I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag...

[WillParkinson]

[brewens]

1. We won, ...er helped win, two world wars with that version. I don't think there was anything wrong

with our kids that grew up reciting that one. I always leave the "under God" part out.

[yellerpup]

2. That's the Pledge I learned in the 1st grade.

I remember every one of my teachers (we moved every year) struggled to find a graceful way to insert the "under god" part but it couldn't be done well and always ended up: One Nation. Under God. With liberty and justice for all. When I say the Pledge at public events, I say it in it's original form. Anyone who gives me a look, gets a history refresher. Never been asked twice.

[alphafemale]

3. I pledge allegience to one nation indivisible and liberty and justice for all.

I leave out a lot of it.

[BlueJazz]

4. I think the first pledge was fairly simple and short >>

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[Honeycombe8]

5. Either version is fine with me. I grew up with the "under God" in it, so that's what I'm used to. nt

[Nevernose]

6. I've said it daily for years

Because state law says my class has to say it. For most of the kids it's almost a joke at this point (juniors and seniors), even the super-patriotic, right-wing, ROTC kids. Not a week passes that some joker doesn't say, "Whew! I was really starting to hate America, but now that I've said the pledge I feel patriotic again!" Sometimes it's, "I sure hope I can go another twenty-four hours without the pledge of allegiance. What if I become a godless commie hellbent on destroying America? Death to America!"

Whatever their mockery, it indicates that mindless, rote prayers to a flag really aren't all that helpful in ensuring loyalty or instilling patriotism.