The Power of the Pledge of Allegiance

I came across the story of NBC cutting the phrase "One Nation Under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance recently. The media conglomerate apologized later. (http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-06-20/news/29704394_1_pledge-allegiance-twitter-nbc-sports) I sit quietly with my coffee and ponder this. You know what my friends, the folk, ask? They ask, "What's the world coming to?" I ask that too. What is going on here? Have we lost our moral compass? Have we forsaken our roots? How can any editor just slip and trim a part of the Pledge by accident? You know...the Pledge of Allegiance is not hard to remember.

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, One Nation Under God, Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All."
(http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xff70e_the-pledge-of-allegiance_music)

See...that's not so hard is it? I mean really...what's going on here? Where will this all end? Let me tell you why I believe that the Pledge of Allegiance is so important for ALL Americans.

A Pledge of Loyalty--I get the impression from the way some politicians, celebrities and comedians act or speak Loyalty has become taboo in our country. The Pledge reminds all of us that we have a commitment of faithfulness as citizens of this great nation. I have traveled extensively and have enjoyed visiting other countries. I relish traveling, meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and learning about other localities. Yet, this much I know and will attest: the United States of America offers more freedoms, opportunities and possibilities than any other country I've experienced. Don't apologize for being Loyal to the ideals of this great Nation. Be proud of your Loyalty. I am loyal to the United States because this country has been very, very good to me. (http://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/godblessamerica.html)

Allegiance to the Flag--I know that people burn the flag out of protest. I also know that the Supreme Court ruled that such an act of protest was a protected American right. (http://www.pbs.org/jefferson/enlight/flag.htm)

I had a friend who fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon his return from active duty, he spoke with me many times about his view of America having been out of the country so long (he was in active combat for over nine years). He drank coffee with me one evening and I saw him cry for the first time in our long friendship. He told me that he fought and nearly died so that "Americans could go to school, get married, go to movies or even burn a flag. I don't think they should burn my country's flag, but I'd die for the right that allows them to do so." I sat quietly realizing that he was more man than I'd ever be. He fought for Freedom. The Flag stands for more than just the voting process or the politicians who make laws...the Flag stands for all that we are and all that we ever hope to be. The Flag stands for Freedom.

Commitment to the Republic--With all the political rhetoric about Democracy, sometimes we forget that we live in a Republic. What is the difference you ask? Representation. In a pure democracy, every person has one vote. We don't do that in the United States. We elect people to come together to consider the greater good and pass laws or created legislation that will promote fairness, equity, prosperity and dignity for all. (http://www.lexrex.com/enlightened/AmericanIdeal/aspects/demrep.html) A Republic guards the rights and citizenship of all people in the Nation not just the majority of people. Yes, yes I know that sometimes we don't get it right but we strive to get it right. The mere fact that the United States seeks to treat all people fairly, equally and justly means so much, especially in light of the turmoil and anguish so many others face in places around the globe. We are committed to fairness and dignity in politics. We keep trying.

One Nation Under God--Abraham Lincoln got it. He understood what was at stake. He could not allow himself to envision a nation divided. He could only imagine a Nation United. Despite the smoke, storm and fog of war, he guided this Nation back to being One Nation. I'm amazed at his genius, foresight and insight. The drafters of the Constitution crated One Nation Under God. When you say the Pledge of Allegiance you join the voices of millions of others committing to a way of life, a framework of laws and a living Constitution. The coins and currency underscore the principle: We are One Nation Under One God. Notice there is no comma in the phrase in the Pledge. This commitment goes far beyond any religion. This is not State religion in action, rather this reaches heights few other leaders of states can even grasp. This is a Nation of destiny, direction and decision. We are a people who believe in values, ethics and principle based on the Eternal Goodness of God. Don't be afraid to say that line without pause or hesitation. When you say the Pledge, say that phrase firmly, loudly: "One Nation Under God!"

Pledge of Liberty--I've seen the Liberty Bell. As a child I sang a song about Davey Crockett patching up the crack in the Liberty Bell. (http://educationalsynthesis.org/famamer/DCrockett.html) Silly as that may seem (and as drunk as he may have been) that very act makes sense to me symbolically, poetically and politically. Liberty is fragile. Sometimes people of leadership, position or power lose sense of what makes this country so great: Liberty! Davey Crockett captured the Spirit of American determination by seeking to reinforce or repair the icon of Liberty. I embrace the Liberty in this Nation. I am proud we are a nation of Liberty. (http://hubpages.com/hub/Understanding-Liberty) Lady Liberty stands in the Harbor of New York beckoning to the world:



