@mellotronrules: You can't force children to feel patriotic, but maybe such values might make them feel happy about living in a place that lets them choose how to express themselves. Once again that's "patriotism"; not "nationalism".
it's clear we're going to have different views on the matter, so i'll leave most of it at "i respectfully disagree."
i will say, however, that when i was growing up they had us saying it from as early as kindergarten. no child at that developmental stage can comprehend what they're saying and conscientiously object- and that's to say nothing of peer pressure and wanting to be part of the in-group.
it reeks of McCarthyism to me. but i'm glad you've found some positivity in it.
yeah! samantha's the best. so appreciative of her opening up and sharing her perspective/experiences.
and for the record- i also always found the pledge of allegiance really fucking weird. the name alone implies that we're commanding children to show their loyalty to the nation every morning- i mean, what the fuck is that? i get the rah rah go america thing...but don't pretend it isn't an imposition.
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