I’m a retired urban public high school teacher. We started every day with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Well, one day a smarmy white kid decided not to stand. I tried to reason with him. All I got back was sass. So I reported him to the principal. That principal was a rarity in city schools, a tough old army veteran who took no nonsense.
Sorry, he told me. The school board has already decided that standing for the Pledge was optional. Just another stupid decision on their part. Then they wonder why their schools are a mess.
If for no other reason the kids should stand to show appreciation for (1) living in this relatively free and prosperous country and (2) having the taxpayers pay for their education. If they don’t want to cite the pledge they should at least show a modicum of respect by getting out of their seat and standing up to show respect. Its not too much to ask.
Sad, nationalism is dead, unless it’s National Socialism.