many citizens who want a more clear and legal separation of church and state in public/government meetings. Richardson, seemed reasonably satisfied with the city's new policy.
“I think it's a fair and reasonable conclusion to the matter,” said the Florida resident.
A good conclusion for Richardson, but not the final conclusion on this issue. Stories like this need to stay in the news and national discourse, long enough for other cities, counties, and states to take notice and make swift progressive changes. One organization in particular, called,
FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation), threatened to file a lawsuit against the city of Winter Garden. It's unknown whether FFRF will proceed with litigation, now that the city has taken action.
Many are grateful and commend Joseph Richardson for bravely standing up to… well, sitting down, to religious bigotry and archaic public/government meeting policies and practices.
Special thanks to Rachael Christine and Gary Flinn.