An excellent question
The LA Times asks:
Their reticence raises a more fundamental and interesting question: To come together as a nation, must Americans chant their allegiance? The United States existed for more than a century before Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, wrote the pledge for school celebrations of Columbus Day. His simple oath expresses this nation's core belief in "liberty and justice for all." But it is not the indispensable rule book that is the Constitution, nor is it a national symbol like the American flag. Why not just dispense with the obligatory vow before school begins or the Board of Supervisors convenes?
Posted by Prometheus 6 on June 21, 2004 - 8:02am :: Random rant