The Lady of Liberty
and
Flag of Freedom

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Emma Lazarus, 1883

A Prayer for Justice--I know some atheists may have trouble with the Pledge of Allegiance. I understand that non-believers wince at the idea of social prayer. But this phrase Justice for All certainly reaches the level of a prayer for social equity and fairness. If God exists as the Universal Being then praying for Justice for all people seems a fitting ritual to attend. (http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html)
Justice means rightfulness, right dealings or just treatment. Justice leads to harmony and happiness. We cannot be content if we are abused, cheated or marginalized. Sub cultures, minorities and ethnic groups have been mistreated in America but I say again, "We keep seeking to get it right." This Republic, even after so many years, is still a work in process. We continue to walk the path of Freedom and explore the garden of Justice. Let us promote justice for all citizens of the One Nation.

I sip my coffee and ponder the reason someone would even dare to cut One Nation Under God from the Pledge of Allegiance. This loyal oath represents our culture, ideals, freedom, liberty and justice. We dare not make even one slip in reciting it. Let us join hands, face the Flag and practice this Pledge together. Let's say it over and over until we get it write. I'm glad that NBC apologized. I'm sad the editors and directors let such a catastrophe happen in the first place. Let us rise up together and guard our Liberty, Freedom and Nation. We all belong to this ONE NATION UNDER GOD. Let's keep it that way! I hope you'll join me!

How the Garden Grows

Gardens bring a certain joy to the grower. I come from a long line of gardeners. We gardeners, however, come in different types. Some gardeners trim grass, edge walks, prune trees and nurture flowers. Others care for roses, plants and hedges. Gardeners like myself have favorite plants that we put out each year. My efforts do not necessarily feed me throughout the year like the old timers in the past, but rather I find immense joy in the process of growing. The effort feels like a partnership with God. I plant, rain waters and God gives the increase.

Now what to plant, there lies the rub. Some of my neighbors go full tilt and have rows of beans, corn, tomatoes, potatoes and cucumbers. Others have the traditional Native American garden (the Three Sisters): corn, squash and beans. Some like raising only roses. My dad grew roses. Sure he always had a big vegetable garden every year but oh how he loved his roses. He had the Yellow Rose of Texas, an American Beauty and even a Pink Lady. I smile even now as I reminisce and faintly smell the fragrance of those luscious, fully bloomed roses. I consider myself a pragmatic gardener. I don't attempt any crop too ambitious. I just want to participate in the process of growing.

I have tomatoes. The names of the plants seem very interesting to me. For example, you might buy Early Girls or Better Boys. I remember dad talking about Better Boys. Maybe he bought tomato plants by that name in hopes of helping us (the three boys) to become Better Boys. Maybe he just bought them because they looked hearty. In any case, tomatoes rank high in importance for a garden. You can eat fresh tomatoes, fry green tomatoes, make sauce for pizza or spaghetti or just can the tomatoes. Let's not forget the big argument: do you consider tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable? You see what I mean? Tomatoes rate a place in the best of gardens.



Young Peas



I have peas. The vine up almost like ivy. They have a light green and somewhat frail vine but they seem so capable of growing. I've never been fond of peas to eat but I do so enjoy watching them grow. They prepare easily so one would be silly not to eat them when they're ready to harvest. You can always take a container of peas to the next pitch-in dinner. Their rich, green color will set off any meal. The very name conjures up interesting images such as sweet pea, the Princess and the Pea and so forth. Peas compliment any meal.

I grow cucumbers and cantaloupe. I'm originally from Indiana so I almost have to have some type of melon in my garden. I don't have much room so this presents a challenge keeping all of those vines laced into one small area. Cantaloupe and cucumber vines remind me of the word prolific. They grow prolifically. The blooms remind me of a dish I ate while in Hong Kong. The yellow soft petals would go well in a salad. Don't eat the petals though because you'll end up with no cantaloupe or cucumbers. Let them grow prolifically.

I tried something new this year. I planted Chinese Eggplant. My dad grew Egg Plant, but not the Chinese kind. I remember mom frying it up and I liked it. It tasted like mushrooms to me. I wanted Chinese Egg Plant in order to keep to tradition. Everything you buy at Walmart is made in China so I decided that I shouldn't break protocol. My Egg Plant should be Chinese too. Besides, I liked living in Hong Kong. I plan to bake my first harvest of Chinese Egg Plant. After that, I will probably fry a few. I know that frying foods makes modern chefs cringe but...I've many traditions to keep that come from my childhood too.

