[Bob J]

Agreed. I'm as conservative as they come but forcing kids to recite a pledge seems so, well, fascist to me. If you love your country (or don't) that will be in your heart and no amount of regurgitating phrases in public will change that. It only appeals to the "goose steppers" (left or right) who insist on strict conformity.

You can't just have an "opt-out" option for kids either. If it is something being suggested by the schools and teachers, it will have the stamp of authority and there will be compulsion factor.

What they should do is reinstate civics classes where the kids learn about their country so they can develop "allegiance" on their own.

[From many - one.]

Despite my opposition to forcing (see post 26) I stood and recited the pledge proudly and daily when I was in school.

Of course, this was during WWII. Somehow I think it had a different meaning to us then.