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Politicians need to focus on issues that have an impact on Iowans lives, not enforcing the pledge of allegiance.

Yet again, Iowa Republicans are introducing harmful and unnecessary bills in the Legislature.

In an effort to uphold blind patriotism, Sen. Adrian Dickey introduced a bill that would require teachers to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Teachers would also be barred from talking about the pledge in an unpatriotic manner. The only exception is if the teacher has a disability that prevents them from standing and reciting the pledge.

This bill infringes on the freedom of speech of teachers and enforces the harmful censorship that has been used to erase marginalized identities.

Besides the freedom of speech and censorship concerns, teachers respecting the pledge doesnt even seem to be a problem in Iowas public schools.

Without any legislation in place, we started every morning with the Pledge of Allegiance when I was in elementary school. Most students stood and mindlessly recited the words. However, some students did not due to religious beliefs. Nevertheless, it was a daily practice that my teachers never commented on, and students paid very little attention to.

This is not the first time in recent Iowa history that Republicans introduced a bill about the Pledge of Allegiance. At the end of last years legislative session, a bill was passed that required schools to present the flag and require the school to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day.

Ultimately, students cannot be forced to recite the pledge because of their right to free expression. This was established in 1943 with the Supreme Court ruling case, West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette.

Because it is established that students cannot be forced to recite the pledge, why would teachers be any different? In fact, this bill takes these free speech infringements a step further by censoring the language used surrounding the pledge.

Instead of improving the public school system in Iowa, this seems to be another attempt to uphold conservative ideas of patriotism, which often means erasing minority voices.

Through this proposal, teachers would not be allowed to say any unpatriotic commentary on the United States, or language that has any political influence on students. Along with possible infringement on free speech, this bill is further complicated by how we view patriotism.

Republicans have made attempts left and right to censor teachers. However, it all seems rooted in the same silencing of minorities. Bills were put into place last year to bar teachers from teaching the 1619 Project in schools because of concerns it is not historically accurate and misrepresents the values of America. Iowa schools are also facing increasing attention and possible bans of several books being taught, mostly ones highlighting minority experiences, such as The Hate u Give, and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian.

The abundance of censorship and backlash when it comes to language or teaching that involves minority experiences suggests this legislature is not about protecting students its about continuing to erase and censor certain identities.

Censoring the language teachers use about the pledge is a step in the same direction, attempting to control unpatriotic language in the classroom. But what do we define as unpatriotic, and who is creating these definitions?

It seems Republicans focus is less about unifying the country and more about making sure certain ways of thinking about America are controlled. This is being done through book bans, attempting to erase the 1619 Project, or controlling speech surrounding the pledge. Conservative powers are infringing on what information can be shared or spoken.

Classrooms can be powerful places to grow through education. Instead of investing in bettering the education system, Republican senators are focused on censoring language and upholding their definition of patriotism.

Columns reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board, The Daily Iowan, or other organizations in which the author may be involved.

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Opinion | Iowa Republicans need to focus on real issues rather than patriotism - UI The Daily Iowan

The Biden administration is determined to appoint partisan left-wingers to key positions in the federal bureaucracy. In addition to Alvaro Bedoya, the George Soros linked, pro-illegal immigration professor that Biden has selected as his nominee for FTC commissioner, the Biden administration also wants the pro-censorship radical Gigi Sohn to serve on the Federal Communications Committee (FCC).

With jurisdiction over internet and telecoms policy, the FCC is an increasingly important arm of the federal government. During the Trump administration, it was at the center of the Presidents efforts to fight back against Big Tech censorship.

US President Joe Biden buys ice cream as Michigan Senators Debbie Stabenow (R) looks on at Moomers Homemade Ice Cream in Traverse City, Michigan on July 3, 2021. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

But the FCC is a double-edged sword. Just as the commission can protect consumers from tech censorship, it can also use its regulatory might to pressure tech companies to submit to a partisan left-wing agenda.

There is a convention that the five commissioners should remain relatively nonpartisan, even though they are allocated along party lines, with three commissioners from the party occupying the White House and two from the opposition.

