I grew up saying the Pledge of Allegaince every morning at school. Not being religious, when they added "under God" I just did not say that part. I figure if I'm going to live here I should recognise the emblem of the USA. I am a native, part Cherokee, and thankful I live here. Women in many countries wouldn't be writing a question like this. They would risk death. And our government promises me I'll never have to belong to a religious group if I don't want to. So, why not salute the flag? It's not political, it's patriotic.
2006-11-10 14:15:25 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
The only people that have to salute the flag are active military personnel. What bothers me is when people don't respect the flag by not removing their hats during the National Anthem(rednecks at NASCAR races). People who think it's part of the freedom of speech to desecrate the flag( i.e. burning it, defecating on it, etc.).
2006-11-10 14:19:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
It is helpful to remember that the pledge wasn't known before 1892 when it was introduced by a children's magazine as part of an advertising campaign for selling flags. It also interesting to note that its author Rev. Francis Bellamy was a Socialist. Although it became popular and was authorized by presidential proclamation for use in schools it wasn't adopted by Congress until 1945. Before World War II it was common for people to start the pledge with the right arm extended toward the flag, palm up but when the Nazi party adopted a similar salute (with palm down) that part was eliminated. The "under God" phrase was added in 1954 after considerable lobbying by various religious groups.
The point could be made that our country went through a large part of its history without a formal pledge. Were people less patriotic then?
I think people show patriotism or at least loyalty by their actions rather than their words. Being a good citizen, voting, public service, defending your country. If you recite the pledge and/or salute the flag and do nothing else it is a pretty empty gesture. If you serve your country in one or more of these ways no one should fault you if you choose not to engage in rituals.
An act like the pledge or the salute has to be entirely voluntary or else it is likely to be insincere.
2006-11-10 15:10:55 · answer #2 · answered by rethinker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not- and I am mostly Tsalagi! it is the beliefs, ideas and freedoms that the flag represents that are more important to me. My children never said the "pledge" nor do we salute the flag. If it is going by in a color guard then I will stand up, more out of a deference to the color guard themselves. I look at all of those people that do salute the flag and scream about being "good" Americans and I know more than half of them desecrate the Constitution. Doesn't make any sense to me.
2006-11-10 14:22:33 · answer #3 · answered by dances with cats 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Okay, I'm not from your country, but here in Argentina, we discuss the same thing, too. I think patriotism has nothing to do with this. This is just a symbol. But a symbol may also be void of real meaning. Sometimes, you're angry with your country, and it doesn't really come out from your heart to do something like this. You will, if it's your duty, but you'll mean nothing. My flag doesn't arouse my patriotic feelings. Other things do, i.e.: those that I REALLY feel identified with, those where I really think my fatherland is. It's a feeling. So it's personal, and it depends on your experience.
2006-11-10 14:22:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Only military people in uniform are "required" to salute the flag. Others may salute at their option, or may simply stand still, or place their right hand over their hearts.
2016-05-22 04:10:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no respect for the bastards that want to LIVE in this country and take advantage of the freedoms and liberties we as Americans are lucky to enjoy every day, yet they will not take the time to salute the flag and pay respect to all those who have died representing that flag. I think it is totally disrespectful and they need to go live in another country if they "hate" America so much, try living in Iran or Iraq...see how much they hate America then.
I also have no respect for the people who bash George Bush. Is he perfect? no. Do you have to agree with everything he says? no. But he is our president and for the time being they better at least RESPECT him, they don't have to like him, but he is the head of our country, and he deserves some respect from the American citizens, after all he is a human being just like us.
I am also proud to say "One nation under God." I am a Christian and I feel so proud and blessed to live in this country, and you are right, it is good that we can make statements of our beliefs and values and not have to fear execution.
GOD BLESS AMERICA and our TROOPS!!!!
2006-11-10 14:35:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Patriotism is not a healthy thing. It's a primitive, irrational, us-versus-them, we're-the-best emotion that is usually exploited by politicians that want to maintain their power.
To me, the American flag now stands for the idea that people who refuse to salute it are bad citizens.
And whatever noble ideals it once symbolized, it has become a negative symbol to a lot of other people, in the U.S. and around the- world of imperialism, militarism, arrogance and greed.
2006-11-10 14:28:14 · answer #7 · answered by randomstupidhandle 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
no. not all.
Gehova's Witnesses are not allowed by their religion's doctrine to salute their country's flag (whatever their nationality/citizenship is). they do not vote during elections too.
2006-11-10 14:26:53 · answer #8 · answered by lulu 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Do you think people who refuse to Respect our flag are bad citizens ?
YES !!!
2006-11-10 14:19:43 · answer #9 · answered by mysticrelation 2 · 3⤊ 3⤋
No. If you want them to respect your decisions, why not respect theirs? Why be patriotic?
2006-11-10 14:19:54 · answer #10 · answered by Jonathan H 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