No one would disparage allegiance to a country that is doing "right" and living within the Constitution.
This country has not lived entirely "within the Constitution" since the moment it was born. And, in spite of the best efforts of many, instances of injustice have, are and probably always will occur. You're either with us or against us.
A pledge of allegiance is not about knee-jerk patriotism it's about loyalty.
Very true.
HP, our Pledge of Allegiance is a pledge to uphold and submit to the rule of law. That's what our flag stands for -- jurisdiction, either civil or federal/military, depending on your current circumstance or commitments.
Our pledge of allegiance to the Republic is a pledge to uphold and defend the ideal of representative government -- upon which the strength of our Republic rests.
I see nothing negative or socialistic about partaking in the public affirmation of that pledge. It's comforting to know that there are more people in this country who participate in the Pledge than those who don't. May it ever be so.