The Biden administration has broken that convention, sending a far-left radical, Gigi Sohn, to the Senate for confirmation.

Sohn was the co-founder and CEO of the leftist advocacy group Public Knowledge, which recently called on cable and satellite providers to drop the conservative One America News Network (OAN).

As an FCC commissioner, Sohn will be in a position of influence over cable and satellite providers.

She has also personally called on the FCC to investigate whether the Sinclair Broadcast Group, a conservative-run network of local TV stations, should hold a broadcast license. As a commissioner, she will be able to do just that.

She has also said that both Fox News and social media are dangerous to our democracy, arguing that Fox is the greater danger and calling for a hearing about the network, which she labeled state-sponsored propaganda.

She has also denied even the possibility that Big Tech companies might be engaged in censorship, or otherwise biased against conservatives, even though leaks from inside the tech companies have repeatedly shown this to be the case.

Instead, Sohn accused tech companies of trying to appease President Trump, whom she labeled a right-wing extremist.

Beyond internet and broadcast issues, Sohn has revealed her far-left attitudes in other areas.

She labeled Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh an angry white man during his confirmation hearing, and has accused Republicans of packing the courts and trying to suppress the vote in elections.

Republican Senators are speaking out against Sohn.

Gigi Sohn is a complete political ideologue who has disdain for conservatives. She would be a complete nightmare for the country when it comes to regulating the public airwaves, said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) earlier this week.

Sohn, obviously, her views are going to be very far apart from where mine are on all the issues, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) told Politico earlier this month. Shes very left, shes going to be a heavy hand in regulation.

Allum Bokhari is the senior technology correspondent at Breitbart News.He is the author of#DELETED: Big Techs Battle to Erase the Trump Movement and Steal The Election.

More:
Biden Pushes Pro-Censorship Partisan Leftist Gigi Sohn for ...

It was as early as 2007 that Oren Peli, director of "Paranormal Activity" manufactured his first version of the movie. This was screened on several American film festivals and distributed on the festivals and sent to film studios as a DVD-Screener by Peli himself. Initially, a complete remake was planned, but after a test-screening of the DVD-sampler, the audience's reactions were so positive it was decided to release Peli's original film. But it was recut for a national theatrical release. Among other things, a completely new ending was implemented. Most cuts are small, dispensable detail-shots that only have an effect as an accumulation. Short as well as alternate scenes also were removed, though. The following cut report is supposed to give a good insight into that.

The festival version from 2007 has been compared to the theatrical version from 2009, released on DVD and Blu-ray by Paramount Pictures.

Theatrical version

Length: 87 minutesRated: R

Festival version

Length: 97 minutesRated: -

All in all, the original festival version is about 10 minutes and 29 seconds longer.

Theatrical Version:

Paramount Pictures would like to thank the families of Mica Sloat & Katie Featherstone and the San Diego Police Department.

Festival Version:

The producers would like to thank the families of Micah S. and Katie F. and the Rancho Penasquitos Police Department for providing this footage.

no time difference

0:00.21The text was faded in later in the theatrical version.

4 Sec.

0:00.29A short tracking shot to the mirror was removed.

1.5 Sec.

0:00.29Micah testing his camera in front of the mirror is shown slightly longer.

2 Sec.

0:00.33Micah goes to the ringing cellphone.

8 Sec.

0:02.00Micah and Katie talk toward the camera a little.

17 Sec.

0:03.18Katie teases Micah a little.

3 Sec.

0:03.59Micah zooms away from Katie.

2 Sec.

0:03.59Micah returns from the refridgerator.

0.5 Sec.

0:06.06Micah turns the camera from Katie.

1.5 Sec.

0:06.12Alternate footage: As Micah builds up the tripod, the take is a whole lot more wobbly, but the sound track is identical.

no time difference

0:07.03Katies laughter lasts a little longer.

1 Sec.

0:07.03Micah returns to the bed room.

2.5 Sec.

0:09.24Katie is telephoning with a friend while Micah films and teases her.

