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

Strangler Lewis · 02-19-2009, 06:49 AM

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.

Obviously, "under God" doesn't belong in the pledge or "God Save The Queen" or any of it. And "My Country 'Tis Of Thee" is full of pathetic fallacies because a country isn't a person and freedom can't ring.

If somebody wants to stand politely and not say some or all of the pledge, I'd have no problem with it. 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, I would not beam with pride over that, except that it would give me an excuse to cut off all car contributions because Gandhi would walk.

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.

bewitched · 02-19-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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.

Not Afraid · 02-19-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

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

02-19-2009, 06:49 AM	#1
Strangler Lewis Doing The Job Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: In a state Posts: 3,956	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. Obviously, "under God" doesn't belong in the pledge or "God Save The Queen" or any of it. And "My Country 'Tis Of Thee" is full of pathetic fallacies because a country isn't a person and freedom can't ring. If somebody wants to stand politely and not say some or all of the pledge, I'd have no problem with it. 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, I would not beam with pride over that, except that it would give me an excuse to cut off all car contributions because Gandhi would walk. 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. __________________ Live now-pay later. Diner's Club!
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