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x . ; � � � ; �r .'� m" The ongolncj �ba#e C�e�iiir� trCttattat Of thC � a�f A! � Ce t11 sciEOOI i�as pravid�d for sc� ra�r i� disa�n in t� rece�t �. lltti�e 18 in t� U�ri�ersal (�ara�iat� o# N�an Ri� st�.s: "That �e has t� t�tt i� fi� c�f thought, conscience and religion; this tight includes freedom to ct�e h�s ar belicfi, and freedom, either alone or in the community with others and in �ic c�' p�e, to manifest his religion or bc�i�f in teaching, practice, worship and abs�rva�tc�." Amendment i in The Bill of Rights states: "Congress shall make no law re5pecting an estab�shnro� of religion, orproh�bitingthefree exercise thereofi; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redr�ss of grievances." The fervent debate over the pledge in public schools has begun to intensify ever since the September 11�'terrorist attacks. Since then, schools in Rosemount, E�an and Apple Valley, Minnesota began saying it daily. Some American Legion donators threatened to retain a hundred thousand dollars and flag donations unless the pledge was said. A school board member will ask at an upcoming meeting for permission for those students who �sh not to participate to refrain from doing so. To force everyone to recite the pledge is a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Not everyone who is allegiant to America feels the desire to say the Pledge of Allegiance. The Declaration states that everyone has the right to believe whatever they Watrtto believe. Prayer in public schools is not mandatory; nor should the Pledge of Allegiance be. On the other hand, denial of the right to recite the Pledge of Allegiance is, likewise, a contradiction of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and The Bill of Rights. Since the terrorist attacks, patria#ism has soared. However, nationalism should not be forced on anyone. I believe haying an optional Pledge of Allegiance is consistent with both the Universal Declaration and The Bill of Rights.