Just Face the Flag, Take Off Your Ball Cap & Say the Pledge of Allegiance

A few students from South Portland High School are catching flack for giving students option not to participate when leading in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Legally students have the right to refrain from participating in the institution with Freedom of Speech but I think we all should say the Pledge when the opportunity presents itself.

The SoPo story is just a springboard for my rant.

We can argue over the words “under God” but when it comes down to it, what’s the issue with saying the Pledge of Allegiance? I just feel it’s part of who we are as the American populous regardless of left or right, gay, straight, color, creed. The Pledge is about unity!

I might give a little slack to exchange students or first generation residents (notice I didn't say citizens), but really, it’s what has been said for what about 70 years? I mean seriously, the only two reasons I can think of for Americans not to say it is either they hate the country or they’re trying to make a political point or they have an agenda.

Look, people have fought and died so we CAN argue about whether we have to or should say it or not.  We should I believe show a little respect to those who came before us. We the youthful and those of us in our prime adulthood are not the only ones who have lived here.

Just face the flag, remove your ball cap and say the Pledge of Allegiance when asked. It takes all of 20 seconds.

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."