Well put. They don't realize that a well educated population is a more rational one. It's also one of the reasons why I am against this whole shift in only learning things that are "immediately practical" such as math and science (don't get me wrong, I think math and science are important but other subjects are just as important). It's one of the reasons why I wish philosophy and debate were mandatory courses in most schools. I don't believe making kids memorize multiplication tables when they are in kindergarten is going to help them, especially when they are barely able to comprehend them since they are so cognitively underdeveloped.
In addition: From what I am noticing, the kids that go to college to study degrees that involve dealing with unsolvable or unsolved problems are the kids that understand and not just memorize what they are taught. The education system downplays understanding and focuses on memorization. This obviously comes from America's result based culture. This leads to a population of people that can't think for themselves and only do what they are told. Something that goes against the whole idea of democracy.
TL;DR I believe that at younger ages children should be taught how to think rather than what to memorize.
Pledging allegiance to the flag/country encourage kids to support or fight in for-profit wars and other nefarious gov't activities that mainly benefit the rich. The "under God" part is advertising for religions, again profiting the wealthy few.
In addition: From what I am noticing, the kids that go to college to study degrees that involve dealing with unsolvable or unsolved problems are the kids that understand and not just memorize what they are taught. The education system downplays understanding and focuses on memorization. This obviously comes from America's result based culture. This leads to a population of people that can't think for themselves and only do what they are told. Something that goes against the whole idea of democracy.
TL;DR I believe that at younger ages children should be taught how to think rather than what to memorize.