What kind of supposedly free country has you recite a pledge of allegiance? I never understood it and I've long since stopped reciting it when called for. If you are truly free, should you not have any obligation other than to the right to yourself and what you choose to value?
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America...."
Why? Why the hell am I swearing my life upon a freaking piece of fabric?
"...and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God..."
Alright, the republic stands for me and I should trust it when it comes to my life. Alright, under God? Okay, fair enough. I guess this imaginary being knows what's best for me too.
"...indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
ಠ_ಠ Didn't you just have me swear my life upon a bunch of things that are supposedly above me? Where is the liberty in this?
I swear, this is the biggest cause of double-think that has ever approached me. Do yourself a favor: don't bother with this doctrine.
Its a part of one of the most efficient and publicly accepted mass brainwashing methods in modern history.
Hypocrisy is one of the trademarks of irrational dogmas and organized superstition. How much more hypocritical can it get when the pledge itself in a mandatory form is in most cases are unconstitutional?
Did you know people had to do the nazi-salute (earlier known as the Bellamy salute) up until 1942?