I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

These couple lines play over the loud speaker at school every morning and as a student I must stand up, put my hand over my heart, and say it. It's not that I don't believe it, it's not that I really even have a problem with it at all. It's 30 seconds that would otherwise be spent listening to music and complaining that I'm tired. 

I just want someone to explain to me why I must stand up, put my hand over my heart, and say it. I've heard that it's to show our patriotism and love for this country but, you know what? If I really wanted to show it that so bad, I wouldn't need someone telling me I have to. Don't you think that young people should be able to make these decisions for themselves? And isn't it possible that if I'm lazy and just don't feel like it, I still love my country and am proud of it? Why does whether or not I say a half-hearted pledge too early in the morning determine if I care?

Even when we're told that we're not forced and it's really our decision, it's a lie. Because if you don't say it somebody's gunna be mad at you. Like in the case of a 13-year-old Jehovah's Witness who was forced to stand outside in the rain for 15 minutes after not reciting the pledge. Like, come on, that's a little ridiculous, it's not exactly corporal punishment, but it's just humiliating and unfair.    

So I dare someone, anyone, to give me a solid reason to say it with heart and mean it, because I already have many reasons to not.