Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.
ITA. I don't think that the Pledge of Allegiance is even religious. If someone doesn't want to say "under God" then they don't have to say those two words.
Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect. This idea that "I don't have to follow rules if I don't agree with them" is infecting our culture. My family members served in the military. They didn't agree with many of the rules, but you can't have everyone making it up as they go along. Following rules is what makes us civilized. The teacher is entitled to free speech, but not at school where the rules require saying the pledge, unless you've taken a (real) religious exemption.
Anonymous wrote:Not everyone in a free, democratic is interested in starting off their day with a loyalty oath. I wouldn't have a problem with the teacher's choice.[/quote
+1 And, I'd be more than happy with the teacher explaining why he doesn't say the pledge and reminding students that they are not required to participate in any way.
See: "If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein. . .We think the actions of the local authorities in compelling the flag salute and pledge transcends constitutional limitations on their power and invades the sphere of intellect and spirit which it is the purpose of the First Amendment to our Constitution to reserve from all official control."
West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943)
Anonymous wrote:If the children are required to say it, the teacher should say it as well. That's just basic respect.
Anonymous wrote:Should a Teacher be required to Say the pledge ? MY DS Teacher stands up for the pledge but doesn't say it. Should He? Should I email him and ask why he doesn't stand up and say it loudly?