Yep, I agree that people who don't like that line, whether Athiest, Buddhist, Hindu, or space alien, should just skip it. I used to condsider myself an Athiest, until Breukelen advocaat pointed out that I'd have to disrespect everyone else if I was, so now I'm just a guy who doesn't believe in God. In any case, I don't have a problem with that line. I see it as a tradition, that's all. Like wishing people Merry Christmas. It's been in the pledge long before the U.S. was the multi-cultural and multi-religion country that we now are. When I was in school I just skipped it. It never did me any damage.

I agree with you that the pledge is a lesson on loyalty. When I pointed out that it was brianwashing I didn't mean it in the negative sense and wasn't thinking of the "under God" line. I was just refering to the method of delivery: everyday and word for word. Very simlilar to the scripts followed by most religions in the "teaching" of children.