I'm with Joshua and Rom on this, but I'll add another (for me) practical reason for not pledging allegiance.
I understand the flag to represent the actions of the "republic." It is raised before battles, it is over governmental installations. It is on the lapels of various governmental agents. It signifies action. It announces "in the name of the United States the following action is being performed."
I've sworn, in good conscience, to uphold the Constitution and the laws of my nation and state. I've also, from time to time, found myself in formal and vigorous opposition to agents of the government--such opposition being consistent with my oath. I cannot reconcile the notion of paying allegiance to a symbol, or a republic for that matter, that may be violating its organic charter while I try to remain true to upholding that charter.
I understand the flag to represent the actions of the "republic." It is raised before battles, it is over governmental installations. It is on the lapels of various governmental agents. It signifies action. It announces "in the name of the United States the following action is being performed."
I've sworn, in good conscience, to uphold the Constitution and the laws of my nation and state. I've also, from time to time, found myself in formal and vigorous opposition to agents of the government--such opposition being consistent with my oath. I cannot reconcile the notion of paying allegiance to a symbol, or a republic for that matter, that may be violating its organic charter while I try to remain true to upholding that charter.