A student of uncommon courage

[Guest Guest]

In World War II, almost everyone had a direct interest in that war in that so many of them had previously come from one of those European countries in danger and many others with relatives still there. The same cannot be said today, except for the few now coming over for the Mid East. Everyone knows you are a bleeding Democrat and have tried to make this forum your political campaign, but there have been true acts of patriotism after WW II, even in the Korean and Vietnam wars and both those were also about oil as well. 

And if for you, Paul LaClair, the Pledge of Allegiance is like dessert, I can only wonder what you have for dinner?  There are many hard working Americans who have worked and fought for the good of this country.  It is people like your son why America has lost its ethics in the eyes of the rest of the world.  Ask yourself this: “What have you done for your country?”  I am sure the honest answer wouldn’t surprise most of us.  When I do say the Pledge of Allegiance I do it for my country. I am not trying to be a standout and sit down, or be a showoff, and if meaning that sitting down on Matthew’s lazy ass in your words makes him a better citizen, then you can take that along with your lawyer rhetoric and find some hole to crawl under.  But I am not going to.  So my wish for you, your son and your family that when all American people, standing as one under the American flag, symbolizing one nation, with liberty and justice for all, that those rights do not apply to you, or your son, or family.  After all what would a lawyer like you know about liberty and justice?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are you nuts? Do you seriously think that World War II wasn't about anything more than people having family members in Europe? Do you seriously believe that our freedom and our very way of life wasn't directly threatened by dictators who were trying to take over the whole world, and probably would have succeeded if we hadn't stopped them? What planet are you living on?

Are you completely out of your mind? The reason the USA has lost respect around the world is that we started acting like the world's dictator as soon as the Soviet Union fell apart and we became the world's only superpower. As the old saying goes, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Well, here we are proving it.

And you're going to blame this on the one kid in Kearny who has the sense to realize what's going on? The one kid who figured out not only that we're using every excuse we can think of not to be bothered from our comfortable consumer lives while somebody else's kids fight a war for us, but how truly dangerous this attitude of self-righteousness, self-entitlement and smug complacency is for our country's future.

I'd like to see you ask people from other countries whether they've lost respect for our country because we started a war on false pretenses against a country that hadn't attacked us, or because one kid in a high school in New Jersey doesn't stand for the pledge of allegiance. You ask them whether they're more concerned about the fact that the Middle East is now more unstable and more of a breeding ground for terrorism than it was five years ago, or the fact that one high school student isn't reciting the same words all his classmates are. Have you completely lost your mind?

[Guest Guest]

I've been watching this story ever since it hit the news last fall and decided it's time to say something. I served in the marines, retired from a respectable job, raised a family and consider myself a good American citizen.

First, Matthew. He's a true American hero. He is one of those rare indviduals who go against the grain and don't back down. Agree or disagree with him, that's courage. In the 1960s he would have been a dime a dozen, but today he is as rare as hen's teeth. We need people like him to shake us up every so often. So Matthew, if you're reading thsi keep doing what you're doing. Most people may not say anything, but the people who really understand patriotism and citizenship support you and honor you. We know you care about your country. We can see it by what you're doing. Don't let ignorant people stop you from doing what you think is right.

Second, Matt's dad. I don't know whether he's arrogant. Maybe he is. What I know is taht he must really be inside some heads. Both of them are. They questioned people's assumptions, almost forced them to think. But since thinking is the last thing some people are ever giong to do, all they have left is to get mad and call names. Well, all that tells me is taht Matthew and his dad got their message across on some level. Paul, you have a son to be proud of. No doubt you had something to do with it. Keep donig what you're doing.

Now, about Patriot and 2smart4u and Loki and all the "guests" attacking Matthew. You're all cowards, including you, Patriot. Maybe you're who you say you are. On the other hand, you could be a crabby 85 year old woman who has lived off welfare all your life and never set foot outside kearny. We have no way to know. You won't tell us your name. And then you use yoru anonmymity to attack a 17 year old boy. That's cowradice. If you're going to act like that, you have no credibility at all, especially on moral issues. None. Zip. Nada. You may or may not have served in the military, but you're still a coward.

Or the person who claims that Matthew was spoken to about tapping his fingers and humming during the pledge. I don't know whether it's true, but the fact that you're raising it without giving your name and address and without providing any details, including the source of your information makes you not only a coward but a liar. It's wrong to make insinuatinos like that without proof. Paul is right to call it despicable.

