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

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

But if, say, I had a high school kid who wanted to make a big show of sitting down or turning his back during the pledge because America is, like, fascist.

Guess you missed the word "respectfully". And hell, I'd be happy if more HS kids understood the meaning of fascist...and democratic.

Still, that is why we should have things like the pledge in school: to give kids to think about and overreact against so that they can eventually find their way towards the sacred, imaginary middle.

I suppose one person's thoughtful protest is another person's overreaction. Fair enough. Me, I'm glad our forefathers "overreacted" against the King.

[Betty]

What does "tis of thee" mean anyway?

Stangler - I loved your post. Almost makes me wish more kids would stand up for something they believe in... just to get them interested in something and think!

I remember thinking that high school was basically a baby sitting service until you were old enough to be legally an adult and get on with your life. Looking at it now - it's very much like that. Sure some kids really take advantage of it and learn alot. But me - not so much. I skated by -did as little as I could - got mostly B's and C's and looked for trouble, and ways to get out of going to school.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by lashbear

Are you sure?

Yes

[Cadaverous Pallor]

"One nation, indivisible" is too reactionary towards the Civil War. I guess people trying to mend Red and Blue might think it useful these days but it's almost a case of protesting too much. Like if siblings squabble and mom makes them say "You're my sister and I love you" as part of a making up process. This country IS divisible - pick your dividing line, it has been divided for a long ass time, actually - but that's the case of any large group of people.

[Betty]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

"One nation, indivisible" is too reactionary towards the Civil War. I guess people trying to mend Red and Blue might think it useful these days but it's almost a case of protesting too much. Like if siblings squabble and mom makes them say "You're my sister and I love you" as part of a making up process. This country IS divisible - pick your dividing line, it has been divided for a long ass time, actually - but that's the case of any large group of people.

Yeah - but "one nation, who argues about everything, with liberty and justice for some" doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

The whole breathing pattern changes if you leave out "under God." It's very uncomfortable. I don't know how people managed before it was put in.

I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the republic for which it stands
One nation, UnderDog, indivisible
With liberty and justice for all

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by Betty

What does "tis of thee" mean anyway?

It basically means, "this song is for (or about) you."

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by bewitched

When I was a kid I always wondered why our nation was invisible.

I always wondered why they had to point out the obvious - that God was invisible.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by bewitched

It basically means, "this song is for (or about) you."

My country this song is for you

I don't get it

[Alex]

Getting rid of the fancy language:

My country, it is ('tis) about you (of thee), a land of liberty (sweet land of liberty), I sing (of thee I sing).

Makes perfect sense to me.