Pledge of Allegiance?

archaeopteryx

I agree with the way you've handled the Pledge of Allegiance in your school. I myself am I student, and thus far in high school my teachers have allowed the students to choose whether or not to say the pledge of allegiance. No one should be forced into saying anything, if they don't wish to say it, or want to leave a part of it out, that's their choice.

gyro-nut64

I understand where you are coming from on this issue. My question to you is, Do you stand and say the Pledge? It is fine and commendable of you to offer the kids a choice, but let peer pressure do its work. If you and other kids take the Pledge, then the others will come around.

If there is one thing that this country needs now, it is Patriotism and school kids have been saying the Pledge since before your parents were born.

You should set a good example for the students.

BabyFace

i belive if you are living in the united states and are benefiting by the numerous advantages (and rights) offered by the constitution and the government in any way (everyone living here does) you should be more than willing to prove your loyalty to the country, or else go live somewhere else...while i believe you are unpatriotic by not wishing you to say it yourself, it is also not right to force someone else to say it, and with that i agree with you...while you are right in not forcing them to say the pledge of allegiance, i would ask that you have your students at least respect the flag and/or the respect others place towards it by not doing anything distracting during the pledge of allegiance even if they themselves choose not to participate, because in that is the basis of tolerance oamong men, which is necessary in such a violent and conflict-seeking world

Sloppy Joe

Lady... what country pays your salary? It most definitely has a place in public schools. Religion doesn't, but patriotism does. Your belief is unpatriotic, and if you were teaching during the cold war, I would say you're a commie. The moral decay of the American youth is facilitated by people like you. Honestly, what harm can come from reciting the pledge of allegiance? Your job is not a pulpit for you to spread your uberliberal views. Teach the kids facts, teach them right and wrong if you can, but stop confusing them. America is a great country, they are Americans...what is your deal?

nomadder

Glad you are not teaching my child. It's not your job to tell the children anything, It is up to the parents that raised that child. Who do you think you are? Why are you making a big deal out of it?

While I don't think that students can or should be forced to recite the pledge of allegiance. I think you are wrong in your assessment of it not belonging in "public" schools. Why should a nation not promote loyalty to one's nation especially in a setting that is funded by the government (public school). I think the nation has a moral obligation to teach civic and national pride in one's country and am encouraged by the fact that other teachers are standing up to you (although calling you a communist is ridiculous).

Why shouldn't the citizens of a country be willing to and learn in their youth to stand up for their country and the values that that country espouses.

It is sad to see a teacher that is probably so caught up in moral relativism to not appreciate the value of the country that provides so much to so many. It is also sad that this issue would come up (assuming that you are not bringing it up yourself in class). There are so many around the world that would give everything they have to change places with any of the students in your class or yourself. Unfortunately, it seems that the US is loosing a lot of its national pride and loyalty and people are not taking advantage of what they have been given by virtue of birth into this great nation.

Jeancommunicates

You are in the United State of America. The Pledge of Allegiance to our flag is very patriotic and many people have died for your freedom to speak anyway you wish even if you do sound like a Communist, Islamic, Radical, Terrorist. Have some respect for the Veterans, the Air Force, the Army, the Government and the People of the Constitution. You know, the people who pay your salary for that Public School that you work in. The people who are dying now to secure your freedom in foreign countries. Basically, we see you as a TRAITOR. You and the ACLU need to get your heart right. Your civil liberty carries a lot of blood. How did you get into education without knowing history? I'm from Texas and I am ashamed that you even mentioned the South.

taraloha

Sorry, but I disagree with you. You didn't say how old your students are, but unless they are seniors in high school (and therefore 18 years old or close to it), I don't think it's appropriate for them to have a choice to not say the pledge. The flag is a symbol of American freedom. You are not technically pledging your allegiance to a flag when you say the pledge; you are pledging your allegiance to the United States of America. If you can't do that, then why are you (or your students) living in this country? Receiving the benefits available to every American citizen is a privilege! If you aren't loyal to the country and what it stands for, then live somewhere else. If some students choose not to stand or recite the pledge, it would be a good opportunity for a discussion in class. Ask the students why they choose not to stand/recite and maybe ask them to rewrite the pledge to reflect what they believe. If the students are very young, like elementary school-age, then they should not be given the choice whether or not to stand and recite. It sounds as if you are trying to start a mini-rebellion and that has no place in ANY school, let alone public schools. I would be horrified if my child's teacher acted the way you do. If you're not proud to be an American, please go elsewhere with your rabble-rousing.

Thomas G

The Supreme Court has ruled time and time again that students do not check their constitutional rights at the school house door, this applies to both religion and patriotism, both of which have a place in school if the students feel that way. Teachers however cannot force their opinions on students and should remain neutral as to what they tell the students.

I think that the pledge of allegiance (which is to the country not the flag "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all" ) should be said ever morning by school children, teachers, firefighters, police officers and all government employees, heck I even think the rest of us should say it.

Oddly enough however I Will defend to my death your right to feel otherwise, that is what America is all about, you are not a communist (as the weather you are unpatriotic only you can answer that) Telling students they can or cant stand and say the pledge is fine, but there needs to be some understanding as to why not and why so.

