Forced Patriotism???

I have been seeing some comments on this topic on social media and also in the news.

I remember being a child of the sixty’s and going to public school.  Saying the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were not compulsory, but no one thought to question those in authority.  If the teacher requested the class to stand, put their hands on their hearts, we did so.  When we sang patriotic songs in music class in elementary school, no one objected.  Even today, when I go to a ball game, or graduation ceremony, or anywhere the Pledge is given, I proudly hold my hand over my heart and thank God that I live in a free country.

Being free does not mean without honor.  When we say the Pledge, we honor our country and what it stands for.  I don’t understand the mentality of those who are ‘offended’ when the Pledge is spoken.   It is my view that if someone is offended by the Pledge of Allegiance, or offended by patriotic songs, then they are in the wrong country.

Why are the offended ones here?  What has attracted them to the United States of America?   This is a free country, and they are welcome to leave if they are offended.  On the other hand, something has brought them here.   As a nation, it is in our best interest to engender and encourage love and honor for our way of life.  Thousands have died for these principles, and our battle fields have been painted red in the securing of same.

When I look at society’s problems, I see that in many respects, there is lack of honor for others and disrespect for self.   If we do not teach respect in our schools, we have no reason to wonder  why respect is lacking.

Honor for country and others is part of the socializing of our children.  Yes, this task begins at home, but it is also incumbent upon our schools (where our children spend the majority of their days) to reinforce what should be taught at home.

My parents taught me respect for authority, and the teachers, public servants and others in authority reinforced those lessons.  Teachers model respect.  Teachers model citizenship.   Should this be ‘forced?’    I don’t think so.  However, I don’t think that the schools should stop modeling what good citizenship looks like.   The schools train our children, and should encourage them to think of others, be grateful for the American way of life, and also to preserve that lifestyle.   If we do not teach them to honor it, we cannot expect them to cherish it.

Until next time.

Dr. Polly

  • Robert Eichorst says:

    Thanks, and may OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST continue pouring his blessings upon you and yours.

    ________________________________

  • Candy Turner says:

    I agree with you on several points, but I’ll narrow my response down to one. Forced Patriotism is an oxymoron. (No pun intended on the moron part.) Perfunctory service is absent of loyalty. Fear of retribution for not “performing” doesn’t garner respect. Some children choose not to participate in patriotic activities because they feel their allegiance should only be given to God. However, they’re taught by their parents to be respectful of the rights of those who do choose to participate, and of authority in general. A factor that comes into play in today’s society is that the parents of many children in public schools are not American citizens. Consequently, they groom their children to give allegiance only to their native country. Having that choice is the essence of true freedom. Mandating by law that they appreciate having that choice is ludicrous. Prisoners obey because they’re shackled, not because they have respect for the warden. Forced Patriotism would basically turn schools into state prisons. The only form of government that’s completely elective, non-oppressive and non-partisan is God’s Kingdom. Our prayers will soon be answered and God’s will WILL be done on earth as it is in heaven. Until then, respect for authority will be elusive, and misguided politicians will run amuck.

  • Hi, Candy. I agree with you. No one should be forced to pledge. However, this is about honor. Honor for the host country and honor for their values and principles. I have lived abroad, and while I might not have wanted to pledge or sing their national song, I did give honor and respect while they paid homage to their values. I don’t think that is too much to ask.

  • Candy Turner says:

    I totally agree. I had so much more to say on this subject. It was hard to stick to the subject line. It’s a shame that showing respect and honor is no longer standard procedure. Children are a product of their environment. Unfortunately, me-ism is the new norm.