i was the teenage non-conformist in high school, never participated. Teachers didnt care, subs would often yell at me. What does the flag symbolize if not freedom of expression? Enlisted in the army while still in high school, so things arent correlated.

I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Might as well take a knee during the national anthem.

r

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The two aren't comparable at all.

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Everyone wanting to do away with these patriotic teachings for our children can head to Canada

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Then they can meet all the celebrities that moved there when W got elected President!

MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Might as well take a knee during the national anthem.

r

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The two aren't comparable at all.

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Everyone wanting to do away with these patriotic teachings for our children can head to Canada

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Ah, yes. The old "you don't agree with me so you need to leave MY country" argument.

Know Your Enemy said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Might as well take a knee during the national anthem.

r

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The two aren't comparable at all.

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Everyone wanting to do away with these patriotic teachings for our children can head to Canada

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Ah, yes. The old "you don't agree with me so you need to leave MY country" argument.

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I am offended by man boobs. Also, the sad state of his Texas flag on the porch.

The author of the pledge was a socialist, so it's interesting to see all the people supporting socialism in the schools.

MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

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I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

I see the General Board is the liberal version of F16.

Not a bad thing. Just an observation.

MarathonAg12 said:

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Know Your Enemy said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Might as well take a knee during the national anthem.

r

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The two aren't comparable at all.

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Everyone wanting to do away with these patriotic teachings for our children can head to Canada

---

Ah, yes. The old "you don't agree with me so you need to leave MY country" argument.

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It is very offensive. He'll have to drop the flag in order to fire his shotgun. Then he will have to destroy the flag.

MarathonAg12 said:

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I see the General Board is the liberal version of F16.

Not a bad thing. Just an observation.

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Anything left of extreme right = liberal on TexAgs.

Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

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Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

---

Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

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Again, what purpose does it serve it kids are saying it without really saying it? What are they pledging their allegiance to? When a 14 year old is saying it, do you really think that kid is thinking about how he's pledging his allegiance to this country?

jwoodmd said:

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No, but the amount of free time the OP seems to have these days is...

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Maybe it's because he's not at sea and on shore leave.

RikkiTikkaTagem said:

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My kids say it at their school. They also sing Texas, Our Texas. Im happy with it. A little bit of nationalism is a good thing. It's ok to believe that things are good here. It is ok to have pride in one's country. It's ok to say we live in the greatest country in the world. People can debate it but the way people immigrate here both legally and illegally for the last 250 years speaks truth to that. Extremism of nationalism and anti nationalism are both harmful to this country but saying that pledge isn't extreme, it's just good citizenship imo.

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Beautifully put!

jackson-kyle said:

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State law in Texas for schools to do the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge, along with a moment of silence. Led the pledges for 11 years as a school principal. Not weird.

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Thank you for taking on this challenging job, sir. I truly appreciate this.

MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

---

Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

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Its closer to 10 minutes of class time when combined with the Texas Pledge and minute of silence.

Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

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"Forced patriotism" is really taking it to the extreme

If there's consequences for not doing it, how is it not forced?

Bruce Almighty said:

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If there's consequences for not doing it, how is it not forced?

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Because, in my experience anyway, it was "stand and say the Pledge to show our respect for America, like we do every day," not "stand and say the Pledge or else". IF there were any consequences, we didn't know about them.

RealTalk said:

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maroon barchetta said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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Sea Speed said:

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I dont take issue with my my kids doing it, but getting videos of the kids saying it at their MDO just looks weird to me, like they will be goose stepping to their next class when they are done.

Kids saying the pledge, weird or no?

Side note, we had to pledge allegiance to the Christian flag when I was in elementary and that was probably what I hated most about elementary school.

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What is MDO?

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Imma venture a guess that it is Mother's Day Out.

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What is Mother's Day Out? (I've already googled so no need to answer)

* And I hate when people use initialism unless it's something that is commonly known. Just type it out - it's not hard unless you're on a phone.

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MDO is pretty well known.

Regardless, how is people using initials worse than someone asking questions that are, as you obviously know, perfectly Googleable?

Bruce Almighty said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

---

Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

---

Again, what purpose does it serve it kids are saying it without really saying it? What are they pledging their allegiance to? When a 14 year old is saying it, do you really think that kid is thinking about how he's pledging his allegiance to this country?

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Might as well cut out the National Anthem before football games. Do you think players are really focused on American values minutes before kickoff?

Bruce Almighty said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

---

Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

---

Again, what purpose does it serve it kids are saying it without really saying it? What are they pledging their allegiance to? When a 14 year old is saying it, do you really think that kid is thinking about how he's pledging his allegiance to this country?