I'm writign anonmymuosly too, but then I'm not attacking a 17 year old boy. This kid gets what it means to be an American. It means being free, it means speaking your mind and it means not taking crap. The cowards who keep attacking him wouldn't know patreioism if it hit them in the face. In fact it has. they just don't see it.

Ironically, Matthew became known because he was in a history class. On ponit after point, the people attacking him don't see what history says about them. People like Matthew who go against the grain are always attacked by the least thoughtful people, the people who think they know everything but in fact know nothing. The person who tells people what they don't wish to hear is always caled names, slandered, abused, etc. It's all over your history books. And yet no matter examples there are of this in history, the people who attack thsi boy don't see that they are the unthinking, ignorant mob they would be ashamed of if they read about it in a history book. Well, folks, you'd be reading about yoruselves but you don't see it. History is about other people, right?! You don't want to see it because it applies to you, so you don't.

You say you'll never change your mind and think that's something to be proud of. Of course you'll never change your mind. To change your mind you would have to open it and think, and you're not going to to do that. It's nothing for you to be proud of. It's something to be ashamed of, but you don't have the sense to be ashamed.

When will people actually start learning the lessons of history? That's my questino. Matthew is telling you, teachng you, but you're not listening. If you really paid attention to the news, you would realize that the story ended up being about you, the people who attacked a boy for telling the truth. Keep writing if you want to, but make sure you don't say who you are. If I was embarassing myself the way you are, I wouldn't want anyone to know who I was either.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Kapow! Right between the eyes on every point.

I never thought about how much of a coward Patriot, etc., really are until I read this. Beautifully done!

[Guest Keith-Marshall,MO]

Are you nuts?  Do you seriously think that World War II wasn't about anything more than people having family members in Europe?  Do you seriously believe that our freedom and our very way of life wasn't directly threatened by dictators who were trying to take over the whole world, and probably would have succeeded if we hadn't stopped them?  What planet are you living on? 

Are you completely out of your mind?  The reason the USA has lost respect around the world is that we started acting like the world's dictator as soon as the Soviet Union fell apart and we became the world's only superpower.  As the old saying goes, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  Well, here we are proving it.

And you're going to blame this on the one kid in Kearny who has the sense to realize what's going on?  The one kid who figured out not only that we're using every excuse we can think of not to be bothered from our comfortable consumer lives while somebody else's kids fight a war for us, but how truly dangerous this attitude of self-righteousness, self-entitlement and smug complacency is for our country's future. 

I'd like to see you ask people from other countries whether they've lost respect for our country because we started a war on false pretenses against a country that hadn't attacked us, or because one kid in a high school in New Jersey doesn't stand for the pledge of allegiance.  You ask them whether they're more concerned about the fact that the Middle East is now more unstable and more of a breeding ground for terrorism than it was five years ago, or the fact that one high school student isn't reciting the same words all his classmates are.  Have you completely lost your mind?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I couldn't agree more. I guess to the right wingers that must mean that I hate America, right?. Well, of course I don't hate America. It is because I love America that I am willing to take a realistic look at what we have become. Do people discipline thier children because they hate them? No, that is absurd of course. I love my imperfect country but I am also willing to look past patriotic rhetoric and relaize that as a country, we do have issues. Especially in terms of how we are perceived around the globe.

Again, very well said.

[Guest Guest]

Saying the Pledge does move me. It moves me every time I see a congregation of people stand as one in honor of this country that has given me and my family so much.  I have seen multiple times in multiple instances at games when someone hasn't removed his hat that someone else kindly go over and ask him to remove it.  It is about respecting ones rights. The rights that were handed down to people like you and me for which we had to do nothing, but to abide by them.  It is not about doing something against all other people for the sake of being seen.  In your life, haven't you noticed that most good things are done quietly and without people noticing?  What Matthew does as your puppet directly conflicts with that statement. 

