There is a controversy brewing in a nearby town over how often, if at all, students in the public schools should be reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Currently students in the town's elementary schools recite the Pledge once a week and there is some heated debate over that policy, according to this article.
While there are probably legitimate arguments about whether or not a national pledge should be recited in public schools, I am glad we homeschoolers get to avoid this discussion altogether. M's been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for a long time now. We started it spontaneously when walking by the library flagpole and it has become a habit, along with singing patriotic songs like "America the Beautiful" and "You're A Grand Old Flag."
I personally feel it's very important for my kids to have a deep sense of patriotism and respect for civic responsibility, and to value the American tenets of "liberty and justice for all."
I think some of the controversy surrounding the Pledge is related to the "under God" part...
ReplyDeleteYes, agreed. My understanding is that part wasn't even included until the 1950s McCarthy era. Homeschooling certainly gives us flexibility and autonomy, and we always say the Pledge without the "under God" part... just "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
ReplyDeleteAnd then there's the other part where the Pledge is idolatrous. Swearing to uphold and defend the Constitution is different from pledging allegiance to a material object. The Pledge accomplishes the rare feat of offending both the religious and irreligious.
ReplyDeleteYes, good point about "worshiping an object." As the kids get older, won't these be interesting topics of conversation and exploration as we pass by the flagpole!
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