PA Democrat Refuses To Say Pledge Of Allegiance

Politicians are often criticized for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time that's taken the wrong way. But state Representative Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia) is being criticized for what she refused to say. The drama unfolded at what was billed as a non-controversial House State Government Committee meeting Wednesday morning. Republican Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) asked Josephs to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance; a rather routine request that became anything but when Josephs refused. "Based on my First Amendment rights and based on the fact that I really think it's a prayer. I don't pray in public," she said as lawmakers were standing to recite the Pledge. After an awkward moment, Metcalfe quickly called on another member to lead the group. Afterward, Josephs was unapologetic. She said she was about 14 years old when Congress inserted the words 'under God' into the Pledge. She insists that makes it a prayer. "How many years ago was 1954? I have not said the Pledge of Allegiance since and I will not say it into the future unless they take those words out and make it less of a prayer," Josephs said. Metcalfe concedes it is Josephs' right to not say the Pledge. He just thinks it's wrong.