16 Sec.

0:09.53Katie films Micah at the edge of the swimming pool, while he jokes about George Bush and the NRA.

20 Sec.

0:10.03Katie moves on to Micah who is sitting in front of the computer.

2 Sec.

0:10.19Katie keeps on filming Micah.

6 Sec.

0:16.23The house's inspection with the psychic takes a little longer.

5.5 Sec.

0:16.50

The psychic tries to explain the difference between angels and demons to Katie and Micah and explicitly point out they should by no means try to contact the demon.They also couldn't just leave the house and move somewhere else, because it was not the house that is cursed, but Katie.

37 Sec.

0:18.08Once more, the psychic emphasizes that people have already been killed by demons and that you shouldn't dare them in any case.

18 Sec.

0:18.25Katie saying goodbye to the psychic is shown a bit longer, she also promises to contact the demonologist.

9 Sec.

0:21.37Micah approaches the bed a little longer, turns on the light before that.

5 Sec.

0:21.42Katie fixes her hair in bed.

5 Sec.

0:22.15Micah and Katie look longer at the night before's recordings.

11 Sec.

0:22.34A short scene of Micah and Katie was removed. Micah practices playing the guitar, Katie her spanish. Content-wise, the scene added nothing, but showed their normal life for a short time.

14 Sec.

0:23.20Micah brings out the spider he has caught before.

3 Sec.

0:23.48Micah films the door that was moved by the demon the night before a little longer.

5 Sec.

0:24.24Alternate footage of the demon-book. Content-wise almost identical, with the same sound track.

no time difference

0:27.41After Micah and Katie have heard a loud bang during the night, Micah decides to pursue it. This is slightly longer.

2 Sec.

Link:
http://www.movie-censorship.com

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United Arab Emirates announced on Sunday that it will no longer censor films released in cinemas, the countrys latest effort to boost its brand as a liberal hub attractive to foreigners.

Instead of cutting sensitive scenes that could offend traditional Islamic sensibilities, the Emirati Media Regulatory Authority will introduce a new 21+ age category for viewers.

The movies will be screened in cinemas according to their international version, the authority said in a Twitter post.

Censors in the UAE, like elsewhere in the Middle East, have long removed scenes in cinematic releases that show nudity, homosexuality, sex and other content deemed inappropriate sometimes leading to plot holes.

Foreigners outnumber locals nearly nine to one in the federation of seven sheikhdoms. The diversity of culture and religion in the tourism-dependent country has at times been at odds with its Islamic laws and traditions.

But thats changing as the nation promotes its socially liberal environment to lure international workers. The government has reformed its Islamic legal code and next year will change its weekend to Saturday-Sunday to align with the Western businesses and markets.

More here:
United Arab Emirates to end censorship of cinematic ...

By GARRY RAYNO, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD A bill to update a Cold War teacher loyalty law drew a crowd in opposition Thursday calling it censorship and an attempt to whitewash the nations history.

But bill sponsors said it is intended to ensure teachers are educating students not indoctrinating them, offering anecdotal evidence that they said is happening in schools today.

Only one person beyond bill sponsors spoke in favor of the bill or the amendment they are working on, while the remainder of people testifying opposed the bill saying it will ultimately hurt students who will not learn the good and the bad history of this country.

A tally of people signing in to the public hearing on House Bill 1255 before the House Education Committee, was 2,232 opposed, 26 in favor and 1 neutral.The bill as written would prohibit a teacher from advocating any doctrine or theory promoting a negative account or representation of the founding and history of the United States of America in New Hampshire public schools which does not include the worldwide context of now outdated and discouraged practices.Such prohibition includes but is not limited to teaching that the United States was founded on racism.

The bill would also add socialism and Marxism to a list that teachers would be prohibited from advocating.

A violation of the law, would be a violation of the states codes of ethics and conducts for educators which could result in the loss of a teachers state credentials.

Opponents of the bill said it would double down on the provision passed last year in the budget that has already chilled the teaching of some subjects.

