First mod last Wednesday I was open. I was in the library pulling up my notes as the intercom comes on. I sat there as everyone recited the pledge. After it was completed, a librarian came up to me.

“If you don’t mind to stay off your computer while the pledge is on, that would be fine. My son has done two tours for this country,” she said. She was offended, and instead of catching an attitude, I thanked her.

Many students don’t try to understand why I don’t stand for the pledge because they’re so patriotic and think I do not love our country. I love America, but I refuse to pledge to something that is one, untrue and two, isn’t necessary.

Many other students stand, but don’t even realize why. Most stand with zombie-esque enthusiasm and wait until it’s over. Does it make you less American to pledge once a week? That’s like re-signing a contract everyday. There’s no point in standing for the pledge if you don’t mean it.

In 1943, a law was passed stating students don’t have to recite the pledge. Many hold the American flag in high regard and a symbol of freedom, liberty and human rights. Which I understand, but I just see it as something people rally behind.

I don’t want to make anyone feel disrespected but I have the right not to stand. I’m not trying to be a non-conformist. I just don’t believe in forcing kids to pledge to something they don’t understand.