Does one have to regularly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to be considered "patriotic"?

Question

Or is it possible to love America without reciting the Pledge?

Answer 1

I grew up saying the pledge every morning before classes began.  I think our schools should go back to that format since most kids these days can't even recite the pledge, let alone know the meaning.

Answer 2

How many people "forget" to pray each day, but still believe in God?  contrary to what the Republican party and the religious right would like you to believe, you can still be a patriotic American and not recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day.

Answer 3

No. In fact, in the period just before and during WWII, reciting the pledge was not at all in vogue. It was seen as being too in-line and similiar to the fascist loyalty oaths such as those recited by n**i organizations. (and this was 15-20 years before the words"under god" were inserted into the Pledge).

I cannot help but believe that some of the founding fathers(like Jefferson)  would not be in agreement with the reciting of a pledge as a part of everyday education. Our purpose is to observe and question our government and its decisions. Freedom of Speech and the Press was included in the bill of rights specifically to encourage the citizenry to question government. This type of thinking just does not seem consistent with reciting pledges or loyalty oaths. In fact it seems to be the polar opposite.

Answer 4

Of course you do.

You also have to wear a cheap, plastic American flag pin (made in China), give a full-throated rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, and never question anything the President does or says.

Answer 5

Sorry, you must recite it at least once a day to retain your membership in the patriots club.

Oh, and you can't be Christian if you don't say the Lord's Prayer at least daily too.

Sorry.

Rules are rules.

Answer 6

It helps convince the overlords that you are sufficiently "patriotic" if you are able to ramble off mindless blather from rote.

The Pledge of Allegiance is patriotic.  And for those who actually pay attention to it and still want to say it, it is proof of their patriotism.

But the honest truth is that the vast majority of us do not pay attention to what we are saying when we say the Pledge of Allegiance.

When you put your hand over your heart, you are telling God to literally stop it if you do not follow through on your Pledge (promise).

I pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America,

and to the Repubic for which it stands.

One nation under God, indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all.

What you are actually saying is

I promise full loyalty to the flag and the government that uses that flag as a symbol.  And the fact that you are putting your hand over your heart when you say it is saying that you want God to take your life if you do not maintain full loyalty to the government and the cloth it chose to represent itself with.  

That is the first paragraph of this oath.

The second paragraph is basically what we aspire to but haven't always reached.

"One nation under God, indivisible"---the civil war rather proved that one wrong.  Rush Limbaugh and Keith Olbermann (extremes on both sides) continue to try to prove it wrong; with rather strong success.  

They pull us away from each other, convince us to hate each other, and convince us to each call the other side anti-American for expressing any views contrary to their own.

"With Liberty, and Justice for all."---c'mon.  Slavery, the fact that we needed a civil rights movement, proof that this has not always been so.

Affirmative Action, whether you see it as needed because minorities don't have a chance without it, or you feel we need to get rid of it because it prevents white males from ever having a real chance; either way, it shows that someone is getting the short end of the stick.

There is justice, there is liberty.  But is it really for all?

But we are trying, so I guess you can say the second part and mean it.  But the true question comes from the first part of the oath.

Are you willing to give your life to defend that flag?  Are you willing to keep your mouth shut no matter what the government does, are you willing to die or kill to take out someone who does question the government?

If you are not following through on the Pledge to maintain complete loyalty to that flag and to the government, regardless of what they do (the Pledge of Allegiance never puts conditions on your loyalty), then you are simply lying when you say the Pledge of Allegiance.

And you are asking God to kill you for not following through.

But if after knowing what it means and really thinking about it, if you wish to continue saying it and wish to follow through on it...it is part of patriotism.

But in my mind, its not a requirement.  My allegiance belongs solely to God, not to any human government.  Its up to you to decide if that makes me patriotic or not; and up to you to decide if you will join me in that or not.

Answer 7

Would it be considered patriotic to ignore a soldiers hand?  Or would it be considered patriotic to ignore the flag when it is half staff?  Would it be patriotic  to not acknowledge what millions of men have died for you to have?

I am a strong patriot, though the country is falling to shambles, only because I have seen what those men in uniform have given for you.  Their wives, their children, their life, so you could breath.  Their widows stay at home making what they can to get by, because they let their husband go defend that flag and that pledge you ignore.  Maybe if your husband was leaving like mine is right now you would feel the same way.  They are very pationate about their duties, and if they werent, we wouldnt be standing here today.

Answer 8

What's your issue with the pledge? Please tell us the words you're unhappy with or don't agree with. We're curious about your mindset.

I don't recite the pledge on a regular basis, but I know the words, and what they mean and stand for.

Answer 9

How many adults do you know who actually recite The Pledge of Allegiance ?   I don't think most could recite it .

      

Answer 10

No, but one shouldn't critisize thoughs who do.

Answer 11

Of course not. Patriotism is deeds, not words.