The pledge of allegiance to the flag is a tradition begun by socialist, Francis Bellamy, to foster fealty to the state.
We could have avoided a lot of trouble if We had pledged allegiance to the 1787 Constitution instead.
Let the flag be a symbol, but pledging allegiance to it is futile, and after what We have witnessed, insane.
Pledging allegiance to the 1787 Constitution actually has meaning and legal affect.
For instance:
I pledge allegiance to the 1787 Constitution, the republic which it formed, voluntarily, one nation under God, His Son, Jesus Christ, with freedom and justice for all