Forced to stand for pledge

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I cannot believe that this many people on this board are offended by the Pledge. That is a shame.

I am not offended by it but my former-hippy mother has always been. Being offended by the pledge isn't new.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I cannot believe that this many people on this board are offended by the Pledge. That is a shame.

Words uttered under coercion are proof of loyalty to nothing but self-interest. Love of country must spring from willing hearts and free minds, inspired by a fair administration of wise laws enacted by the people's elected representatives within the bounds of express constitutional prohibitions. These laws must, to be consistent with the First Amendment, permit the widest toleration of conflicting viewpoints consistent with a society of free men.

Neither our domestic tranquillity in peace nor our martial effort in war depend on compelling little children to participate in a ceremony which ends in nothing for them but a fear of spiritual condemnation. If, as we think, their fears are groundless, time and reason are the proper antidotes for their errors. The ceremonial, when enforced against conscientious objectors, more likely to defeat than to serve its high purpose, is a handy implement for disguised religious persecution. As such, it is inconsistent with our Constitution's plan and purpose.

https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/319/624/case.html

[Anonymous]

I am not overly patriotic myself,

Can you explain more about what you mean by this? Does it mean something to the effect that you're not particularly taken with the US as a country, or more that you would be okay with living in any country, you don't feel that you would prefer the US over other countries? Or do you simply mean that you're not into having a flag at your home and going to Fourth of July parades?

I feel as though I have to add here, I am not asking this at all in a snarky way, I just read and reread that phrase and wondered what the poster meant by it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I cannot believe that this many people on this board are offended by the Pledge. That is a shame.

I cannot believe that you don't understand that being offended by forcing someone to stand for the Pledge & being offended by the Pledge are in no way the same thing. That is a shame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I cannot believe that this many people on this board are offended by the Pledge. That is a shame.

I cannot believe that you don't understand that being offended by forcing someone to stand for the Pledge & being offended by the Pledge are in no way the same thing. That is a shame.

+1

Watching video of people of other countries (young or old) being compelled to recite in unison, being compelled to salute a person or object, and being compelled to stand at attention while tanks roll past is generally chilling. We don't find it chilling in this country, in part because we are used to it.

That's fine.

But not wanting to participate in forced public displays of patriotism has nothign to do with the content of the pledge.

[Anonymous]

I was always proud to stand for the pledge. I taught for years in elementary, and, except for Jehovah's Witnesses, everyone participated and behavior was never a problem. It was a routine which brought the group together as one.

Sorry, that you cannot understand that concept. It is a source of pride. And, for those who say we still do not have social justice--which is true--it is not because of the flag. Hundreds of thousands of Union soldiers died for this country which is symbolized by the flag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I WISH more schools would require this.

You don't see the irony of forcing someone to stand while they say "with liberty and justice for all"?

NOPE. But I do see the irony of a child refusing to stand in respect to a flag that defends the child's right to be a jerk. Stand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I WISH more schools would require this.

You don't see the irony of forcing someone to stand while they say "with liberty and justice for all"?

NOPE. But I do see the irony of a child refusing to stand in respect to a flag that defends the child's right to be a jerk. Stand.

Who could argue with that? You are clearly so much smarter than a majority of Supreme Court justices. I, for one, am glad you're president.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was always proud to stand for the pledge. I taught for years in elementary, and, except for Jehovah's Witnesses, everyone participated and behavior was never a problem. It was a routine which brought the group together as one.

Sorry, that you cannot understand that concept. It is a source of pride. And, for those who say we still do not have social justice--which is true--it is not because of the flag. Hundreds of thousands of Union soldiers died for this country which is symbolized by the flag.

There are a lot of things I am proud of and/or enjoy that I'd bet you are not a fan of.

I think it's a-okay for you to disagree with me on them, and I won't try to compel you to partake in them.

How is that not liberty and freedom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a Citizen now but was born in a different country and have dual citizenship. I don't like saying the pledge of allegiance. However, when I am in a situation where it is being said I will stand up with everyone us and face the flag and stand quietly out of respect.
You should teach your child to do the same OP. You can be respectful without " saluting" or " pledging"

+1 I’m respectful in all sorts of situations I disagree with.

This. Kids aren't taught to be respectful these days and it's extremely sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I cannot believe that this many people on this board are offended by the Pledge. That is a shame.

You are completely missing the point.

[Anonymous]

My kid was routinely glared at by her 1st grade teacher for not saying "under god." Public school, Maryland. Horrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid was forced to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Sigh

Just take your kid and leave this country. Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid was routinely glared at by her 1st grade teacher for not saying "under god." Public school, Maryland. Horrible.

Oh the horror. Lol.

[Anonymous]

I think being taught to be respectful is a good thing.
Kids also do all sorts of th8ngs in school they don’t want to. Standing for the pledge is not a big deal.