Despite a massive, convoluted process, pure petty politics, the NC General Assembly has OK'd the use of the Pledge in NC schools:
The General Assembly approved Tuesday a requirement that school districts set time daily in school for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
The measure also required schools to teach about the meaning of the pledge.
To be honest, this is nice, but, like the Flag Amendment, I don't really agree with them making it mandatory to say it. I would have preferred that they just require schools to simply set aside time and say it if they want, as well as saying that it is A-OK to actually say the Pledge in school. You cannot force people to be patriotic, and alot of the kids will not understand.
On the flip side, it will perhaps show the kids that the Flag does matter, that it is one of the symbols of our wonderful country. And it does reafirm that the Pledge, even with the words "under God," stands for something. You remember Michael Newdow, the guy who tried to stop schools from saying the Pledge, simply because he is intolerant of others believing in God. he is an athiest.
I pledge allegiance to my Flag,
and (to*) the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.
Or, how about the Red Skelton version?
I – – Me; an individual; a committee of one.
Pledge – – Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.
Allegiance – – My love and my devotion.
To the Flag – – Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.
United – – That means that we have all come together.
States – – Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.
And to the Republic – – Republic–a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands
One Nation – – One Nation–meaning, so blessed by God.
Indivisible – – Incapable of being divided.
With Liberty – – Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice – – The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.
For All – – For All–which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.
