Are you proud to be an American? I am. But have you ever asked yourself how you are better than the next person simply because you happened to have been born here. Was being an American a major accomplishment for you? Does it somehow validate your superior qualities.

If you were truly American, wouldn't that mean that you should feel obligated to stand strong against the forces of tyranny? How about the tyranny of social, political or religious conformity? I think that being an American would obligate one to demonstrate individual resolve and freedom of expression.

So to answer the question, "Should all kids be required to recite the pledge of allegiance in school?": I say no. But how about they write a post card to a soldier overseas instead?