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masterrig

Pledge of Allegiance in New Mexico schools...

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reciting the Pledge of Allegiance shows patriotism to our country and pride in these United States.



Does it? (I'm not being funny, its a genuine question) I can understand as a adult who has a choice then it would be a display of patriotism, but as a child if you have to do it every day is it not simply something that you have to say and do in a mindless fashion. After all didn't Lind, Mc Veigh and others of their ilk say the pledge five days a week for years?
When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
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I just heard on our local news, where the Secretary of Education in New Mexico wants to leave reciting the Pledge of Allegiance up to students. Students would have a choice as to whether or not, they wish to recite 'The Pledge.'
I'm just curious what those of you out there think of this idea. Personally, I'm not in favor. Simply because, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance shows patriotism to our country and pride in these United States.


Chuck



Kids have always had that choice. I've never heard of a school that makes kids recite the pledge - especially in today's pc society.

Freedom works both ways. If a kid is being taught that he/she shouldn't take the pledge, so be it. Like it or not, that's what America is about. Patriotism is an option that comes with freedom, not a requirerent of it.



never having gone to school in the USA I've only seen the pledge on TV and in films. What was the pledge before it was revised and what is it now? Why was it revised?
Also how does it work if kids don't want to make the pledge? Do they go outside the classroom, remain sitting (Presume you pledge it standing up)
Would there be massive peer preasure if they didn't make the pledge? Bullying even? These are honest questions as I simply don't know. In the Uk we have never had to do such a thing.
When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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reciting the Pledge of Allegiance shows patriotism to our country and pride in these United States.



Does it? (I'm not being funny, its a genuine question) I can understand as a adult who has a choice then it would be a display of patriotism, but as a child if you have to do it every day is it not simply something that you have to say and do in a mindless fashion. After all didn't Lind, Mc Veigh and others of their ilk say the pledge five days a week for years?



I later posted that, after thinking about it and for basically the same reasons you cited... what's the sense? I questioned the fact that my initial response was probably 'knee-jerk'. When is the right time? Is there a right time to recite the Pledge?


Chuck

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When is the right time? Is there a right time to recite the Pledge?



When you understand what it is that you are pledging and mean what you are saying?
When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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I'm a very patriotic American. I pledge my allegiance to my nation every day of my life, in my head and heart. I'm happy to recite the Pledge, as my own choice, whenever I'm invited to do so. But in a public school setting, I'd resent my kid being forced to do so, without the free choice to either opt-in or opt-out. In fact, I'd think the very lack of choice would run counter to the core philosophy of what the United States is supposed to be all about, and to stand for.

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When is the right time? Is there a right time to recite the Pledge?



When you understand what it is that you are pledging and mean what you are saying?



That makes sense. Wouldn't mean anything if one's heart wasn't in it.
I got to thinking about something else in regard to reciting the Pledge. As far back as I can remember, this country has been involved in some kind of war or conflict, somewhere in this world. Could it be, our politicians were going to see to it that our children were going to be patriotic, by golly? All school children would recite the Pledge of Allegiance and it's just not been questioned!? That we would recite it with 'vigah'!


Chuck

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I'm a very patriotic American. I pledge my allegiance to my nation every day of my life, in my head and heart. I'm happy to recite the Pledge, as my own choice, whenever I'm invited to do so. But in a public school setting, I'd resent my kid being forced to do so, without the free choice to either opt-in or opt-out. In fact, I'd think the very lack of choice would run counter to the core philosophy of what the United States is supposed to be all about, and to stand for.



As an adult, I feel quite strongly about our Pledge. An organization I belong to, opens each monthly meeting by saying the Pledge and a short prayer. That really means something to me. As an adult, I've realized that as a kid... I didn't understand it and I didn't 'feel' it. I would imagine, it's not much different for kids today. We have a freedom of choice. I can see where kids should have the right to choose whether or not to say the pledge. I doubt, they'll grow-up any less patriotic.


Chuck

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I just heard on our local news, where the Secretary of Education in New Mexico wants to leave reciting the Pledge of Allegiance up to students. Students would have a choice as to whether or not, they wish to recite 'The Pledge.'
I'm just curious what those of you out there think of this idea. Personally, I'm not in favor. Simply because, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance shows patriotism to our country and pride in these United States.