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I did (think I was really pledging allegiance to my country) when I was 14. In fact I did when I was even younger. It meant a lot to me personally. It still does.

IMHO, the purpose it serves is to get the kids used to the idea of being true to your state and nation. The idea of having integrity and commitment to American ideals. I assure you that without the routine of saying it, many of them would spend far less time thinking about these important ideas.

Do most kids deeply contemplate this stuff every day? No. That's normal, especially at that age.

In a practical sense, I also think it's a great way of building the daily routine. Kids saying this gets them started thinking 'it's time to start our daily school routine'. They are starting the day with the high calling of what our nation is truly about. This is a good thing.

Drawkcab said:

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RealTalk said:

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maroon barchetta said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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Sea Speed said:

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I dont take issue with my my kids doing it, but getting videos of the kids saying it at their MDO just looks weird to me, like they will be goose stepping to their next class when they are done.

Kids saying the pledge, weird or no?

Side note, we had to pledge allegiance to the Christian flag when I was in elementary and that was probably what I hated most about elementary school.

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What is MDO?

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Imma venture a guess that it is Mother's Day Out.

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What is Mother's Day Out? (I've already googled so no need to answer)

* And I hate when people use initialism unless it's something that is commonly known. Just type it out - it's not hard unless you're on a phone.

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MDO is pretty well known.

Regardless, how is people using initials worse than someone asking questions that are, as you obviously know, perfectly Googleable?

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Might be pretty well known, but I didn't know what it was either. Frankly, I'm glad he asked.

MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

---

MarathonAg12 said:

---

Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

---

Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

---

Again, what purpose does it serve it kids are saying it without really saying it? What are they pledging their allegiance to? When a 14 year old is saying it, do you really think that kid is thinking about how he's pledging his allegiance to this country?

---

Might as well cut out the National Anthem before football games. Do you think players are really focused on American values minutes before kickoff?

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Good idea.

Know Your Enemy said:

---

MarathonAg12 said:

---

Bruce Almighty said:

---

MarathonAg12 said:

---

Bruce Almighty said:

---

MooreTrucker said:

---

I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

---

Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

---

Again, what purpose does it serve it kids are saying it without really saying it? What are they pledging their allegiance to? When a 14 year old is saying it, do you really think that kid is thinking about how he's pledging his allegiance to this country?

---

Might as well cut out the National Anthem before football games. Do you think players are really focused on American values minutes before kickoff?

---

Good idea.

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No, it's not. He's being facetious. But you knew that.

MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

---

Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

---

You think saying the pledge makes kids appreciate how great it is to live in America?

AliasMan02 said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Bruce Almighty said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I'm frankly surprised that this is, or ever was, a big deal. Yes, I'm an old and grew up in a time where we said it every morning, but I just don't see the harm in it or why it would be considered weird or be objected to.

---

I don't care either way, but forced patriotism isn't patriotism. I just don't think it really serves a purpose other than we do it because that's the way it has always been. By the times kids have been saying it for a few years every day, they are no longer really saying it. The words may be coming out of their mouth, but it's mindless memorization. The kids don't care, they're not thinking about what they are saying, and 30 seconds after saying it, they have forgotten they even did it. So again, what purpose does it serve other than it's just the way it's always been. Personally, I think it's harmless, but once kids get to middle school, saying the pledge is kind of dumb.

---

Ahh yes, let them be consumed by their social media accounts during their adolescent years and completely forget about how great it is to live in America.

It takes less than 20 seconds to recite good lord

---

You think saying the pledge makes kids appreciate how great it is to live in America?

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Yes. If we keep removing all the things that make America great, we will be left with absolutely no national pride.

Teens already have social media to lead them to brain rot. No need to take out a simple pledge to their country.

Saying the pledge MAKES America great?

I'm a HS teacher and coach

We do the US and Texas pledge daily

I've begun thinking it's kinda weird.

You know, I'm beginning to think you are just a troll, and not worth the time of having an intelligent conversation with.

rwtxag83 said:

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You know, I'm beginning to think you are just a troll, and not worth the time of having an intelligent conversation with.

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I haven't seen any attempt at intelligent conversation on this topic and am happy to engage. For this to be intelligent conversation, the participants must be able to present consistent and rational points of view.

It's simple on my end. The use of government-funded schools to politically indoctrinate children for any purpose is bad.

Counterpoint?

How is it political indoctrination?

The pledge is to the flag of the country. Not to one party or another.

Okay, so what's the intent of mandatory saying of the pledge and similar activities?

same mine says both at school as well