The criticism of the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States exists on several grounds. Its use in public schools has been the most controversial, as critics contend that a government-sanctioned endorsement of religion violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Critics feel that the pledge is incompatible with democracy and freedom, and suggest that pledges of allegiance are features of totalitarian states like Nazi Germany.
Read more about Criticism Of The Pledge Of Allegiance: Objections On The Grounds of Religion, Other Objections, Matter of Lewis V. Allen, Links To School Prayer Controversy, 2003 District Ruling, 2005 District Ruling, 2006 District Ruling, "Under God" Ruling, General Patterns in Issues of Church and State, Definition of "religious Exercise"
Famous quotes containing the words criticism, pledge and/or allegiance:
“In criticism I will be bold, and as sternly, absolutely just with friend and foe. From this purpose nothing shall turn me.”
—Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1845)
“For, truly speaking, whoever provokes me to a good act or thought has given me a pledge of his fidelity to virtue,—he has come under the bonds to adhere to that cause to which we are jointly attached.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“And then I stole all courtesy from heaven,
And dressed myself in such humility
That I did pluck allegiance from men’s hearts,
Loud shouts and salutations from their mouths,
Even in the presence of the crowned King.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)