Parisangel

I have a question....what do you do when you're present and Americans are doing the pledge of allegiance? I've been in school and a couple of places where it's going on, I try to stand quietly and be respectful. However, just joined PTA and notice on the agenda they do it at the start of each meeting where it might be more conspicuous not to take part....what to do? It feels wrong to do it, not only because I'm not an American but it's such a part of who they are it feels disrespectful to do it when I have no right to......

Make any sense? What do you guys do?

Thanks

lansbury

If they know you are not a US citizen, they shouldn't expect you to take part. Before I became a citizen I just stood during the Pledge.

Jerseygirl

I stood quietly with my hands by my side.

md95065

... and, even if you were a U.S. citizen, it would still be entirely up to you whether or not you chose to take part ...

Parisangel

Ha! In theory...I've seen the office manager at our school yell "On your feet, people!" and make darn sure everyone did it...we live in Texas....

Yorkieabroad

This

Pulaski

Indeed. ..... What alternative would there be?

Parisangel

Okay, okay....just interested in finding out if there are other approaches...! Jeez.

lansbury

Indeed it is always your choice, but I didn't comment on a persons choice I commented on what US citizens might expect of non citizens.

Michael

The Pledge of Allegiance is a little strange in that it was written by a socialist in 1892 at the height of the robber barons power in the US.

md95065

I understand that - you didn't comment on that - I did.

The fact that I quoted you was not intended to suggest that I disagreed with or did not understand what you said - it was merely a starting point for my own comment which, as you correctly observed, addressed a different, if not entirely unrelated, issue.

civilservant

Hum 'God Save the Queen' and hope they think you're humming 'My Sweet Land 'Tis Of Thee'

Ok, maybe not

robin1234

Don't see what's strange about that. Socialists believe in Richard Stands, just like Americans of other persuasions.

thinbrit

I am our cities Mayor Pro Tem, and at the beginning of each council meeting, we say a Christian prayer, then pledge an allegiance to the US flag (while facing the US flag), then an allegiance to Texas (while facing the Texas flag). Which doesn't leave much time for the meeting itself

Prior to being a US citizen, and prior to being a part of the city council, I would just stand to attention when the oath was taken. The United States Flag Code has guidelines on what to do if you are not a US citizen, and standing to attention is the preferred method. Throwing your shoe at the person leading the pledge is frowned upon

hungryhorace

I just remain seated whilst the sheep go about their silly pledge. How Americans can criticise Muslim's for praying daily, yet feel obliged to perform this pledge each day is beyond me.