Should children be forced to stand and say the Pledge of Allegience?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'm very torn about the pledge. Betty likes it more as an adult, and I like it less. I've attended meetings at the City, both large and small, and they include the pledge. Seeing these adults make such a simplistic statement comes off as creepy to me. I can't promise absolute allegiance to anything, because things change. The last 8 years were enough to teach me that. IMHO, part of being an adult is understanding that precious little is black and white.

Even so - I do like the concept of patriotism, and I'm a loyal type of person. I had school spirit even though I was an outcast geek and had no reason to. I do think America as a concept is awesome and has done great things. When you're 10 years old, it's hard to understand the nuances of allegiance and loyalty. I am not opposed to using the pledge as a tool to instill this sort of "we are one group" concept, but somehow, I think as adults we need to have better ways to express it. Perhaps if the wording were changed? (Obviously the Under God part needs to go.)

Hmm, how would I write the pledge...