A Pledge of Allegiance

I wanted to meditate on something that as children we said every day without fail yet some today would rather see obliterated from the national landscape along with any form of patriotism, our pledge of allegiance.

Let's take a look at what the pledge says and means.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America"

Pledging allegiance is something that is lost on our society today. Allegiance to anything means to commit to protect and defend. A pledge of allegiance is not just something we do to satisfy our school's or country's rituals, it is an act of conscious dedication and commitment by the person reciting.

"...and to the republic for which it stands"

That's right everyone we are a republic. We are a gathering of 50 self-governed states grouped into the union of the "United States". Each of these states is granted by our constitution the right to govern and make laws for itself. The federal government is there only to provide protection for the States. It is not intended to be the "all-knowing" father.

"...one nation, under God"

Self explanatory folks. We are one nation, sovereign and independent of any other, under the guidance of GOD, purposely placed with a capital "G".

"...with Liberty and Justice for all. God bless America"

We pledge allegiance (n 1: the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action). Binding ourselves to the defense of our citizenry; to our country intellectually and emotionally. Both are appropriate and needed today more than ever. As we debate freely and openly the decisions made by our elected officials (and in case we've all forgotten they are elected by us not appointed by the political parties - if you don't like the quality of choices get in the game!) let's not forget the men and women patriots who had the insight to see the country they were establishing so many years ago. Let's honor their memory by acting appropriately with dignity and respect.