The Pledge of Allegiance

SpheryEyne · 04-03-05, 04:34 PM

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands:
one nation,
under God,
indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Every morning, in schools all across America, children stand up, face the flag, and recite these words. Recently, however, the practice of having it said in public schools has come under fire because it contains the words "under God," which were added in 1954. One of the main criticisms of these two little words is that they violate the "establishment" clause of the First Amendment, which states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion".

What are your views on the Pledge? Should "under God" remain or be removed from it? Should the Pledge be recited in public schools or not? Why do you believe the way you do?

SE

26 X World Champs · 04-03-05, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpheryEyne

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands:
one nation,
under God,
indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Every morning, in schools all across America, children stand up, face the flag, and recite these words. Recently, however, the practice of having it said in public schools has come under fire because it contains the words "under God," which were added in 1954. One of the main criticisms of these two little words is that they violate the "establishment" clause of the First Amendment, which states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion".

SE

The under God should be optional, meaning that the school omits it but if an individual student wants to include it that is cool. All that would take is for the sturdent's parents to teach him/her to include under God.

However, for those out there who for whatever their reason is, do not believe in God or do not believe in envoking God's name in a government institution they should not have it forced upon them.

vauge · 04-03-05, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 26 X World Champs

The under God should be optional, meaning that the school omits it but if an individual student wants to include it that is cool. All that would take is for the sturdent's parents to teach him/her to include under God.

However, for those out there who for whatever their reason is, do not believe in God or do not believe in envoking God's name in a government institution they should not have it forced upon them.

I agree. It should not be forced on anyone!

It should not be removed either. It is part of our culture and history.

Squawker · 04-03-05, 07:15 PM

I think it is great if schools still say the pledge, but "under God" should be up to the student. The words don't hurt anyone though, so I don't know what the big stink is about. Kids don't know what they believe at that age.

Blue Hobgoblin · 04-03-05, 07:51 PM

I don't think it was necessary to add "under God," but now that it is there, I have little problem with it. And I do feel that the pledge should be optional. Many of my classmates don't even stand up for the pledge. I feel an obligation to, but that's my individual choice and shouldn't be forced on anyone else.

myshkin · 04-03-05, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 26 X World Champs

The under God should be optional, meaning that the school omits it but if an individual student wants to include it that is cool. All that would take is for the sturdent's parents to teach him/her to include under God.

However, for those out there who for whatever their reason is, do not believe in God or do not believe in envoking God's name in a government institution they should not have it forced upon them.

Every student has the first Ammendment Right to say Under God or under Santa if he/she chooses.

The issue as I understand it is that the school as a public institution may not lead the pledge with under God as a part of the recitation. The school, everyone's institution woulod then be endorsing the religious belief or superstitions of some, but not necessarily all, of the students.

The same is true with prayer every citizen, children included may pray as much as they like. They may not however disrupt the classroom.
Most of the problems occur when a teacher or administrator fearful of critisism makes an arbitrary decision.

Squawker · 04-03-05, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Many of my classmates don't even stand up for the pledge. I feel an obligation to, but that's my individual choice and shouldn't be forced on anyone else.

Standing up is a show of respect for our country, our ancestors, and our heritage. If young people disrespect their parents, they would also show disrespect in the classroom. They need a kick in pants IMO.

akyron · 04-03-05, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squawker

Standing up is a show of respect for our country, our ancestors, and our heritage. If young people disrespect their parents, they would also show disrespect in the classroom. They need a kick in pants IMO.

/agree

Enforcing a little dicipline now can go a long way to saving a child some headaches in the future.

SpheryEyne · 04-05-05, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myshkin

The issue as I understand it is that the school as a public institution may not lead the pledge with under God as a part of the recitation. The school, everyone's institution woulod then be endorsing the religious belief or superstitions of some, but not necessarily all, of the students.

I don't know how this works at other schools around the country, but in my high school the Pledge is recited over the loudspeaker every Monday morning ("under God" included) and students who choose to say it can do so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squawker

Standing up is a show of respect for our country, our ancestors, and our heritage. If young people disrespect their parents, they would also show disrespect in the classroom. They need a kick in pants IMO.

I am one of those students who do not stand up and recite the Pledge. I've gotten some insults thrown at me ("un-American," "anti-flag," "ingrate") by people who cannot comprehend that someone would abstain from speaking the Pledge unless they hated America. Last term I was in a great minority of those still seated during the recitation; this term over half my class remains in their seats. I don't think this shows disrespect for our country, our ancestors, and our heritage; on the contrary, we are simply exercising our Constitutional right to free speech, which does include symbolic speech.

Although I myself don't stand for the Pledge, I am all for having it said in schools. I understand why many people would wish to say it, and as long as it's not mandated by the schools and kids aren't ostracized for refusing to stand, this part of American history has its place in our public schools.

SE

Squawker · 04-05-05, 09:59 PM

Quote:

I don't think this shows disrespect for our country, our ancestors, and our heritage; on the contrary, we are simply exercising our Constitutional right to free speech, which does include symbolic speech.

That is probably because your parents didn’t teach you manners. Back in the old days, men of social standing stood up when a woman walked into the room out of respect. Our social customs have become extinct. Are we better off because the “elders” stopped teaching the next generation what is proper and respectful behavior? I don’t think so.