Chuck



First, I think kids should say the PoA at the beginning of the school day because it binds them together in the spirit of nationalism.

Second, I believe that nationalism is anachronistic and is being discouraged at every political opportunity.

Third, I believe the goal of our government is to create the North American Union with Canada and Mexico.

Fourth, as a former Taoseno and NM resident, I recall the state motto from one of their first senators,
Quote

Every calculation based on experience elsewhere fails in New Mexico.


Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

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As an adult, I feel quite strongly about our Pledge. An organization I belong to, opens each monthly meeting by saying the Pledge and a short prayer. That really means something to me. As an adult, I've realized that as a kid... I didn't understand it and I didn't 'feel' it. I would imagine, it's not much different for kids today. We have a freedom of choice. I can see where kids should have the right to choose whether or not to say the pledge. I doubt, they'll grow-up any less patriotic.



I really admire the way you've been able to think about the topic on this thread. It's a rare occurrence in this Forum when a person comes into a topic with one idea, states it and then not only rethinks his position, but actually states that publicly.

A lot of times there is far more to a story or idea than what people initially see in it. The headlines grab people in a way that is emotional, but if they can stop and think about what's really going on, sometimes they can see the weirdness of the position to begin with.
quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

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First, I think kids should say the PoA at the beginning of the school day because it binds them together in the spirit of nationalism.

Second, I believe that nationalism is anachronistic and is being discouraged at every political opportunity.

Third, I believe the goal of our government is to create the North American Union with Canada and Mexico.

Fourth, as a former Taoseno and NM resident, I recall the state motto from one of their first senators,

Quote

Every calculation based on experience elsewhere fails in New Mexico.



So, what you're saying is that we better indoctrinate the little tikes early before they can think about it. This way it will be easier to force other jingoistic ideals down their throats later so they can fight off the invading horde from the south (and the north).

Dude, I have a job for YOU in 1938 Germany.

Brainwashing is never a good idea.
quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

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I would imagine, it's not much different for kids today. We have a freedom of choice. I can see where kids should have the right to choose whether or not to say the pledge. I doubt, they'll grow-up any less patriotic.

I do think that children should be exposed to some of the reasoning behind the pledge throughout elementary school, to give them exposure to it, as well as the tools to think about it in age-appropriate ways.

If they always have a choice, they probably won't say it. Most kids won't go to church if not forced as well. That's fine with some folks :)
I really liked what rhaig said about having dissected it and studied the concepts in 7th and 8th grades. If you don't fill your mind, you don't have a good basis for decisions.

The kid in my class who read the Bible in 7th grade all the way through, and rejected it based on that -- he gets my admiration.

Wendy P.
There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

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I used to say the pledge as a kid, but I never really thought about what it meant. It was just something I did because everyone else did it, and they were just words that didn't mean anything more than reciting vocabulary words. When I actually thought about what it meant and took a good look at its history, I stopped saying it, because I find it divisive rather than unifying, and I don't feel that our country offers liberty and justice for all, although that's a great goal. I do stand quietly and respectfully while others say it, and try to take the moment to remind myself of my oath to support the Constitution.

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First, I think kids should say the PoA at the beginning of the school day because it binds them together in the spirit of nationalism.

I really believe that kids should be exposed to the Pledge, learn it and break it down and understand it. I really wonder if, reciting the Pledge on a daily basis, doesn't get like eating bacon and eggs every day for breakfast. Eventually, a kid is going to want a bowl of Fruit Loops. Make sense?

Second, I believe that nationalism is anachronistic and is being discouraged at every political opportunity.

I think, the idea of nationalism has been left-up to us as individuals. I believe, I's seen more nationalism since 9-11. We may not like the idea of Iraq and Afghanistan but, we are supporting our troops. Not like the Viet Nam era.

Third, I believe the goal of our government is to create the North American Union with Canada and Mexico.

I tend to agree with you on this one. That's just the 'almighty dollar' rearing it's ugly head. I see the effects of NAFTA here in my area. I just think, the politicians are just going about it wrong. Some states are welcoming the 'super highways' through their state. Here, we don't want them.

