Arizona, Where Crazy Lives ....

I'd say it was a good thing I graduated high school back in the Dark Ages, because if I was about to graduate, and lived in Arizona, well, I might not make it.

We all know that Arizona has developed a penchant for political stances seem illegal, crazy, racist and discriminatory, but now they've added a whole new Plank to the state's Crazy Platform.

A new bill has been introduced at the Legislature--proposed by a group of Republicans, of course--that would require Arizona students to recite a loyalty oath to the United States and its Constitution before they can graduate high school. This "loyalty" oath would be a prerequisite for graduation from any public high school in Arizona starting with the 2013-14 school year, and it goes a little something like this:

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose or evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge these duties; so help me God.

Sounds a little like the Oath of Office President Obama took just last week, no? And it's also remarkably similar to oaths of office taken by members of Congress.

As with most bills put forth that the House Of Crazy, aka the Arizona GOP-controlled Legislature, this new bill could face legal challenges if it is approved.

Jehovah’s witnesses, some Muslims and pacifist Quakers have in the past challenged loyalty oaths imposed by the federal government and other agencies, saying they conflict with their beliefs and religious professions. Similarly, some Arizona students could challenge the proposed high school oath as a violation of their religious liberties and freedom of expression.

Freedom of expression?

Not in Arizona.

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