I enjoy a garden. Jesus prayed in the garden alone. I do that. I walk up to the garden at dusk and welcome the night. The air seems fresh and clean in a garden. In reality, I don't suppose it is what you grow in your garden that is most important but rather that you have a garden in which to watch plants grow. Some people say you can't see plants grow but then I don't think they spend much time in a garden. I see plants grow. I know I grow in my garden. Next time you feel insulted, abused, depressed or unappreciated, take a walk in a garden. Grow a garden. Grow in a garden. Take time to smell the roses, cucumbers, tomatoes or whatever! Go, sow, grow and know the peace of a flourishing garden.

Hunting for Huntsman

Huntsman

If you get the chance, take a moment to look at Jon Huntsman's new web site. I don't generally promote a particular person for politics but I thought you might like to take a look at this guy. He understands world affairs, has deep experience in business and seems to be straight as an arrow. Check it out! http://www.jonhuntsmanjr.com/


Please don't swamp me blog site with vicious emails about me being a right wing conservative. That's not what's going on here. Its just that there has been so many people jumping into the Republican race it has become a crowded field. That doesn't bother me so much really. If the Republicans want to select a worthy candidate to oppose Barak Obama the need to review the best candidates the party has to offer. Let the political operatives review the wanna-bees and then decide. The process works. I think we should sit back and enjoy the ride.

Bachman

Republicans will have plenty of choice. At the writing of this blog piece, Michelle Bachman, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Herman Cain all seek the nomination. Sarah Palin continues her One Nation Tour. Only God knows if she will jump into the race. Texas Governor Rick Perry continues to explore the possibilities. I think this is going to be fun! 


I think it is important to take a look at Huntsman because he appears genuine. He is bright, a good speaker and truly a family man (no matter what happens I hope that lasts!). He served as Ambassador to China. I don't think the Republicans should scold him for doing this during Obama's administration. He actually did this for us...the country...the United States of America. His service in China has nothing to do with politics and all to do with diplomacy.

Santorum

Please don't consider this an endorsement. Take it for what it is: an attempt to unveil personalities active in the democratic process of this great Republic. I'm a political junkie and like to think, talk and walk politics. We've plenty of time until the primaries. Democrats will go with Obama. That much is understood. All of the mystery, controversy and political excitement will be on the Republican side until the primary ends. So don't get angry...just get involved. Let's watch the process and think about issues, challenges and decisions. After all, this is the way the Republic runs.

Pawlenty

Cain

Banning the Beret

I came across an interesting article recently. The Army plans to ban the Beret. I laughed a little when I read that this was a "failed ten year experiment." Wow! Takes a long time for the Army to recognize failure, don't you think? http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110613/pl_afp/usmilitaryuniform

One reason the Beret must go: it is just too darn hot. You know...these warriors have the right stuff but they need to be cool to perform. I guess they're gonna keep them for dress uniforms but they'll use caps for field dress. You need a sun visor on your hat you see. I've seen those soldiers using sunglasses but no matter. The cap has a visor and is cooler.

Another great plus for losing the Beret...we save money. Yep, if my math is right we're gonna save about six bucks per soldier. Heck with that kind of savings we can buy'em two caps each. We're gonna have stacks of caps in our military. That'll just be swell! Joe Biden will be happy. He's the new sheriff in town and now we can all save money! http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/06/13/theres-new-sheriff-town

Busting the Beret will keep order in the Troops. Sure! The Green Berets, the Rangers and other special forces will all be happier because the unworthy ones won't be dressed in the Beret. They don't deserve it. They've not trained enough...screamed enough...or swam in enough mud to wear the esteemed Beret. So now all the special forces will be smiling as they jump out of helicopters to shoot it out with Al Qaeda.

By now you might have figured out that I like Berets. I have seven of them, all different colors too. Sure I wear caps also. I have many caps as well. But when I feel like starting a revolution, I break out the Beret and make like Che Guevara. I think Berets look formal and serious. I even wore a Beret with my academic regalia for many years. When you wear a Beret you look as though you mean business. I don't think the experiment was a failure really but then I don't know by what criteria they were basing their decision. My points are basically personal opinion.There's a right way and wrong ways to wear the Beret...did you know that? Of course this information becomes useless now. We're kissing the Beret goodbye.

Banning the Beret will save Joe Biden money, make the special forces happy, keep the Troops cooler and give the regular soldiers some much needed sun visors. They'll be safer in the parched lands of Iraq, Afghanistan, Lybia and the many other places we want to start wars. I heard a rumor that all of this got started because the Pakistani Secret Police found a discarded Beret on the Floor of Usama Bin Laden's bedroom. Maybe that was the last image he saw moving toward him in the darkness. Of course, I also heard they buried him at sea with a Black Beret on his head. Take a moment now and grieve with me as we bid the Beret farewell. I hope the Army never decides to experiment on me!

