texan pledge of allegiance law: heil hitler!

"Among its many dubious achievements this session, the Texas Legislature -- in the name of promoting appreciation for democratic political values in the public schools -- struck a blow against the critical thinking skills crucial for meaningful democracy.

The Legislature passed, and Gov. Rick Perry last week signed into law, a bill ordering all school districts to require students to pledge allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags once during each school day, starting in the fall.

The message is pretty simple: To be good citizens-in-training, children must stand up, face a flag, and recite by rote a questionable set of political assertions. That's democracy in action? That's education?

No, that's instruction in subordination, the unquestioned acceptance of authority.

In his defense of the bill, sponsor Sen. Jeff Wentworth pointed out that the habits we form as children are crucial to moral and political development. "If you want children to know what work is, have them work," the San Antonio Republican said. I couldn't agree more."