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

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

I don't know how I'd approach it with my own kid if and when the time comes. Seeing as they wouldn't be able to understand either side of the argument, I'd probably just pretty much let things be. I don't think it did me any irreparable harm to recite it, so whatever. When they kid is aware enough to start asking their own questions about it, that's when I'll address it.

This is the approach I take with Olivia. If and when she understands it enough to want to rebel against it, I'll support her in her decision. Interestingly, she knows I'm agnostic and considers herself one for all intents and purposes (i.e. doesn't believe in "God" insomuch as what she understands "God" to be). She chose, on her own, to pause rather than say "under God" when she recites the pledge each morning. (She does the same thing during the mention of "God" in the Girl Scout pledge* and the YMCA pledge-- where she plays basketball.)


*Unlike the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts are okay with this omission.