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conulyThis was fine with her (I think her, at least, sorry if you're a him), so there's no issue, but unless she grew up during or prior to the Second World War, she is mistaken.
The first case the Supreme Court heard about this issue was in 1940. It was brought by a family of Jehovah's Witnesses, who maintained that it is a violation of the first commandment, and therefore violated their right to religious freedom. They lost their case. However, this decision was overturned three years later. Since that time, it has been illegal to compel students to say the Pledge of Allegience. It has always been unethical, I think, and certainly unconstitutional... unless you think the writers of the Constitution of the United States believed that the government should be able to compel others to take oaths.
Anyway, that's all I have to say. It is very interesting to note that many people today, especially children, do not realize that they can NOT, legally, be compelled to recite the pledge, or even stand for it, so long as they maintain a respectful silence.
The first case the Supreme Court heard about this issue was in 1940. It was brought by a family of Jehovah's Witnesses, who maintained that it is a violation of the first commandment, and therefore violated their right to religious freedom. They lost their case. However, this decision was overturned three years later. Since that time, it has been illegal to compel students to say the Pledge of Allegience. It has always been unethical, I think, and certainly unconstitutional... unless you think the writers of the Constitution of the United States believed that the government should be able to compel others to take oaths.
Anyway, that's all I have to say. It is very interesting to note that many people today, especially children, do not realize that they can NOT, legally, be compelled to recite the pledge, or even stand for it, so long as they maintain a respectful silence.
no subject
Date: 2004-06-18 06:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-06-18 06:43 pm (UTC)"But you still have to show love for your country, and it's wrong to just sit down like that!"
"This is like telling a Hindi to say Grace."
"GO TO THE DEAN!"
It's not that I don't have any love for my country, it's just that: pledging the flag seems a lot like idol worship, it's creepy in a 1984 kind of way, and I'm lazy.
And, well, I don't like the way my country has entered its own little jihad.
no subject
Date: 2004-06-18 06:48 pm (UTC)2. What I love, and always have is this argument:
I can't say the Pledge, because I refuse to take an oath I may not be willing or able to uphold.
But it's not that important, just say it!
If it's not that important, surely you won't mind me sitting out?
NO! YOU HAVE TO SAY IT!
If it IS that important, then I really must decline. I will not make promises unless I know I can keep them.
But it doesn't really mean anything!
SO WHY DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY IT?
no subject
Date: 2004-06-18 06:53 pm (UTC)I absolutely love that argument, and almost wish I was in high school again just so I could use it.