Who said it was necessary to do so? While I know some people might feel that way, I do not. As for pledging allegiance to a nation, I consider the people and the ideas on which the country was founded to be the "nation" and not the government. So our ancestors, people, and individuals would all be a part of our nation to me. Though if you have a better word to describe what I'm talking about besides "nation" I'm willing to consider using it instead.
I understand, I try not to use nation to represent my country anymore, although it is hard because it is so ingrained in us. Before the rise of nation states, country was just your community, your area, people who shared similar culture and language. My American Indian family will often say things like " in Indian Country" meaning those across U.S. who share a common ancestry or heritage. I do believe the pledge of allegiance is to our nation; meaning our government.
My point about the founders not finding it necessary, is to point out they didn't put the government up on a pedestal, I think they would find the pledge a direct conflict with the whole point behind the 2A which is a constant implied threat of violence against our government. It is also was a destructive tool against federalism, the fact that the states were not supposed to be inferior to the Federal government.
Also I personally don't consider ALL things thought of or invented by nationals, socialists, communists, etc to be wrong or evil. So just because the national socialist Bellamy invented the flag salute doesn't mean I'm instantly going to think it's a horrible thing to do.
Good point again, but what was the reason behind the flag salute? Has it worked? How ardently some people defend it tells me it has.
On a personal level I think it is a horrible thing, this doesn't mean I judge others who say it as horrible.
As an experiment try not to say it next time in a public setting, and just observe it.....