Dear Abby

DEAR ABBY: “Silent Supporter, Benson, N.C.” (Aug. 26) cannot
say the Pledge of Allegiance because of religious reasons. I
support his or her right not to participate. However, I disa-
gree with “Silent’s” interpretation that standing is partic-
ipating.

I work overseas in a U.S. Department of Defense school
attended by students from 13 NATO countries. Every morning,
the Pledge is recited and the non-American students stand
respectfully. By standing, they are not pledging their own
allegiance but behaving appropriately while those who choose
to participate do so.

I do not believe that standing during the Pledge, or a simi-
lar pledge in any other country, implies consent or support.
Standing quietly and allowing others to participate shows
respect for the citizens, nation and our right to believe
as we choose. Remaining seated is, in my opinion, disrespect-
ful on many levels.
– MAUREEN IN MONS, BELGIUM

DEAR MAUREEN: Your point is well-taken, and interestingly
enough, many readers agree with you.

DEAR ABBY: I think “Silent Supporter” may be confusing the
Pledge of Allegiance with the singing of the National Anthem
at sporting events. Standing is a sign of respect, not one
of commitment. If sitting causes others to react unfavorably,
simply show up a few minutes after kickoff or the first pitch.
That way, no one will have any problems with you and your
beliefs.
– LET’S PLAY BALL IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

DEAR ABBY: I am a Quaker. We also find oaths, including the
Pledge of Allegiance, contrary to our Quaker faith and prac-
tice. However, we still stand silently, considering it to be
politeness, not participation.
– TOM IN REDWOOD CITY, CALIF.

DEAR ABBY: On Flag Day, June 14, 1943, right in the middle
of the greatest patriotic war in history, the U.S. Supreme
Court passed a resolution, which is still in effect today,
that no man, woman or child shall be required to stand for
or salute the flag of this country, or to stand for the
singing of the National Anthem. Anyone who berates another
for not standing or participating in either is denying that
person his legal rights as given by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Therefore aliens, visitors, religious believers and dutiful
citizens have the right to stand, salute and sing — or NOT.
– NATIVE AMERICAN CITIZEN AND WWII VETERAN

DEAR ABBY: Remember the saying, “When in Rome, do as the
Romans do”? A person who does not stand draws the attention
and the ire of the crowd. Far better to arrive after the
ceremony and avoid a scene.
– QUIET BYSTANDER IN N.C.

DEAR ABBY: As an educator, I teach all of my students to stand
for the Pledge, whether they participate or not. If they are
entering a room or a stadium, they should stop walking and re-
main still as a sign of respect.

I am not a person unto myself but a part of a larger commun-
ity. “Respect” should cross all boundaries that divide us.
Whether one chooses to be respectful or not should not even
be questioned. Having said that, however, those who taunted
“Silent” should remember that respect goes both ways.
– BEV IN STEILACOOM, WASH.

To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most
frequently requested — poems and essays, send a business-
sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order
for $6 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O.
Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included
in the price.)