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!