‘Pledge Issue Reveals Rift of America’s View of Itself’
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States. I do this voluntarily because I am a patriot who loves his country.
I do not believe as Kesler and Bush do that reciting the pledge under government coercion contributes anything to anyone’s patriotism.
On the contrary, the mindless recitation every day of any pledge, prayer or credo, especially by children, is what brainwashing is made of.
Under Stalin, Mao and Hitler government-enforced flag waving was practiced every day and that is why I am an American patriot.
One of the basic principles of conservatism is to get the government off the backs of the people except where government involvement is absolutely necessary.
The best way for the government to promote patriotism is for the leadership to adhere to the Constitution.
OTTO M. SCHIFF
Irvine
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