I'm proud to be an american, but I'm not a lemming, and I'm not blind. I know my country has it's flaws, it's hipocricy, and it's antiquated ideals, but it is MY country. If I felt that the bad about my country outweighed the good, I would leave; Plain and simple. I have no issues with the original version of the pledge, but the mccarthyist version needs to go. Also, we need to ask this pledge of our citizens, not our infants. as for my patriotism coming into question...If war broke out tomorrow, and I were asked to serve, I would pick up whatever arms were required (and you all probably know my feelings about guns in general by now) and proudly fight for the safety of my family, and my home, in my country. I didn't volunteer for service as a job, as some of you have, because I thought I was better suited for other jobs. But don't think for a second that I wouldn't stand shoulder to shoulder with other americans in a time of need to do whatever it takes to secure this country, my home. Paid or unpaid.