Palin Power

I have no hidden agenda in writing these observations. I'm neither a Palin fan nor foe. I just know that when John McCain selected her for his running mate there must have been something that he saw in her that merited the Republican's attention. No matter your politics you have to admit that John McCain deserves credit for literally discovering a female political force. I don't buy the criticism that he just wanted a woman in the vice-president's position for a show. She immediately emerged on the national scene and continues to command attention everywhere she goes. Here's my purpose for the blog entry, however. No matter if you're a Palin lover or hater...the reality remains that the hundreds of emails released recently in Alaska only enhance her image. The material demonstrates several characteristics that the media seems to ignore.

Consistency -- First Sarah Palin remains consistent. She cannot be accused of being a flip-flopping personality. The themes and topics of rhetoric remain  steadfast and true to her conservative causes. She speaks candidly with Tea Party flavor and holds the attention of literally millions of conservatives. Most interestingly, she enjoys the lime light and spot light of national and international media while her message remains consistent through it all. Arguably foes and friends alike would have to agree that Palin stands on her core principles whether you side with them or not. In her blog recently, Molly Ball observed "Palin comes across as neither an airhead nor a prima donna. She is warm and supportive with her staff, who are loyal to her in turn." (Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56750.html#ixzz1P74vLvkJ)

Caution -- Another revelation from the scores of released emails reveals that Sarah Palin leads a careful life. CBS reports that "CBS News has searched for some interesting tidbits among the thousands of exchanges. So far, the emails have given a picture that has already been drawn of the former governor and her political and personal life during her governorship and unexpected role as John McCain's GOP running mate in 2008." (Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20070592-503544.html#ixzz1P77PRrQ0) I'm not so sure that the painting of Palin created by many journalists truly reveals her actual nature. Instead of the unintelligent, detached person that many would have us discount, the emails portray an engaged, thoughtful and careful person at the helm of the state government of Alaska. She carefully guards the people and the resources of the magnificent state had to offer. The emails depict a cautious guardian and leader.

Considerate -- One of the most interesting aspects revealed in the latest email proliferation demonstrates that Sarah Palin gives deep consideration to everything she does. Rebecca Sive in the Huffinton Post recently wrote, "I'm tipping my hat to Sarah Palin. I'm thinking that it is Sarah Palin, a woman who dares make the guy media scramble, who shows up in black leather and no pearls, who fails, oh holy of holies, to even send out a press release, who would be the woman who would be president."  Sive also writes that "I think millions of Americans are similarly curious about Sarah Palin. After all, how dumb could she be if she's gotten this far? What's the matter with a woman who dares the establishment? Maybe that's what we need right now."  (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-sive/what-does-sarah-palin-wan_b_869632.html) This woman operates on high just about all of the time. She's high energy and she's learned to play the media like a violin.

Candid -- Finally, Sarah Palin speaks her mind. Robert Wiles observes, "You may not like what she says but she speaks out what she thinks and generally without apology. The woman speaks her mind. It's humorous to listen to both political parties try to demean her. It's simple to decipher the reasoning behind it. She doesn't jump when they tell her to. I also love the idea that these elitist fellows are finding out that they cannot control this woman! This woman is no coward and she will not cower to their demands. She speaks from the heart and not words of deceit used to garner votes. She is a woman of her word."
http://palinpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/04/pssst-sarah-palin-is-not-one-of-them.html
The perception is that she is genuine. Despite the critics and criticism (and she's endured more than her share) she stays on message and continues to show up. She speaks from the heart and sometimes off the cuff. She is honest about her feelings and beliefs. In reality she is open about who she is.

Palin power surges as journalists, political operatives and would-be-gotcha guys pour over emails that reveal an empowered, personable and true-grit female. What's the problem? Sarah Palin emerges as a consistent, cautious, considerate and candid woman who seeks to affect the national discourse. She's doing just that. Some love her...some seem to hate her...but no matter your position, one truth emerged from those thousands of emails: Sarah Palin is real and a real part of national politics. She has voice. Her voice will be heard.

The Weiner Roast

Look...I don't want you to think that I've joined the fray. I have not. I just don't think that his social media sexapades offer up enough infractions to merit national and international news for weeks on end. I'm dismayed by what Anthony Weiner has admitted but I just can't see spending time, money and resources to ferret out more explicit photos posted by this psychologically deficient masochist. I'm a little surprised that the left wing politicians call for his resignation since he learned from the best: Bill Clinton.

