Pledge Recital: Patriotism or Hypocrisy?

* Saluting the flag and what it stands for by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before meetings at Saddleback College is entirely appropriate, especially at a publicly supported institution, and it is a cop-out to refuse on the grounds that the United States is not living up to its ideals of freedom for all (“Flag Salute Issue Still Burning at Saddleback,” Jan. 8).

However the right to burn it is also part of the essence for democracy as a last resort, peaceful method of protest and a flag-burning amendment to the Constitution was rightfully rejected, as, itself, a desecration.

ANDY WING

Laguna Beach

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I would like to applaud student body President Jeff Haskell for resisting pressure from the Board of Trustees to reinstate the Pledge of Allegiance during student council meetings. Moreover, I’m stunned by the remarks made by Trustee John S. Williams that “. . . in the military you need to have unquestioned loyalty to your country.” Having served in the United States Marine Corps for seven years, I disagree; nothing--not even this great country--deserves unquestioned loyalty. Williams feels that what is at stake here is patriotism; I believe patriotism cannot be expressed in a mandatory recital of the pledge, but is a feeling held deep within an individual’s own soul. The Pledge of Allegiance--an expression of one’s loyalty to his or her country--loses its meaning when it becomes a mandatory recital.

JOHN R. WILLIS

Rancho Santa Margarita

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Applause to Jeff Haskell. Long has this been a sensitive issue for the groups he addressed in the article. Never has the nail been hit so accurately as to the hypocritical wording of the Pledge of Allegiance to history and our everyday life. The “My Country Right or Wrong” syndrome must be changed. How can we be expected to stand and face the flag that embraces this country and honestly believe that the words we are reciting are true for all? Haskell’s actions are an example that there is not liberty for all. He is being condemned, threatened and his patriotism has been questioned. This does not seem as though he has had the full liberty to express his beliefs.

FRANK R. GARCIA

Norwalk

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The flag salute controversy at Saddleback College is an interesting enigma. Jeff Haskell and the student council can be admired at least for taking a stand and expressing their sentiment.

The pledge doesn’t declare that America is the ideal republic. It implies that America endeavors for justice and equality. The pledge does not imply America has achieved this aim and refusing to verbalize the goal cannot rectify the injustice.

The Pledge of Allegiance outlines the intention rather than the reality. It affirms one’s belief in our country and its objectives. It should be recited with gratitude.

HARLIE COOLEY

Laguna Hills