Fourth, as a former Taoseno and NM resident, I recall the state motto from one of their first senators,
Quote

Every calculation based on experience elsewhere fails in New Mexico.




Chuck

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First, I think kids should say the PoA at the beginning of the school day because it binds them together in the spirit of nationalism.

Second, I believe that nationalism is anachronistic and is being discouraged at every political opportunity.

Third, I believe the goal of our government is to create the North American Union with Canada and Mexico.

Fourth, as a former Taoseno and NM resident, I recall the state motto from one of their first senators,

Quote

Every calculation based on experience elsewhere fails in New Mexico.



So, what you're saying is that we better indoctrinate the little tikes early before they can think about it. This way it will be easier to force other jingoistic ideals down their throats later so they can fight off the invading horde from the south (and the north).

Dude, I have a job for YOU in 1938 Germany.

Brainwashing is never a good idea.



It looks to me like you stopped reading after the first point. I think nationalistic binding is a good thing but I believe it is rapidly losing favor along with the progressive wussification of America. Training is what you initiate in the neophyte. Brainwashing is when you erase the training and replace it with something else. Revelation is when you see a better way.
Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

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As an adult, I feel quite strongly about our Pledge. An organization I belong to, opens each monthly meeting by saying the Pledge and a short prayer. That really means something to me. As an adult, I've realized that as a kid... I didn't understand it and I didn't 'feel' it. I would imagine, it's not much different for kids today. We have a freedom of choice. I can see where kids should have the right to choose whether or not to say the pledge. I doubt, they'll grow-up any less patriotic.



I really admire the way you've been able to think about the topic on this thread. It's a rare occurrence in this Forum when a person comes into a topic with one idea, states it and then not only rethinks his position, but actually states that publicly.

A lot of times there is far more to a story or idea than what people initially see in it. The headlines grab people in a way that is emotional, but if they can stop and think about what's really going on, sometimes they can see the weirdness of the position to begin with.



I appreciate what you said.
I was just raised-up to keep an open mind. This just got me to thinking. Some things we just take for granted and our Pledge of allegiance shouldn't be. Just like our Constitution and our Bill of Rights.
We have a tendency to take things for granted and that's not a good thing. At some point in time, you just might not have it any more.


Chuck

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I would imagine, it's not much different for kids today. We have a freedom of choice. I can see where kids should have the right to choose whether or not to say the pledge. I doubt, they'll grow-up any less patriotic.

I do think that children should be exposed to some of the reasoning behind the pledge throughout elementary school, to give them exposure to it, as well as the tools to think about it in age-appropriate ways.

If they always have a choice, they probably won't say it. Most kids won't go to church if not forced as well. That's fine with some folks :)
I really liked what rhaig said about having dissected it and studied the concepts in 7th and 8th grades. If you don't fill your mind, you don't have a good basis for decisions.

The kid in my class who read the Bible in 7th grade all the way through, and rejected it based on that -- he gets my admiration.

Wendy P.


I like what you said! It's good.


Chuck

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First, I think kids should say the PoA at the beginning of the school day because it binds them together in the spirit of nationalism.
Second, I believe that nationalism is anachronistic and is being discouraged at every political opportunity.
Third, I believe the goal of our government is to create the North American Union with Canada and Mexico.
Fourth, as a former Taoseno and NM resident, I recall the state motto from one of their first senators,

Quote

Every calculation based on experience elsewhere fails in New Mexico.


So, what you're saying is that we better indoctrinate the little tikes early before they can think about it. This way it will be easier to force other jingoistic ideals down their throats later so they can fight off the invading horde from the south (and the north).
Dude, I have a job for YOU in 1938 Germany.
Brainwashing is never a good idea.



It looks to me like you stopped reading after the first point.



Really? Even when I specifically referenced the third?


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I think nationalistic binding is a good thing but I believe it is rapidly losing favor along with the progressive wussification of America.



Why do you think being "nationalistic" is good? Is that a an honorable goal in and of itself? I mean, lot of folks in places like China are extremely "nationalistic", does that somehow equate with being a good country or is it instead a symptom of a country devoted to indoctrination of mindless obedience? Nazi Germany was nationalistic. Were they they good guys?

