Really? Why?

Francis Bellamy - socialist - felt that "patriotism and national feeling was at a low ebb."

James P. Upham who encouraged it's creation, also seems to have wanted to sell flags.

Bryant

I was in first grade in Catholic school when the under god thing was added, and I want to tell you that the nuns were not happy about that at all.

When I see masses of people reciting the pledge I feel like I'm looking at a gathering of good nazis, or perhaps a communist party something. It's the mindless group aspect that is so scary to me.

As an adult, though, on Fourth of July I find it inspiring. I think its a way of saying that what unites us is greater than what divides us.

Bryant

think about what it meant.

Now I do. Pledging allegiance to a flag? It's beyond bizarre when you think about it. Plus, the way it's enforced on people. I'm a 60-something adult and I find it takes a lot of courage to not recite it in the group. I used to at least stand up, but don't any more. No one has yet called me on it, but then I am not very often in situations where the pledge comes up. It's probably been five years or more since I've been in a group that is doing it.

A new student was Jehovah's Witness and the teacher explained to the class that reciting the pledge was not mandatory.

So I stopped.

People should not be forced into signing a contract or pledging allegiance when they have no choice.

That is coercion.