And "yes" you and your family do denigrate the flag by not giving it the respect that it deserves and the respect of the people of this country who have fought and died for it.  If you do not believe me, take a real hard look at the picture of "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima." Tell the three of the six men that died raising the flag at Iwa Jima.  Actually tell it to all of them that you are sitting on your fat behind because of them.  See what they say. People like that have "earned it", you have not.  If you had wanted to do it the right way with wanted to be a public display, then all you had to do was not say the word "God."  No one would have known and you would not have to spend days defending your family from the people posting here.  But that was not the course you choose.  Now you have to live with the consequences.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think you're overlooking the fact that you're going far beyond respectfully asking for something. You're not being respectful at all. If your attitude is what the Pledge of Allegiance was all about, I really wouldn't want any part of it myself.

[Guest Guest]

That's right Matthew, your friends are all fools.  There is no desparation in my voice, but I  believe I do hear one in yours. Keep hanging around the fools Matthew and see how far it will get you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We all knew you were a little loopy, Mr. Paszkiewicz, but now you're hearing voices through the internet?

[Guest Guest]

Of course he knows his motives and you do as well. Check some of your earlier posts when you said you "trained" him. Other people in this town raise their children and teach their children and nature their children.  Paul trains them.  Guess thats how he got them to go on the paper in the first place.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But Mr. Paszkiewicz, you said the same thing on those recordings you wish no one had ever heard. You said you train your children and that you'd break their backside if they didn't agree with you.

[Guest Guest]

Did anyone else hear a large "WWWAAAAAAA" at the end of that post ?  Guess that took courage for him to admit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hearing things again, Mr. Paszkiewicz?

[Guest Guest]

Saying the Pledge does move me. It moves me every time I see a congregation of people stand as one in honor of this country that has given me and my family so much.  I have seen multiple times in multiple instances at games when someone hasn't removed his hat that someone else kindly go over and ask him to remove it.  It is about respecting ones rights. The rights that were handed down to people like you and me for which we had to do nothing, but to abide by them.  It is not about doing something against all other people for the sake of being seen.  In your life, haven't you noticed that most good things are done quietly and without people noticing?  What Matthew does as your puppet directly conflicts with that statement. 

And "yes" you and your family do denigrate the flag by not giving it the respect that it deserves and the respect of the people of this country who have fought and died for it.  If you do not believe me, take a real hard look at the picture of "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima." Tell the three of the six men that died raising the flag at Iwa Jima.  Actually tell it to all of them that you are sitting on your fat behind because of them.  See what they say. People like that have "earned it", you have not.  If you had wanted to do it the right way with wanted to be a public display, then all you had to do was not say the word "God."  No one would have known and you would not have to spend days defending your family from the people posting here.  But that was not the course you choose.  Now you have to live with the consequences.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're right, Mr. Paszkiewicz. In fact your Bible says to pray behind closed doors so no one can see or hear you. It goes on to say that ppl who make a big show of praying already have their reward. It also says something about hypocrites. So why do we need to say a public pledge, Mr. P?

[Guest Guest]

So you are saying that you are in contact with fools. I guess that is where you get these witty posts from.  Even you being a member of this blog, know from time to time who is posting without even reading who it is from.  It doesn’t take a genius or a fool to figure that out.  So keep trying to fool us, Matthew.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No problem, Mr. P.

[Guest Guest]

Very creative with the Newsflash.  Oh wait now I have to listen to you !  I don't think so.  With that quote under your name "A realistic optimist" yet every chance you get you try to degrade what your forefathers have done for you.  Your quote like the little diddlies at the bottom of every one of your posts like little oxymorons. or what that ox-Y-moron. More fitting in your case. Thank you Matthew. I can't wait until you come back as Matthew LaClair with your response to this one.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gee, Mr. Paszkiewicz, you're a history teacher. YOu're supposed to understand that our forefathers fought for our freedom.

Are you sure you know what an oxymoron is?

[Guest Guest]

Matthew sitting for the pledge does even less for citizenship than reciting it does.  Matthew does these things for one reason, he likes the controversy and the attention. 

Speaking of the WWII era, maybe we should go back to the old adage that children should be seen and not heard.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Right, Mr. Paszkiewicz. If they shut up and don't bother you, you won't have to break their backside.

[Guest Guest]

In World War II, almost everyone had a direct interest in that war in that so many of them had previously come from one of those European countries in danger and many others with relatives still there. The same cannot be said today, except for the few now coming over for the Mid East. Everyone knows you are a bleeding Democrat and have tried to make this forum your political campaign, but there have been true acts of patriotism after WW II, even in the Korean and Vietnam wars and both those were also about oil as well. 

