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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][b]If someone cannot understand that standing is not the same thing as saying the pledge, then that person is the one with the political statement.[/b]

There are lots of things we do out of respect for others:  go to funerals; stay silent when others are praying during a moment of silence; staying silent while others are completing a test; standing in line rather than barreling to the front; waving a car into the lane in front of you in heavy traffic; etc.etc.

The whole audience stands at the Olympics for the national anthems of the winner's country.  Standing while others pledge is the respectful thing to do.  Not standing shows disrespect for our country.  Standing indicates respect.  It does not indicate allegiance.  It is really pretty simple.[/quote]

Right. Which is why public schools cannot legally force students to stand for the pledge. Because forcing students to stand for the pledge is forcing students to make a political statement.[/quote]

So, now patriotism is a political statement.  Loyalty to our country is a political statement. Respect for others is a political statement.  And, this is a problem.  If a teacher cannot ask for respect for the other kids in the class, we can now understand why we have so many discipline problems in schools.[/quote]

You can show respect for something without participating in it.  I have coworkers who are Muslim and take times for prayer during the day.  I respect that.  I don't interrupt their prayers, or schedule a meeting so that they have to choose between prayer and their career.  I don't make fun of them for praying.

But I also don't kneel down, because that would be participating, and since I am not Muslim, I do not participate in Muslim prayers.

Standing for the pledge is participating in the pledge.  I do it, because it aligns with my beliefs, but if my kid decided it didn't align with his belief, or that he wasn't sure if it aligned, then he should be allowed to sit quietly and show respect by not interrupting, and not teasing the people who pledge later. [/quote]

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