Devon Chaffee, executive director of the ACLU New Hampshire, said the best way to discourage free and open discussions is to have vague limitations coupled with serious and career ending consequences for teachers.

That is what this bill does, Chaffee said. This is fundamentally about censorship.

History teacher Jennifer Given said she took a personal day to represent herself, and her kids, both biological and those in her classroom.

Given told the committee she teaches the slavery of Rome, China and Egypt, and compares types of forced labor around the world.

She took issue with the anecdotes supporters used and their vague assertions.

In trying to solve a problem, Given said, you are reaching so far into my classroom to say what I can and cannot say.

The prime sponsor of the bill, Rep. Alicia Lekas, R-Hudson, said her intent is to ensure teachers are educating students not indoctrinating them.

She has had conversation with high school students who believe slavery only occurred in the United States, she said, a war was fought over it and that it is over.

That is clearly not the case, she said, noting it is important for students to understand slavery happened all over the world and it is still going on.

My intent is to expand the worldwide content, that is my goal to get it out there, Lekas said, so it is not limited to the U.S. did this, it happened and its over. I want to ensure it does not happen again.

Lekas said the fact that there was a civil war over slavery indicates there were people opposed as well as those favoring it not that the founders were racists.

She asked for help to produce an amendment that better explains what she wants to accomplish.

A bill co-sponsor, Rep. Erica Layon, R-Derry, said the intent of the bill is to make sure teachers teach kids how to think, not what to think.

I have heard of teachers saying all our founders were racist, she said. These things do happen in our schools.

Students should not have to parrot what a teacher believes, she said, to receive a good grade.

But Oyster River School District officials told the committee it is reaching too far and any anecdotal incidents should be handled at the local level.

Superintendent James Morse said the bill is vague and unnecessary.

I would suggest legislation that would fit the majority, not anecdotes, Morse said. Those should be addressed at the local level.

Board chair Tom Newkirk said many districts have a policy that prohibits teachers from using their position to advocate their personal political beliefs.

The greater danger is teachers are reluctant to teach subjects of American history that have been suppressed and desperately need to be taught, Newkirk said. With their teacher credentials at stake, who can blame them for not touching certain subjects.

The presidents of the two largest teachers unions in the state, The National Education Association-NH and American Federation of Teacher-NH, both opposed the bill saying the law passed last year has already chilled open and honest discussions.

Deborah Howes, president of AFT-NH said the bill is so vague it would be impossible for teachers to know what is permissible in the classroom.

She said the bill would limit teachers ability to teach and would take away tools students need to learn.

It is subjective. These laws do not help kids learn, Howes said. Indoctrination is in the eye of the beholder.Dover teacher Eric Schlapak and the 2021 recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical, noted her picture hanging on the wall of the committee room.

We know her story, he said, noting she wanted her students to understand specific perspectives, humanizing her lessons, something the bill would stifle.

I wonder if she would be able to tell her story with this bill without having her credentials threatened, Schlapak asked.

Jonah Wheeler of Peterborough said he was the only black student in all white schools.

But his third grade teacher pulled him aside to talk openly about what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, his teachings and the reality of what he was doing at the time.

Without that meeting, I may not be here today and probably would have already taken my life. It is that real for (people of color.)

He noted in his work, teachers are coming to him and saying they are already feeling the chilling effects of the new law.

If they dont have the same conversation with kids today, what if kids feel as isolated as I did, Wheeler said. Thats a real fear. I hope we try our best not to chill this speech.The bill was also opposed by the NH Council of Churches.

The Rev. Heidi Heath, the organizations executive director, called the bill harmful and dangerous saying the nation and state need to face systemic racism if the country is to reach its goal of a more perfect union.

As religious leaders, we believe in the power of truth telling, Heath said. We want to empower our teachers to tell the truth, nothing more, and nothing less.

The committee did not make an immediate recommendation on the bill and will wait for Lekas to come back with her amendment.

Garry Rayno may be reached atgarry.rayno@yahoo.com.

Read more here:
Opponents Say Bill Is Censorship and Whitewashing History - InDepthNH.org