"Mobilizing America's Nonbelievers for Political Activism"
Stand on the Pledge spurs recall effort
Member of Estes board objects to “under God,” stays seated for Pledge of Allegiance
[Link to the article at the Denver Post]
Estes Park - David Habecker swears he loves America and its flag. Just don’t ask the two-term town board member to pledge his allegiance to either.
Much to the ire of the town’s 5,500 residents, Habecker refuses to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance before each meeting of the town Board of Trustees. His stance has earned him a recall attempt that could cost him his seat.
“As an officer of the government, I think he’s crossed the line,” said fellow Trustee Lori Jeffrey-Clark, whose husband started the recall petition in September after Habecker declined to stand for the Pledge during a meeting observed by a group of Boy Scouts.
Habecker said he objects to the phrase “under God” in the Pledge, claiming it illegally injects religion into government. He adds he’ll stay seated during the Pledge’s recitation until “under God” is stricken from use.
“In America, we were never to be subjected to a religious test for public office, but this does just that,” Habecker said.
The practice of saying the Pledge before board meetings only began in May, Habecker said, adding that he stood for the first few meetings. “It just took awhile to get my mind around it, and I just decided I wasn’t going to do it any longer,” he said.
Supporters of the recall say Habecker’s actions show a disrespect for the flag and the people who elected him.
He also uses his stance on the Pledge to criticize political conservatives and President Bush, said petition organizer Norm Pritchard.
“He’s taken shots at Bush and the religious right, so let’s call this what it really is,” Pritchard said. “It’s really him sounding off on what direction this country is going.”
Pritchard and others have gathered the 246 signatures needed to force a recall, and the town board is expected to set an election date Tuesday.
The recall vote will be the first in Estes Park history and one of the most unusual in Colorado, said Sam Mamet, associate director of the Colorado Municipal League.
Most recall elections are sparked by issues of town or city mismanagement, Mamet said. But residents can recall an elected official for just about any reason, as long as they follow the proper legal steps.
“If you don’t like the color of my tie, and if certain legal standards are followed, a recall can be initiated,” Mamet said.
Habecker, who supported Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, said his political leanings have no bearing on his decision not to stand for the Pledge. He also doesn’t think he will be thrown out of office for standing up - or in this case, not standing up - for what he believes.
After all, he says, that would be un-American.
“Most people, I think, will say they are not a big fan of my politics,” Habecker said, “but are tolerant enough that they will vote to keep me.”
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 303-726-8674 or mwhaley@denverpost.com .
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