On Saying the Pledge of Allegiance

All through school, whenever they would have us say the Pledge of Allegiance, I never had a problem. I always took it as something I could do to express my gratitude and pride in living in a truly exceptional country. I still believe that this country is exceptional and I am extremely grateful to live here. What other country gives so much of itself, both in fortune and blood, for the interests and welfare of so many living outside its borders? Additionally, most of our ancestors came to this land seeking the "American Dream." Most of us, the beneficiaries of these and other great sacrifices, enjoy a better lifestyle and more opportunities for personal progress than we would had our ancestors never come.

However, I have recently begun to rethink my feelings towards the Pledge of Allegiance. To me, the foundations of this country are great, as represented through the founding documents of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. I believe in these and would be willing to fight for the ideals represented therein. The flag, on the other hand, to me is not a representation of the foundations of our country but of the government. I am not willing to give my unquestioning stamp of approval on whatever the government does, and to me that is what the Pledge of Allegiance is. Our government is not infallible, but values and principles can be.

Also, the Pledge is a very serious and weighty thing to say. For us to teach 5-year-olds to say it every morning, pledging their energies and interests to the upholding of this republic, with their hands over their hearts, is a little doctrinaire and oppressive. They don't have the faculties to make such a promise, assuming they understood the words they were saying. Because it is extremely unlikely that they understand in even a small degree what they are saying, it is inappropriate that they be forced to rehearse it every morning during school.