Another poll on the Pledge of Allegiance

[nclib]

If you think this is a school system-by-school system issue, then vote how you would want your local system to do.

I would still say no. Firstly, kids could face peer pressure to recite the Pledge even if they don't want to. Secondly, I do not believe that rote memorization is a good way to teach kids. Thirdly, there are more important things that kids could vow to do than pledge allegiance to their country (i.e. non-violence, equality, etc.)

[YRABNNRM]

It should be optional, as it is. I don't have to pledge my allegiance every day, I know I'm American and I know the ideals that the nation should stand for.

[adam]

With or without the words "under god" I never say it. It's not mandatory either way, so I see no point in screwing with it.

[nclib]

It should be optional, as it is.

But do you believe a teacher should lead the class by saying it?

[YRABNNRM]

It should be optional, as it is.

But do you believe a teacher should lead the class by saying it?

If the teacher wishes it to be in their class. They could set aside a minute and tell the students that they may recite it if they wish.

It's not really a major issue for me.

[Nym90]

Yes, although children should be taught what it means, and not just be forced to recite it without any greater understanding of its significance.

[Democratic Hawk]

I don't have a problem with the words "under God" at all but then again with or without I favor a Pledge of Allegiance full stop. It's compatible with the notion of citizenship after all

Dave

[MasterJedi]

Yes, thought that still doesn't mean that under God should be taken out.

[Gabu]

Personally, I think that the important thing is to learn what the pledge means, why it exists, and why you should want to say it.  Simply beating it into kids' heads every single day is not terribly productive.

[© tweed]

Optional rececitiation (or is it recitation?). 

[Ebowed]

No.  I do not support giving school children a loyalty oath, mandatory or optional.

[The Dowager Mod]

No.

[Nym90]

I have another take.  I call  myself indepentant but am pretty liberal.  I wish liberals would let up on this issue because it is a wedge issue that is really pretty minor.  I know people who have nothing in common with conservatives, but vote Republican because of simple and easy to understand issues like this.  If you are even slightly liberal you need to read "What's the Matter with Kansas". 

I absolutely agree that it's one of those issues where the benefits are not worth the costs as far as the Democrats are concerned. It's another of those issues where the liberal position is nuanced and more difficult to understand than the conservative position, and these issues unfortunately are best avoided due to politics not being conducive to complex positions that can't be described in a quick sound bite.

[dazzleman]

The pledge of allegiance, with the phrase 'under God,' should be recited every day in every classroom in the United States of America.

[Tory]

The pledge is a waste of time

[Alcon]

The pledge of allegiance, with the phrase 'under God,' should be recited every day in every classroom in the United States of America.

Why?

It's become rote, meaningless, and trite.  It's a daily chore.  If anything, it makes me want to move to Kabul and burn flags while ululating.