It is the same with flag burning there is no greater symbol of protest for an American then to burn the flag but make sure you know why you are burning it and what you mean by it. (On the other hand no one in any other nation has a right to burn OUR flag with out reaction from us)

mariner31

Actually, the kids are minors and have no "rights" as listed in the US Constitution... According to the 26th Amendment, they obtain the rights on their 18th birthday... until THAT point they are the responsiblility of their parents and those agencies granted power BY the parents (ie SCHOOLS).

I wouldn't force a kid to stand for the POA... One question, what GRADE level are you teaching ??

Little kids SHOULD stand and recite the POA, and if the hippie-communist parents don't like it... go to a private school.

That_ blue_ eyed_ Irish_ lass

I believe in one's constitutional rights but I also believe that it is an honor to proclaim the glory of our country.

I grew up in the era when one stood up when a teacher entered the room and acknowledged her out of respect . Do they still do that?
I was born during the Korean war when my Dad fought for this country.
I grew up in the Vietnam war and watched my brother and friends fight for freedom. and I prayed my son would survive the desert storm war fighting for that freedom.

Is it really that much to ask that you show a little sign of respect for your country.. Lord knows you teachers are always demanding that and more. Frankly, I think you are a disgrace and I am glad you are not teaching my children

Love it or Leave it. Proud to be an American .
Proud to Pledge Allegiance to my Country

L J

The children you are teaching need to know how many died to defend that freedom of witch you are teaching them kinda of heavy when you think about it right. The honor and moraility and lots of other things are selling out the U,S OF A right down the river.

James B

Well, you are certainly a minority... I wouldn't want you teaching my child.

I respect that you have the right to do not say the pledge. However, after all the men who've died to give you that right. For you to non-physically give those men the defiant salute of a middle finger.

You are essentially saying to this kids indirectly, "To those who fought and died for me to have this right... SCREW YOU... I wouldn't defend these rights for future generations on ANY level."

Right or Wrong is not for me to say. Bad taste, yes. I, personally, would not want you teaching any children that I knew because of your obvious indifference for what this great country has done for you. You are sending them the wrong message in my opinion.

Flat_out_Bob

Personally I like the word Communist.

Daniel

Well I agree and disagree with you. You are right to tell them of their rights. But the Pledge of Allegiance (to the American flag) does have a place in American-funded schools.

fancy unicorn

Keep it up! Separation of Church and State! I love that about the country too. I like kittens

Anti-Socialist

Their kids, under the age of 18, so technically they don't have any civil rights anyway. I have no problem if you tell them they can say or not say if it's a school rule for them to say it then they have to say it. When they turn 18 they can decide if they want to say it or not anymore.

reikigirl8

Im glad you allow your students the right to chose.The Pedge of allegiance is a beautiful thing!I dont see you as evil,it is still your right.Just as it is the right of the American flag to be placed in any school.The flag belongs to America,and we should all be proud!!
Nobody should be forced !!!I may not be very proud the way the government is doing things,But I stand tall for our FLAG!

silentjealousy77

no place in the school...I love the usa but I do not pledge my allegiance to a flag...A cloth is not my country and only a symbol...I however do pledge my allegiance to god. But that does not belong in school either.

bostonianinmo

I think you should run your class however you see fit. I'd encourage kids to participate but wouldn't force them to do so.

About 15 years ago I had some friends who were from the UK (RAF exchange officer) and living in the US. The local school was forcing their kids to say the Pledge. Highly inappropriate in my opinion.

~*~Veronica~*~

I think this is a good choice. I think this is a good way to avoid contraversy. This issue has gone into courts across the nation. I think it's gay that people are getting so mad just because the pledge has the word God in it. I think you're a good teacher for giving your students liberty, the thing that America was based on

PARKERD

I think you are a great teacher. The country needs more like you.

Thanks for your service.

Kate R

I think you are right, and wish you every luck. Haven't your colleagues heard of freedom of speech - which includes the right to burn the flag (probably!)?

Terry

You live in a reactionary part of the country. Although your stance is completely accurate, don't expect to convince your colleagues. I admire your courage.

Freedom of speech, protected by the first amendment, is basic to our rights as Americans. Politicians repeatedly state that our soldiers go to war to protect the constitution, including the right to free speech.

Popular free speech doesn't really need to be protected; we'd allow people to say it anyway. The intent of the amendment is to protect UNPOPULAR free speech - and one such method of expression is to not say the pledge, not stand for it, or leave out the contentious "under god" which was added in 1957.

The current administration has tried hard to curtail free speech - the 'free speech zones' that Bush has created anywhere he is appearing are in fact a RESTRICTION on free speech, and as such have been ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. In an outrageous display of bravado, Bush has elected to ignore the Supreme Court on this matter, and continues to limit free speech within close proximity to himself.

Go on telling the truth - John 8:32 has Jesus offering "the truth shall make you free"; and Sue Monk Kidd, whose spiritual memoir The Dance of the Dissident Daughter Whitehead said: "The truth might set you free, but first it will shatter the safe, sweet world you live in."

We have to shatter that self-serving belief that there is only the truth as uttered by the Republican party.

flip4449

" and to the republic, for which it stands" , (what republic)?,and when did they sneak democracy in there? That's what I think, and wonder.

Leo

i think ur right..but most kids dont stand up in the morning because theyre tired and or lazy

okay...

I think that your handling it right.... What's worse not saying it or saying it but not meaning a word you say? If you can tell me that every time you say the plege you mean every word well then maybe your right..

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