And if for you, Paul LaClair, the Pledge of Allegiance is like dessert, I can only wonder what you have for dinner?  There are many hard working Americans who have worked and fought for the good of this country.  It is people like your son why America has lost its ethics in the eyes of the rest of the world.  Ask yourself this: “What have you done for your country?”  I am sure the honest answer wouldn’t surprise most of us.  When I do say the Pledge of Allegiance I do it for my country. I am not trying to be a standout and sit down, or be a showoff, and if meaning that sitting down on Matthew’s lazy ass in your words makes him a better citizen, then you can take that along with your lawyer rhetoric and find some hole to crawl under.  But I am not going to.  So my wish for you, your son and your family that when all American people, standing as one under the American flag, symbolizing one nation, with liberty and justice for all, that those rights do not apply to you, or your son, or family.  After all what would a lawyer like you know about liberty and justice?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gee, Mr. Paszkiewicz, I never thoughta that. You must be really, really, really, really smart, just like you said. Can you tell me the names of some of those furiners who have lost respect for our country because Matthew doesn't stand for the pledge? I'll pay you $100 for every name, and you pay me $100 for every one who has lost respect for us because of your favorite president.

So how about it, big boy? Is it a deal, mister super-duper, super-smart teacher man?

[Guest Guest]

Greenspan said that's not what he meant at all (though he's justly blamed for not doing an adequate review of his book if his excuse for letting the phrasing slip is true).

The war in Iraq is about oil to the extent that the entire world economy runs on oil.  It's not about getting oil simply on behalf of the United States.  We could have done that by buying it through the UN Oil-for-Food program (and that's what we did, in fact).  The oil would be cheaper without the war--but we still wouldn't know if Hussein had WMD or not without the war.  Unless you've all suddenly come to trust the CIA and UN arms inspectors.

Paul, I think you'd find a completely different attitude from the majority of US soldiers in Iraq, most of whom possess a conservative view of the Iraq war.

Though perhaps they could look even more wonderful by refusing to say the pledge ...

That type of accusation can be made about anything.  As such, it's worthless.

Isn't Matthew wonderful?  So much better than those pledge-saying hypocrites ...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Go away, Mr. Paszkiewicz. No one likes you putting on this personality.

[Guest Guest]

My great grandfather once told me “You might be able to change the color of the zebra, but you cannot change his stripes.”  Isn't that right, Matthew?  You try to hide your animosity with a different name or color, but we all know it’ you, just as much as someone coming on as a guest. You cannot hide who you really are.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What part of Noah's ark did the zebras get, Mr. Paszkiewicz? Did they get their own room?

[Guest Guest]

They are not rumors.  Did you or did you not have a discussion with a Principal about how you are to act during the Pledge?

p.s. - tell your Dad I am not Mr. P.  If he read the posts, I already told him I hated everything Mr. P. did.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mr. Paszkiewicz, cut it out already! We all know it's you. I'm just curious, how do you know what the principal said to Matthew? Aren't discussions like that supposed to be in private? You wouldn't be making it up, would you, Mr. P?

Oh no, you wouldn't do that. YOu would never do anything to harm Matthew. Or all the students you said were going to hell. Or your own son when you break his backside. You wouldn't ever actually hurt any of them.

[Guest Guest]

You can watch it all you want, but you still don't get it.  I'll bet you that any one of the people participating in Ken Burn's film would say it's important to stand and say the pledge.  We don't all get to participate in history changing events.  Saying the pledge is important on many levels.  Not the least of which it is a way to say thank you and show respect for people who sacrificed everything for the life we are able to lead.  Maybe that is the lesson that Matthew should be trying to teach us.

And BTW, Private Ryan was visiting Captain Miller's grave.  See we all make mistakes sometimes.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But Mr. Paszkiewicz, Matthew did participate in a history changing event. In fact, he just helped you make the history books. You should be honored. When your name appears in a year or two, are you going to skip that chapter?

[Guest Guest]

No for you, Matthew, being a real American is secret recordings and then blasting it to every bogus liberal media for the purpose of gaining the Almightly Dollar.  That's what your Constitution stands for, Matthew.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on, Mr. Paszkiewicz. This is getting old.

