Pledge of Allegiance Changed...

[Andy Baker]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

This implies that the parents have the right to veto their child's beliefs. When the child is willing and able to make a choice (subjectively right or wrong, as the case may be), this is hardly fair. Parents certainly have the right to influence their children, but there's no need for them to be the arbiters of their child's worldview—children must learn to think for themselves, and must be permitted to develop their own opinions.

I'm not sure a day goes by when my kids get vetoed on something by my wife or me.

Can we have ice cream tonight? no - you had it last night
Can I stay up another 15 minutes to watch this TV show? no - it's time for bed
Will you let me use the car tonight? no - you didn't take care of it last time, so you have lost that luxury
I don't want to go to church today. well, get dressed, 'cause you're going anyway

Veto, veto, veto... that is part of being a parent. The more important part is love, love, love. So, while we do veto often, we also understand, listen, ask questions and explain things along the way. It's our job and right to influence and guide our children until they are adults.

All parents are different, of course. However, when it comes to being able to influence or veto my child's beliefs, I do surely have the right to do so if I believe it is warranted.

As for the Texas Pledge of Allegiance, if one of my daughters came home and asked me to write a note to exclude them from saying "under God", I would ask many questions, and then not write the note. However... if I raised my family so that we did not believe in a god, then I surely would write the note.

Andy B.