I don't think it makes any sense whatsoever to have forced false pride in a country. I think it makes much more sense to educate children and show them what makes the country worth having pride in and letting them figure it out for themselves.
quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

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We said the pledge every morning. I went to a very small school in a farming community and sometimes (especially in the winter) the buses wouldn't arrive at the same time. The pledge was used in the lower grades as kind of a mental tool that meant after its said, we sit down and its time for us to behave and start class. Worked fantastically. In the later grades we said the pledge as it was originally written and used that with our US history class. Again, I think it was a great tool to get our attention and teach us something.

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How many of you said "invisible" instead of indivisible when you were really little?
" . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

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We said the pledge every morning. I went to a very small school in a farming community and sometimes (especially in the winter) the buses wouldn't arrive at the same time. The pledge was used in the lower grades as kind of a mental tool that meant after its said, we sit down and its time for us to behave and start class. Worked fantastically. In the later grades we said the pledge as it was originally written and used that with our US history class. Again, I think it was a great tool to get our attention and teach us something.



It was just about the time that 'one nation under God' was added that we started to recite the pledge. A couple years later, Russia invaded Hungary and the threat of 'atomic war' was quite real. We'd have 'air raid drills' and have to crawl under our desks. I have no idea how many times I banged my head on that desk! I hated those drills!:D


Chuck

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First, I think kids should say the PoA at the beginning of the school day because it binds them together in the spirit of nationalism.
Second, I believe that nationalism is anachronistic and is being discouraged at every political opportunity.
Third, I believe the goal of our government is to create the North American Union with Canada and Mexico.
Fourth, as a former Taoseno and NM resident, I recall the state motto from one of their first senators,

Quote

Every calculation based on experience elsewhere fails in New Mexico.


So, what you're saying is that we better indoctrinate the little tikes early before they can think about it. This way it will be easier to force other jingoistic ideals down their throats later so they can fight off the invading horde from the south (and the north).
Dude, I have a job for YOU in 1938 Germany.
Brainwashing is never a good idea.



It looks to me like you stopped reading after the first point.



Really? Even when I specifically referenced the third?


Quote


I think nationalistic binding is a good thing but I believe it is rapidly losing favor along with the progressive wussification of America.



Why do you think being "nationalistic" is good? Is that a an honorable goal in and of itself? I mean, lot of folks in places like China are extremely "nationalistic", does that somehow equate with being a good country or is it instead a symptom of a country devoted to indoctrination of mindless obedience? Nazi Germany was nationalistic. Were they they good guys?

I don't think it makes any sense whatsoever to have forced false pride in a country. I think it makes much more sense to educate children and show them what makes the country worth having pride in and letting them figure it out for themselves.



It no longer matters if I think nationalistic pride in America is of any value. Obviously, us old school guys are out. I stated it was anachronistic. You are picking argument where none exists. Egocentric thought rules! Hooray for me and screw everyone else. However, it is difficult to organize a parade when everyone is marching to the beat of a different drum.
Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

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How many of you said "invisible" instead of indivisible when you were really little?



:D I just mumbled through 'indivisible' till one day I got it right and really blurted it out. The whole class looked at me like 'what the heck'. I turned down the volume after that. :D

You just had to remind me of that!:D


Chuck

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We said the pledge every morning. I went to a very small school in a farming community and sometimes (especially in the winter) the buses wouldn't arrive at the same time. The pledge was used in the lower grades as kind of a mental tool that meant after its said, we sit down and its time for us to behave and start class. Worked fantastically. In the later grades we said the pledge as it was originally written and used that with our US history class. Again, I think it was a great tool to get our attention and teach us something.



It was just about the time that 'one nation under God' was added that we started to recite the pledge. A couple years later, Russia invaded Hungary and the threat of 'atomic war' was quite real. We'd have 'air raid drills' and have to crawl under our desks. I have no idea how many times I banged my head on that desk! I hated those drills!:D


Chuck

We dove under our desks when the sirens went off during the cold war. We used that fun experience as a segway to learning about the red scare, communism, and the changes to the pledge.

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