Freedom: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action. [Merriam-Webster]

Freedom is a holy word to me.  I love this country, and what I love most about it is the core value of liberty and justice for all.  While there is a natural tension and necessary balance between the rights of the individual and the rights of the society, we are incredibly privileged to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Too many people have died to make it so.  

So why is it, then, that We the People must pledge allegiance to this great, albeit imperfect, land?  The sight of a classroom of children standing by their desks and reciting as one a pledge of allegiance conjures some scary fascist images.  Freedom carries important responsibilities, but is "allegiance" to the state beyond not engaging in activities that are harmful to the freedom, in a broad sense, of others part of that responsibility?  Now I suppose that one could argue that the allegiance is not so much to the manifestations of the existing state as to the principles that are the foundation of the state, so that the allegiance is to the obligation to be constantly vigilant against "any Form of Government [that] becomes destructive of these ends."  But I doubt that the first graders pledging allegiance are being schooled in the principles promulgated by the Declaration and the Constitution, nor are they being encouraged to be critical thinkers in such matters.  How could they be?  They're little kids.  So for a six year old is pledging allegiance to a flag encouraging thoughtful understanding of the principles and obligations of freedom or the unquestioning obedience to the state?  And if pledging allegiance isn't enough, it must be done as a group, with all of the social and authoritative coercion of the group and its leader (the teacher).  No pressure to conform there, but isn't this a typical technique of indoctrination?  

OK, it's probably a little weird to be against the Pledge of Allegiance.  It just seems that the love of freedom and this great land should be the product of understanding and thoughtful choice rather than forced rote learning.  Nor should one be forced to give public proclamation.  And while I'm on it, what's with the "one nation, under God?"  I thought we- rightfully- have separation of church and state.  Kids must publicly proclaim allegiance to a state and affirm that they are, as part of that state, under that god.

With liberty and justice for all.

image constructed from kylegriesinger.com and www.dailykos.com