Reciting pledge is not mandatory

To whom or what we give our allegiance to is a religious matter that does not belong on a government agenda, let alone a public school agenda.

A suitable replacement of the flag pledge at a government meeting would be for the clerk of the meeting to read, with everyone seated, the three principles in the Declaration of Independence starting with the words “We hold these truths …” and ending with the words “… safety and happiness,” followed by a brief public comment period dealing with the reading and related concerns. For it is upon these three principles that our government is founded.

Keep in mind there is nothing yet forcing any government body to continue reciting the flag pledge.

Famed newsman Walter Cronkite lived in a town where the local governing body to this day does not use the flag pledge.

Until his death, the “most trusted man in America” lived in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha’s Vineyard. And it was in this town and municipal building where, in part, the movie “Jaws” was filmed.

Keep in mind that the flag pledge did not begin until 1892, long after the Founding Fathers were dead and buried.

And also keep in mind that the Founding Fathers were keenly aware of how the early Quakers were severely persecuted for refusing to give allegiance to the crown of England.

Ray Kalainikas
Manalapan