Minutes 09-01-2020 Virtual Business Meeting

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42 Riley Ruske read the following comments: Human beings are imperfect, and thus their actions are imperfect; however human beings of goodwill and character can achieve great things. 244 years ago, an imperfect, but courageous, group of men announced the declaration of independence. This started the journey of the creation of a great nation. 232 years ago that declaration resulted in the ratification of the Constitution of the United States, and 229 years ago that resulted in the first 10 amendments to the constitution. The continued existence of this nation depends on the commitment of its citizens to protect and preserve it, and the foundations upon which it stands, while also constantly working together to improve it. If our citizens no longer fulfill this civic duty, our nation will flounder and eventually dissolve, as have so many nations throughout history. It is therefore helpful to continually remind our citizens and government officials of that essential duty. 78 years ago the US Congress adopted the pledge of allegiance. One year ago the BOCC was petitioned to recite the pledge of allegiance at every one of its meetings. The words of the pledge not only remind out citizens and government officials of a civic duty of allegiance, but also remind us of the aspiration of achieving liberty and justice for all. The meetings of the BOCC are part of their duty to protect and preserve our nation and its foundations. The Commissioners' oath of office requires an affirmation of, "that I will support and maintain the constitution and laws of the United States." In fulfilling that oath, it is appropriate that Commissioners and citizens, present at those meetings, recite the pledge of allegiance. Let's start today. Commissioner McKee said he put forth the petition to have this discussion, and he has a prepared motion to present, or the BOCC can have a general conversation. The Board agreed to hear the motion. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Greene to open the first calendar meeting of the year, usually in late January; the last meeting before the summer break (mid-June); the first meeting of the fall term (early September), and the organization meeting (early December) with an invitation for the Commissioners and the members of the public in attendance to join in the recitation of the pledge of alleigiance, should they so choose. If approved, this practice would begin after the BOCC discontinues virtual meetings. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the motion is to recite the pledge four times a year, because he does not think the BOCC holds an organizational meeting each year, rather only does so after an election. Commissioner McKee said the organizational meeting does occur every year. Commissioner McKee said yes, he would like to recite the pledge four times a year. He said he sees no need to do so at every meeting, but he feels blessed to live here, and it seems appropriate to recite the pledge to mark the beginning and end of the BOCC seasons Commissioner Greene said she supports this motion, and she has been considering that democracy is at risk currently, and it is important to remember the foundation of the nation. She said the history of the pledge goes back over 100 years, and was started to teach school children the importance of liberty and justice for all. She said she is gratified to have learned the history of the pledge. She said Commissioner McKee's motion is more than reasonable. Commissioner Marcoplos said his perspective is different, and he sees this as a divisive power play to get the BOCC to recite the pledge. He said the BOCC works on real issues that will affect those in the future. He said there is no need to say a few words to communicate any patriotism, or wear it on one's sleeve, as actions speak much louder. He said this seems like theatre to him, and the BOCC expresses its patriotism in its very service. He said it is time to move on.