Pledge Allegiance to the Truth!

I originally posted the following information and commentary upon my Facebook wall…

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback, Colin Kaepernick

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback, Colin Kaepernick

By Sitting Down Kaepernick Challenges Americans to Reflect on What They Really Stand For:
http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/30/sitting-down-kaepernick-challenges-americans-reflect-what-they-really-stand

(Peter Bloom) The San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick shocked much of America last week by refusing to stand for the national anthem. In his own words,

“Ultimately it’s to bring awareness and make people realize what’s really going on in this country. There are a lot of things that are going on that are unjust, people aren’t being held accountable for, and that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that — this country stands for freedom, liberty, justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now.”

His actions have resonated far beyond the sports page. They have spurred passionate reactions from supporters and detractors alike. No less than Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump proclaimed “Maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try. It won’t happen.”

(Read entire article here…)

My Commentary: I’ve been sitting during the “pledge of allegiance” and “national anthem” since I was nine or ten years old. I remember asking my mother whether I *had* to engage in these particular rituals while at school, or if I could just sit, silently, instead.

Even at that age, I knew better than to give my loyalty or respect to a nation built on the blood and bones of genocide and slavery…

The “Pledge of Allegiance” is Just More Evidence of the Religious Nature of the State

The following correspondence originally took place upon the Facebook wall of my friend, Brooke N…

Brooke N.: Nuff said

The Whitest Kids You Know – Pledge of Allegiance:

Rayn: When I was [around 9 or 10 years old], I asked my mother if I was required to participate in this bizarre religious ritual at school, because it made me very uncomfortable. When she said, “no,” I was very relieved to no longer to participate, ever again, which satisfied my conscience, greatly! I also stay seated for the “National Anthem” for the same reason. 🙂

“Pledge of Allegiance” in School is Statist Indoctrination

The following correspondence originally took place upon the Facebook wall of an acquaintance, after she shared artwork from here

Tara M.: As long as there are exams, there will be prayer in school……

"Prayer was never banned from our public school. In fact, the courts have repeatedly upheld the right of student prayer (it just can't be led in any way or required by the school). We trust our teachers to provide education, not indoctrination. Religion is a freedom. Let's keep it that way."

“Prayer was never banned from our public school. In fact, the courts have repeatedly upheld the right of student prayer (it just can’t be led in any way or required by the school). We trust our teachers to provide education, not indoctrination. Religion is a freedom. Let’s keep it that way.”

Rayn: Indeed! Nonetheless, so long as teachers in US public schools continue to lead students in reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance,” they are still guilty of indoctrination! 🙂