I don't pledge allegiance to any flag

[gsmulticolored]

It would be theft if I didn't fill you in on my debacle of the day. Debacle - big, strong word. Makes me look both smart and daring - daring to have taken part in a debacle, and smart to know what it means. So here it is

Comments

[llamrei]

When I was in high school I never said the pledge, either, and I was born here. I just have too many problems with the country to feel comfortable saying it. I did stand, but it was a private high school, and they are able to enforce their own rules. Also because I am rather pathetic in that I hate conflict, so I avoided it by standing but just not saying anything.

I am so pissed at your gym teacher. I hate those "I'm-so-Patriotic-and-if-you-disagree-with-me-then-you-suck-as-a-person" people. A lot. Go you for taking it up with the Administrator.

[morbidmuse]

I really have no legal advice for you. And since I've always stood and repeated the Pledge, I have no cases of abuse to share. But here are my 2cents anyway

[sangria_lila]

Well, not to preach (at all, really), but at least you're given the choice not to stand and at least you're not expelled for not saying the pledge. Because if it was Mainland China, I'm pretty sure that would have happened. At least, in America, you have rights.

But, either way, your gym teacher was an A-grade asshole. And go you for standing up for what you believe in. I honestly think that you should at least tell the gym teacher what an ass he was to you. And if he doesn't take well to it, shrug it off and label him Idiot.

[alina_kalime]

Christ, that story makes me want to go down to Jersey and throw a fat, heavy, hardcover copy of the charter of rights (or whatever it's called in the U.S.) in both that admin and teacher's faces. Just because the teacher used to be in the military doesn't mean he has a right to be an assface.

[loco672]

throughout high school, i never stood for the pledge. it was a blind faith thing for me. only one of my teachers (in all 4 years) asked me why i didnt, and there was no big argument about it. i dont know what the law is in new york regarding it, but had there been a law requiring me to stand it wouldve made my point even stronger. were taught this thing way way back in our early years, and the reason they give as to why we say it, why we stand, why we put our hand over our hearts is because they said to. everybody can be patriotic in their own way. forcing them to stand up and speak to a flag without giving them a REASON just doesnt fly in my book. i dont like doing things for the simple reason that 'i have to.' im too smart for that. i like knowing WHY something is done. and since i was never given a reason, i never stood.

i commend you on standing your ground. not many people would be able to. i hope everything works out.