I was not required to recite it daily, but did recite it on several occasions growing up while at school. The full pledge as I learned it(including God referenc) is:

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, for liberty and justice for all.

Yes, we cited the full Pledge throughout grade school. I don't recall doing it after 6th grade, however. And we recited it with the "under God" phrase. It didn't bother me then, and it doesn't really bother me much now. But I do understand the gripe this man had, and I do think there is some legitimacy to his gripe, esp. when one looks at the rationale for inserting that God reference back in the 50's.

The case itself, however, was dismissed on a formality - a custody concern on the atheist father, rather than on the issue at hand. The three Conservative judges, however, did write their view on the matter - that "under God" is appropriate and does not violate the Constitution. I tend to disagree, but I honestly think there are bigger concerns in our courts to worry about. This issue may certainly come up again, and the Supreme Court will likely have to make a ruling on it without minor formalities getting in the way.

___________________
Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...

quote:

Originally posted by MisterOpus1 I honestly think there are bigger concerns in our courts to worry about.

Definitely agree with you on this one.

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Originally posted by Shakka 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, for liberty and justice for all.

seriously, if a school should start with that in sweden, they would be considered idiots

that seems so brain washing to me

I've never said it and I never will, because I don't pledge any such allegiance and I wouldn't want to make a liar of myself. When I was going to school it was pretty much expected that you would, but no one seemed to pay attention if you didn't, as long as you stood up while it was being recited, which I did.

Requiring someone to recite it would seem rather dim to me. Either they want to recite it or not, and it they do not, being forced to will only foster resentment against the pledge and everything it stands for.

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Originally posted by St_Andrew seriously, if a school should start with that in sweden, they would be considered idiots that seems so brain washing to me

Thank god someone else besides me thinks this!

I went to a Catholic school so the "under God" part was normal. I remember one kid refused to say it one day so they sent him to the office and he ended up being sent home

Well, I thought this to be quite remarkable which is why I posted. Pledging Allegance to the Flag in school is quite unheard of in Belgium & Europe as far as I know. Certainly on a national scale.
Quite remarkable.

I wasn't born here but now consider myself a "American" with European values. Anyways, I recited this during school and had no problems with it. The thing is, since that you're in this country, shouldn't you respect its customs and laws? Even though they may not be yours? I understand to some this would be a big problem, but what if for example an American went to Egypt and had to recite some kind of pledge. I would think that as a foreigner you would be oblidged to do respect that country's customs.

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Originally posted by DjSway I wasn't born here but now consider myself a "American" with European values. Anyways, I recited this during school and had no problems with it. The thing is, since that you're in this country, shouldn't you respect its customs and laws? Even though they may not be yours? I understand to some this would be a big problem, but what if for example an American went to Egypt and had to recite some kind of pledge. I would think that as a foreigner you would be oblidged to do respect that country's customs.

Well I can't speak for most laws regarding foreigners, but if you are a legitimate U.S. citizen then you have every right to argue your Constitutional rights - namely the separation of Church and State. I would venture to guess that these same rights are given to exceptional cases, such as foreign exchange students.

That is the beauty of freedom and liberty in this country. We are not merely bound by customs; rather, we are bound by the Constitutional laws that govern our society.

___________________
Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...

quote:

Originally posted by MisterOpus1 Well I can't speak for most laws regarding foreigners, but if you are a legitimate U.S. citizen then you have every right to argue your Constitutional rights - namely the separation of Church and State. I would venture to guess that these same rights are given to exceptional cases, such as foreign exchange students. That is the beauty of freedom and liberty in this country. We are not merely bound by customs; rather, we are bound by the Constitutional laws that govern our society.

I guess freedom can be good and bad. Sometimes I think the US has too much freedom.