Is reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in class a morning reminder of our country’s values and principles or a daily dose of brainwashing intended to turn impressionable students into flag-waving cogs?

A bill mandating that schools offer students a chance to recite the pledge is making its way to the state House floor after clearing the Education Committee with bipartisan support this week.

Readers sounding off on Wednesday's post questioned whether the pledge is necessary, whether the country lives up to the ideals expressed or whether the inclusion of "under God" muddies the waters a little.

Reader Vagabond5 wrote about his experiences in the military and in his classroom – which sounds like a pretty neat place.

Michprogressive said the pledge does nothing to inspire.

And mrslash disputes whether the country described in the pledge exists today.

Coolrunnings11 opines:

But ZeroOne noted that some who express disdain rely on what is behind the words of the pledge.

Covering the Legislature, I’ve watched the House and Senate start each session with the Pledge of Allegiance – one of the few things folks on both sides of the aisle do in unison. They also pray together, but that’s a topic for another day.

Email Dave Murray at dmurray@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter @ReporterDMurray or on Facebook.