[Guest Guest]

Funny ! Its really because the people in this town know the truth about what really happened, not the tale that you try to weave through the threads here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

See how easy this is, Mr. Paszkiewicz?

[Guest Guest]

"Preaching" is your words. The tapes I heard were mutual discussions which make you a liar.  It's you who keeps exposing junior here.  You keep trying to boast that Matthew is meeting Miss .... or Mr. ...  and expect people not to comment on it?  The person who should get over it is you.  But you just do not get it or I think will ever get it.  There would be no reason to nitpick at it, if you didn’t keep blogging over and over and over about it.  But you just cannot handle the comments back.

So if you are mad, then get over it and move on. But you can't do that, can you?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mr. Paszkiewicz, isn't there a story in the Bible about Peter denying Jesus three times? You were spreading the word of God in that classroom. Don't deny it. Be proud of it. Or did you forget about that part?

[Guest Guest]

Therefore according to your sick logic, if I feel like expressing my feeling toward Matthew, and because I sometimes like going against the grain, there is nothing to prevent me from pooping on your lawn, because I don't agree what Matthew stands for?  It is my risk and according to you what the Pledge is suppose to stand for, taking a risk.  Afterall it is what the forefathers would have wanted.

The main risk was making those secret recordings in the first place.  And not getting caught.  That's what makes him a hero in your eyes, zero in the eyes of others.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gee, Mr. Paszkiewicz, you must be really really really really really really mad at him.

The fact that most of us agree with him must just about kill you.

[Guest Guest]

"stand up for freedom by sitting out the pledge" ???  That can only make sense

  to someone who hates America.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you'd get your news somewhere other than from Fox, you might understand, Mr. Paszkiewicz.

[Guest Guest]

I guess it is easy to win with an army of lawyers in your back pocket.  And for the record, he didn't win, or even come close.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What's the problem, Mr. Paszkiewicz? Couldn't you get any decent lawyer to take your case.

Not that that should tell you anything.

Are you getting the point of this yet, Mr. Paszkiewicz?

Nah, that's way too much to ask.

[Guest Guest]

Why would it shock them? They participted in many universal rituals.  They united the nation under one flag among other things.  Something you consider just an arbitrary symbol. 

Whom do you refer to as us?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gee, Mr. Paszkiewicz, I didn't know having a flag was a ritual. You must be really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really smart. Maybe someday I can be a little bit really smart. He-he. (I'm winking at you, Mr. Paszkiewicz. ** *** **** ** *******?)

KOTW Note: The above post was edited for content.

[Guest Guest]

And you would know this first hand since you are Matthew LaClair.  In this blog you have pissed so much on Constitution trying to defend this boy that you forget what it really stands for.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You just never get it, do you, Mr. Paszkiewicz. No matter how many times you get exposed trying to pretend you're someone else, you don't get it.

The charade is over, Mr. P. It's been you all along. Well, we're onto now, so give it up.

[Guest Guest]

Are you nuts?  Do you seriously think that World War II wasn't about anything more than people having family members in Europe?  Do you seriously believe that our freedom and our very way of life wasn't directly threatened by dictators who were trying to take over the whole world, and probably would have succeeded if we hadn't stopped them?  What planet are you living on? 

Are you completely out of your mind?  The reason the USA has lost respect around the world is that we started acting like the world's dictator as soon as the Soviet Union fell apart and we became the world's only superpower.  As the old saying goes, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  Well, here we are proving it.

And you're going to blame this on the one kid in Kearny who has the sense to realize what's going on?  The one kid who figured out not only that we're using every excuse we can think of not to be bothered from our comfortable consumer lives while somebody else's kids fight a war for us, but how truly dangerous this attitude of self-righteousness, self-entitlement and smug complacency is for our country's future. 

I'd like to see you ask people from other countries whether they've lost respect for our country because we started a war on false pretenses against a country that hadn't attacked us, or because one kid in a high school in New Jersey doesn't stand for the pledge of allegiance.  You ask them whether they're more concerned about the fact that the Middle East is now more unstable and more of a breeding ground for terrorism than it was five years ago, or the fact that one high school student isn't reciting the same words all his classmates are.  Have you completely lost your mind?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Please try reading the entire thread before making a fool of yourself. This post was in response to a reply from PAUL and how no one since WWI has had any honor except his son. Like they used to say "just keep following the bouncing ball."