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Students share thoughts on patriotism through essaysIs freedom really free? Freedom is both a right and a responsibility. We are free to make our own decisions, have our own friends, go where we want, and live our lives as we see fit. We, as Americans, are guaranteed our freedoms through the Bill of Rights and Amendments to our Constitution. We are guaranteed the right of religion, speech, press and pursuit of happiness. In America today, we have the freedom to express our views in a speech or in a written statement without the fear of being arrested. At the same time, we cannot tell or write things that are not true or will hurt someone else. Freedom does not give us the right to do whatever we want. We have to use our freedoms with responsibility. For example, we can walk down the street and listen to our favorite music, but we can not play it so loud that is it offensive to others near us. Our actions must not be outside of the law. We must obey the laws that have been written to protect us. We also need to stand together as citizens to voice our opinions if we feel that a law is made to take away some of our rights. The definition of freedom is the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint. Being free is a part of freedom. If you are free, you have the right to do what you want, but you still have to follow the rules. For without rules or laws, everyone would be doing what they wanted and we would be living in a very chaotic society. However, rules and laws do not guarantee freedom. As we have seen in Afghanistan, many laws were made by the Taliban that were very hard on the citizens of Afghanistan. The newly liberated Afghanistan citizens are rejoicing in the streets and hope to have a new life of freedom. Being free is being allowed to do what you want when you want without breaking any laws or rules. Freedom is being free within legal boundaries.
We should say the Pledge of Allegiance in school because it is a good thing to show our respect to the country and the flag. I think people shouldnít be offended by the part of the pledge that says ìone nation under God.î Our country has used God in troubled times. Especially after the attacks on Sept. 11, President Bush and many people feel we need to look to God for help and guidance! We should say the pledge because it is good to show that we stand indivisible and one nation together when bad things occur. So, I think more schools just like my school, North Branch Middle School, should say the Pledge of Allegiance every day. The reason we have the pledge and say one nation under God is because when the Pilgrims came over they were looking for a land of freedom of belief. The reason is because in England the government was running the church. That is why I think we should say the Pledge of Allegiance in school. After the Sept. 11 attacks a lot of people started to say the Pledge of Allegiance a lot more than they used to. Plus they started to go to church and extra things like that. That is my report on why I think we should say the pledge in school. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance We should say the Pledge of Allegiance in school because the Pledge of Allegiance symbolizes America and freedom for all of the citizens in America. When children and adults say the Pledge of Allegiance it shows that they care about America and its great freedom. Itís a good time, at the beginning of the day, to remind ourselves that we are all united in this wonderful country. It is especially comforting since Sept. 11, 2001 to show we care about each other and our country. I like saying the Pledge of Allegiance with my classmates and teacher because for that short time that we are all focused on something other than ourselves. No matter what race or religion, we are all Americans living together in this free country. God Bless America. ©ECM Post Review |