Morally, Weiner's behavior rates below deplorable. Yet, we've seen this before. Men who achieve powerful positions proceed to waste their political capital in rancid manners. I wish Anthony Weiner would have been a Boy Scout as a younger man. The Scout Oath surely would have given him some pause before he propelled photos of his genitals into cyber space. Had he been a Boy Scout he would have known that the Scout Code suggests "keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions. Being morally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character." ( http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsoath.asp) Where's the Boy Scout when you need him?

Ethically Weiner failed his constituents, his colleagues, his wife and himself. He's an angry  man. We've seen that on the Congressional floor. Using another Boy Scout analogy...he lost his moral compass. Yet we should not be surprised. If you have constantly moving margins or boundaries for behavior, social actions or suppress religious expression...what do you expect? Weiner would have probably benefited from some prayer in school. Each of us, Anthony included, must have a basis or foundation for our ethics. Without some basis for how we act in public and private, we end up exposing ourselves in unethical ways.

Professionally, Anthony Weiner crashed. He dressed well, spoke with intelligence and energetically pursued his political agenda with dogged determination. He flared when opposed, lambasted his opposition and generally stayed on the offensive in his battles. Now he's slipping off to his apartment, tyring to appease his broken hearted, pregnant wife and has cancelled most if not all of his speeches, appearances and meetings. He crashed and burned. In the face of pressure to resign, he remains defiant but also basically alone. His supporters have slipped away to their apartments to mend fences with their own social circles. Defending Athony Weiner is political and professional suicide.

I won't judge this man...Athony Weiner. The news media has roasted him beyond measure. He's had enough grilling. I think it is time for us to turn this into a teaching moment. We have to us this blatant blunder to educate others so as not to make this same mistake. Some would say the lesson here rests in the more careful use of the social media. I agree but there must be more. Others contend that we must keep our actions and thoughts in private, personal structures. Here's what I think: we must identify our standards we wish to keep and then live by them. Sounds simple but living never comes easy. Faith guides some while tradition moves others. It appears that Weiner ripped a page out of Bill Clinton's play book. His wife works for Hillary. Maybe he's just to close to see his faults. In the final analysis, however, as the media lights dim and other stories take center stage, this once powerful political bull dog will shrink in the shadows, shiver with shame and wish that he'd acted more professionally, followed a morally correct path and lived in the light of accepted human ethics. With his dignity lost, the only party he may truly remember will be his own Weiner roast.

---

Parades and Patriotism

We often hear that old cliche "Everyone loves a parade." This statement is very true for folks in Ironton, Ohio. This town boasts hosting the longest running continuous annual Memorial Day parade in the United States. Hundreds of people participate in putting on the parade and literally thousands gather to watch the spectacle each year. It may take a village to raise a child but it takes a dedicated community to put on such a parade. This event is important, not only to the people of Ironton but also to all of Lawrence County.

Dave Lucas, Scoutmaster, walks with
other leaders in the historic parade.

The parade in Ironton provides identity to the people of the city and the county. Hundreds of stories, histories and traditions march by wrapped up in the floats, fire engines and veterans' groups. The people who volunteer to put on the parade and the folks who gather to watch it understand that this very special event on Memorial Day defines who they are. This is no quick shot event but rather a highly organized important event. The region's identity passes by in every entry, band or civic organization.

This parade is for patriots and not politicians. This is one big patriotic event. I know that sounds contradictory but it is true. Politicians can march if they wish...even provide resources for floats or other entries but the politicians may not campaign, seek support or speak out. Instead, everyone focuses on fallen heroes, veterans and supporting the military. All veterans and those who serve are honored. In the end this is a good action for politicians to endorse.

The Memorial Day Parade captures history. Antique cars, community leaders, historical floats and famous veterans all contribute to the significance of this event. National, state and local history passes by as you watch the three hour human train unfold before you eyes. You sense and see the military history of a nation, the service offered up by the State of Ohio and you come to know the living and fallen leaders of military action and service. The parade reveals history.

Finally, the parade attracts a crowd. In the past, Ironton Ohio held a large population, busy industry and commerce. Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Ironton proved to be an important river port, manufacturing hub and iron export center. Some called the place "Little Pittsburgh" or "Little Chicago." Economic depression and cultural change took a toll on the city and now Ironton points to the past while facing an uncertain future. The Parade brings all of the past into focus and allows social entrepreneurs to dream about what will come next.

If you've never made the parade, make a vow now to attend next year. Bring a lawn chair, search out some shade and join the joy of a community to understands the future by reviewing the past. This is a social, patriotic, crowded defining experience for everyone. Remember the term everyone includes you. come be a part of the longest running, continuous Memorial Day Parade in US history. After all...Everyone loves a parade!