Ex-Alderman Demands Chicagoans Stand For National Anthem
By aaroncynic in News on Sep 15, 2016 1:51PM
A former Chicago alderman wants to make sure every Chicagoan stands for the national anthem.
In what appears to be a clear stance of disapproval of the recent wave of protests that have taken place at sports games, former 11th Ward Alderman James Balcer submitted a proposal to the City Council on Wednesday to codify conduct during a rendition of the national anthem.
The proposed ordinance, which Balcer asked be referred to the Finance Committee, lays out the same guidelines that appear in the U.S. Flag Code. Members of the military should stand at attention and salute the flag while the anthem is being played, and the rest of the public should remove head coverings and put their right hand over their hearts. Alderman Ed Burke (14 Ward), who proposed Chicago’s “blue lives matter” ordinance, chairs the Finance Committee.
The ordinance does not outline any penalty for not abiding by the code of conduct.
Whether or not an individual chooses to stand for the anthem has become a hot-button issue after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made national headlines beginning in August for choosing not to stand during its rendition as a form of protest over how people of color are treated in the US. Since then, athletes from teams around the country have joined him.
Reactions to protests like Kaepernick’s have a way of becoming highly charged. Earlier in September, a teacher, administrator and other students admonished a 15-year old student at Eisenhower High School in south suburban Blue Island for opting out of the pledge of allegiance. The mother of the boy told WGN News a teacher attempted to physically pull him out of his seat on one occasion. According to the American Humanist Society, which intervened on the family’s behalf, District officials have made written assurances staff would be informed of students’ right to opt out of the pledge.
Seeing as the proposal is a near word-for-word copy of the Flag Code and no punishment is outlined for refusing to participate, it’s unclear what the point of the ordinance might be, except to give affirmation to the thoughts that there’s a “right way” and “wrong way” to protest. Making standing for the anthem compulsory is also unconstitutional.
“What should be noted is that it is a blatantly unconstitutional proposal that should be rejected by anyone serious about abiding by their oath of office in the City Council,” said Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications at the Illinois ACLU. “In a City that has so many issues with policing, including not adequately deploying officers in all neighborhoods in our city, does it really make sense to monitor and enforce behavior during the playing of the national anthem at sporting events? This ordinance is aimed at sending a message to African-American athletes who are using their notoriety and positions to advance a dialogue about our failed criminal justice system and how it disproportionately targets young men of color.”
Alderman Scott Waguespack said he's already received unhappy emails about the proposal. "No I wouldn't think this is the direction people want the city or country to be going," said Waguespack in an email. "No way."