Just 31 easy words . . . right?

Every morning students across the nation stand and recite the pledge of allegiance facing the flag in honor of our country. While many of us repeat these 31 words without hesitation, some teachers and students question this act. Many people find problems with the pledge of allegiance and even refuse to stand up and give their allegiance to our country. Have you yourself ever thought about the words in the pledge of allegiance? Read the words to the pledge of allegiance below and post your initial reactions. What words do you think are controversial? Do you notice any problems right away???

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

The Pledge of Allegiance History

Click on the link below to view the history of the pledge of allegiance. You might be surprised that the pledge was not always said how it is said today.

http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm

If you could edit the pledge of allegiance to the flag what would it say? (please post below)

The First Amendment

The first amendment gives us the freedom of speech, press, religion and petition. Many people find that the pledge of allegiance infringes on their first amendment right. People find fault with the words "under god" and "liberty and justice for all"

Read the article below published by CBS News about a court case that deals with the words "under god" in the pledge of allegiance.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/10/14/national/main577944.shtml

Next watch the short video clip provided by CNN about a 10 year old boy who refuses to say the pledge because of the words "liberty and justice for all"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT9I-36aim8

Final Thoughts

For now schools across America continue to recite the pledge of allegiance every morning. If you got to vote on the pledge of allegiance would you require it to be said in schools? Why or why not? Would you get rid of the pledge of allegiance all together or do you think some of the words should be changed? If so what should the words be changed to? If you think the pledge should be kept what would you say to people who refuse to stand and say the pledge of allegiance? Please support your answers! Please respond to each others arguments. Do you agree or disagree with your classmates responses. Defend your position(s).