"The right to remain silent" from the Pledge of Allegiance?

I recently read a story pertaining to the Pledge of Allegiance. The courts have always or almost always ruled that students of public school do not have to recite the pledge. But now teachers and administrators around the country are trying to decide if they should tell students up front that they do not have to recite the pledge in public schools. Some First Amendment advocates are arguing that the law requires them to inform kids at the beginning of school that they do have that choice. They are pushing a “Miranda warning” for the Pledge of Allegiance. Rev. Barry Lynn states “the Pledge of Allegiance creates a constitutional problem; you have to tell them they can opt out.” In Florida, they have a policy that children do not have to participate if they have a parent from their mom or dad. In New Mexico last month they dealt with this question as well. The education secretary upheld the current policy that students can opt-out but rejected the amendment that would allow or require teachers and administrators to inform parents and students of the option. A recent poll has shown that 90% of Americans approve the pledge. The other 10% consist of 7% saying they would change the language of it and 3% were undecided.

When I read the headline of this story, I could feel my blood pressure rise. But then I read that it wasn’t about rather to recite it or not, it is rather to tell students that can opt-out of reciting. Which I guess is a little better than trying to kick it out completely. I understand keeping religion out of school to an extent. Everyone has their own faith. But I believe “under God” in the pledge is just like “In God we Trust” on our money. Is that the next thing to be put on the chopping block? I am not completely sure I agree with letting students opt-out, but I do understand the constitution and why they do have that option. So if they have that option, why not tell them they do? What is the point of having the right to do something if you do not know about it?

I know that my kids will always be permitted to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Many of our ancestors fought hard for what the flag stands for and saying the pledge is one way of honoring them. Not to mention all of our men and women overseas fighting still for what it stands for. Not everyone gives thanks where it is due and the pledge is a good way of thanking them. The pledge doesn’t say anything about soldiers or fighting but it does say words like “indivisible”, “liberty”, and “justice”, these are the things our soldiers are fighting for. All these words and many more are reasons why America is the “free” country and everyone wants to live here. I feel saying something as harmless as the pledge is a lot less excruciating as some of the things going on in other countries.