Point of View (Nothing but the Truth)

Phillip Malloy is suspended from school just because of patriotism, is there still law to protect the citizens? Is singing the national anthem really a crime? Is being patriotic really wrong? Is loving the country really a crime?

I walked into the classroom and sat down. Mrs. Narwin came into the classroom. She asked us to seat as we wish just for the time being as she will work on the seating a bit later. Many were not sure whether they were in the class and started asking whether they should be in this class with Mrs. Narwin. Mrs. Narwin disliked me and me to her too so I just sat there and remained silent.

Then, the announcement from the school principal, Dr. Gertrude Doane came through the intercom. After a series of announcements, the national anthem, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was played through the intercom through the whole school.

I started humming the national anthem just to myself softly just as usual. Then, Mrs. Narwin got really mad and just started yelling at me out of the blue. And out of irritation, I finally stopped.

When I went home, I felt really bad. My parents came and asked me what happened and I just told them what happened at school. I went straight back to room after finishing the story. Then, dad came in. He sat down and talked to me. He encouraged me to continue on what I am doing now and said that no one can ever stop someone else from being patriotic. ‘Boy, it is your right to be singing the national anthem and no one has the right to stop you from doing so. I, no, your mother and I will always be by your side and support you in doing what is right.’

The next day during homeroom class, I listened to what my parents said and started humming ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ as usual when it was played after Dr. Doane’s announcement. Mrs. Narwin got really mad and yelled at me again but this time I just continued humming ignoring her. Then, she asked me to get out of the homeroom and report straight to Dr. Palleni’s office.

I went to Dr. Palleni’s office and he asked me about what happened. I told him, ‘I was just humming ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and Narwin asked me out of the class and to your office.

‘This is a memo from Dr. Doane. Look, see what it says. Go on, read it. What does it say? Silence. Okay? You hear it every day. Right? But you were singing. Right? No, let me finish. Miss Narwin asked you to stop. You didn’t. You continued to sing. You were disobedient. So she asked you to leave.’

‘How can you stop someone from singing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’? You have no right to do so.

‘It’s the rule.’

‘Is a memo a rule?’

‘It is. Look Phillip, I’ve got more important things to do with my time than to argue with you about following simple and basic rules. I’ve got serious infractions. I’ve got drugs. I’ve got…………….’

I left school and went back home. My parents knew about it and still supported me.

The next day, I continued humming ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and Narwin sent me to Dr. Palleni’s office again.

‘It’s you again, Phillip? Still same problem? I thought I already told you about the last time we met?’
‘Get me out of Narwin’s class. She still doesn’t allow me to sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’.’

‘I already told you the last time you were here. It is the school rule of not to sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ during homeroom period when it is played through the intercom.’

‘This is a free country. I have the right to do what I want to do!’

‘Ok. I am sorry Phillip. I will have to call in one of your parents. Are they reachable?’

‘They works’

‘I guess we will have to reach her.’

Dr. Palleni called my mother and she agreed to come to the school. She called dad before she came but dad was too busy so she just came.

Dr. Palleni told her about what happened and told her that I will be suspended for two days. I was actually suspended from school for patriotism………………………………………………………….