I’ve voiced concerns regarding Asheville City Council members Kim Roney and Shenika Smith’s decision not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Their actions, while legally within their rights, prompt significant reflection on what such gestures imply about their views on America’s foundational principles.

Their stance appears as a deliberate move towards advocating for radical changes under the guise of progressiveness. It’s essential to recognize that elected officials carry the responsibility of representing all constituents, not just those who align with a specific ideology.

In Buncombe County, our strength lies in diversity and the ability to discuss differing opinions openly. The actions of Roney and Smith have catalyzed a necessary debate on the role of national symbols and the messages we, as a community and a nation, choose to endorse through our public representatives.

Moving forward, the focus should be on constructive engagement that addresses the wide spectrum of views within our community while upholding the values that underpin our society. This is not about bending to any political extreme, but about ensuring our discourse reflects the principles of democracy and respect for all voices, including those we fundamentally disagree with.

JIM FULTON

Jim,  

Thank you for including me in this discussion.  

I, like many,  find their actions egregious and subversive. 

They send a disparaging message, not only to the soldiers who have shed their blood, but also to the families who mourn by the graveside. 

While I agree that private citizens have the option to decline reciting the Pledge, I fail to understand how those, who are public servants, operating under a sworn oath to uphold constitutional laws and show fidelity to the principals inherent in the Pledge, are at liberty to do the same?

That’s like a law enforcement officer burning the Constitution — while on duty — after swearing an oath to defend it. 

The standard is higher for public officers than private citizens going about their daily lives — and rightfully so.  

Public servants are not there to make personal stands with their office or show partiality on an issue, but to ensure that all people are treated equally under our federal and state constitutions. 

In these particular circumstances, personal preferences and activist-driven behaviors have no place.  

Therefore, I question the interpretation of legislation in this particular instance as well as the application of the “personal freedoms’” argument. I think it is misguided at best — and completely contemptuous at worst.

I believe we should continue to challenge this issue with every opportunity, as it is critical to the foundational stability, not only of our community, but also of our state and nation.  

KRISTIE SLUDER

Good morning, Jim: 

I’ve got traitor Roney on my mind again.

Is there an attorney in our group that I can speak with about her oath of office? 

I have reviewed the statute and heard arguments about “her right to refuse.” I’m not buying it.

I need clarification on her right to deny the oath as a public servant.

I get the argument that as a private citizen she has a right but, as a public servant she is bound to a higher obligation and duty.

She forfeits the office when she denies the oath that the pledge represents. To deny the pledge is to subvert the standards that keep the public safe and the rights of private citizens intact.

I do not believe that as a public servant she has the “right” to subvert the oath that the pledge represents. That’s like a soldier swearing to defend the country against all enemies foreign and domestic then publicly shredding the constitution. It doesn’t work this way nor should it ever.

Is there an attorney or someone well vetting this subject that I can speak with? I believe that this argument should be made to the clerk that swore her in. I need help getting it there. Is there someone I can hash this out with? 

KRISTIE SLUDER

Hi, Kristie:

You might consider reaching out to a fellow candidate for election in November.  

Ruth Smith is running for N.C. House seat for District 115.  

Ruth (an Asheville attorney) does a lot of work for Carl Mumpower’s WNC (Citizens for) Equality organization.

 I hope that helps.

JIM FULTON