Bush's New Loyalty Oath

Several Democrats who wanted to hear Vice President Dick Cheney speak in New Mexico on July 31st were required to recite an unusual pledge of allegiance. Before allowing them to attend Cheney's speech at Rio Rancho Mid-High School, the Bush campaign demanded they sign an endorsement form saying they support the president. A campaign spokesman said the pledge was intended to weed out Democrats who might disrupt the event -- but the "loyalty oath" infuriated many voters. "I resent the school that my taxes paid for being used for an event that's restricted to people who sign a pledge to the Republican Party," said Jim Brown, a longtime resident of Rio Rancho.