Haddam official, vilified for kneeling during Pledge, apologizes, pleads for constructive dialogueBy Cassandra Day Updated 9:17 pm EDT, Wednesday, August 1, 2018
HADDAM — The official at the center of a controversy over First Amendment rights that has exploded into a national debate over patriotism and accusations about dereliction of duty is now offering an olive branch to the community at large.
The uproar was sparked July 16 when Selectwoman Melissa Schlag took a knee while the Pledge of Allegiance was recited at a Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
But an 11-second video, in which Schlag could be heard saying the town is “fascist and racist,†has caused even more bitter criticism, adding fuel to the controversy. Her actions, and public vilification, were thrust onto the national stage during the two weeks since the first meeting.
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Schlag apologized “for making it seem like I thought all of Haddam was racist and fascist. That could not be further from the truth. However, there are strong veins of fascism (forced patriotism) and racism running deep in Haddam,†she said.
â€Obviously every town has racism, but every time I see a confederate flag on a truck ... and hear from residents about their experiences of racism their children had to endure, it breaks my heart,†she said.
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https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Haddam-official-vilified-for-kneeling-during-13124523.php
