In today's online edition of our local paper, I was a little This was thanks to conservative talk radio host Mike Gallagher, who questioned the patriotism of Goshen College, because they do not play the national anthem during sporting events. From the South Bend Tribune story by Dave Stephens:
Gallagher questioned how Goshen College could say the "Star-Spangled Banner" is undesirable and still accept federal student aid.
"How does a college like Goshen deal with, like, teaching history, or teaching about the Revolutionary War, or World War II?" Gallagher asked.
Gee, I don't know, Gallagher. How do YOU deal with, like, talking about religious tolerance? Oh yeah...you DON'T! Because it doesn't exist for you!
Goshen College is a Mennonite college. The Mennonites, along with the other Anabaptist religions (including the Amish), are pacifists. They do not believe in war, and they are conscientious objectors in times of war. This doesn't mean that they can't teach about it in their history classes, you numbnuts. Not all Mennonite colleges choose to not play the national anthem at sporting events, but this is Goshen College's policy, and it is based on the tradition set by the group that founded the college. They believe in the separation of church and state, and for the 114 years of their existence, this has been their policy. It is their choice, and to imply that they are not patriotic or that they should not receive federal student aid is intolerance of the worst sort. The Amish and the Mennonites are a large and important part of our community, very kind and decent people, and I find this guy's comments incredibly offensive.
Check this, Gallagher...you can still love your country and not love war. To question this religious group's patriotism because of their personal relationship with their God is abhorrent to me. I had hoped that the rejection of hate-filled propaganda and venomous rhetoric in the recent campaign would have sent a message to Gallagher and others of his ilk, but apparently not. Conservative talk radio seems to be about furthering hate, disseminating misinformation, and generally telling all of us that we are dead wrong if we don't fall into goose-stepping line with their own beliefs.What's next, Gallagher? Planning on assaulting an Amish guy? Bitchslapping a Buddhist? Hitting a Hutterite? Clouting a Quaker? Big man.
For the record, I'm not a pacifist. I believe there are times when a show of force is necessary. But I will never ridicule or question anyone's patriotism because of their religious beliefs, or because of their own personal moral code. The guy was way out of line on this one.
