The Pledge to the Flag is bullcrap. Line by line analysis.

[madamesilverspurs]

6. It's called inculcation.

Way back in the early '50s we had to learn it in first grade. We had not one clue what the words meant. Ask any six-year-old today what the word 'pledge' means. Then 'allegiance'. Ask that child to explain 'united' and 'states' and 'nation' and 'republic'. How about 'indivisible'? Ask them to comment on the concepts of 'liberty and justice'. The only difference between then and now is the addition of 'under God' which caused many of us back then to giggle as we tripped over the newly inserted words. It was for us a collection of sounds accompanied by a gesture, no weightier than the rhymes we chanted while jumping rope.

In subsequent grades we were taught about the horrors of life in communist countries. In photos and film strips we saw pictures of school children who were required to recite words of loyalty while saluting in some fashion a flag or emblem or portrait. The message was clear: When we do it, it's good, when they do it, it's bad. Because we say so. Mindless repetition is just that -- mindless, especially when compelled.

Don't get me started on the faux patriotism of starting every public gathering with the national anthem.


.