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i am surprised at how many people seem to think that pledging allegiance should be mandatory. the idea seems ridiculous to me-- to compel through force allegiance the idea that we should all be at liberty and have the freedom to do what we want to do.
i am probably a lot fresher out of school than most people in this discussion, so i'll just mention how i felt when i was forced to stand and pledge allegiance (and yes, i was forced.)
i felt that my rights were being mocked, basically, by dictating how and when i would celebrate my freedom. i love my country and i want to pay tribute to it, but forcing the tribute (and teaching me exactly what words i have to say to express it) cheapens it, to me. especially for the people who AREN'T being compelled.
the thing that i love most about democracy is freedom to dissent. that freedom has to be respected, especially when we are paying tribute to democracy itself.
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