By Joseph Snook
Investigative Journalist

Chandler Cort

April, 2011 – After nearly nine years without the Pledge of Allegiance, Southern Oregon’s Rogue River High School is once again reciting the pledge, due to the persistence of student Chandler Cort.
During the last nine months, Chandler has encountered many obstacles, with an end result that is yet to be determined. Rogue River High School is now, reciting the pledge each Monday morning, over the school intercom, and Chandler has been asked to lead this for the school. This weekly reciting meets the current Oregon State Law on this issue (ORS 339.875), but many in the local community including students at Rogue River High would rather have the Pledge recited daily.
Chandler along with Southern Oregon State Reps, Sal Esquivel, and Co sponsor Wally Hicks are promoting HB3604, which will make it law for public schools to give students the option to recite the pledge, daily. The pledge can be added into the daily routine at no cost to the schools and takes less than 30 seconds to recite.
This breaking issue was first reported by the US~Observer in January and has since received attention from other local media, giving Chandler and his fellow students who have signed his petition the drive to push this issue at a “state level.”
HB3604 will make its way through legislation this year, and our elected officials need to know that our families and schools support this issue, especially during times like these.
Chandler has attended several meetings hosted by local groups, Wake Up America Southern Oregon – wuaso.com – Friends of Josephine County, and the Republican Lincoln’s Dinner, all of which support our community, not only voicing his concerns for the pledge, but the direction many feel our country is headed.
Chandler is asking that both Jackson and Josephine County Oregon residents show their support and attend the upcoming Tax Day Tea Party Rally, held in front of the Josephine County Courthouse at 5:30 pm Friday April 15, 2011.
Chandler and concerned residents of Southern Oregon hope to see you on the 15th!
For those unable to attend, please show your support and spread this article to your friends via Facebook or email; others may be in need of the Pledge, too!