The Pledge of Allegiance

Not long ago, the Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance was an unconstitutional endorsement of religion with the words, "under God" inserted after "one nation." This has sparked a lot of conversation about the subject in many different ways. Today in my email I noticed a short note within a newsletter simply signed, “Tim”**. The gist of Tim’s words was that he was ashamed of America’s flag, saying it had simply become an idol to the American people who thought the flag, patriotism, and the constitution would somehow save them. His reasoning was that America has become corrupt and perverted. This is my response to Tim.

Dear Tim,

Although our country has gone far away from the principles it was founded upon, I still believe there are many people like me who believe in God, family, and country. As long as I have breath in me, I will strive to serve God first in my life, loving Him, my family, and yes, my country. Although things don't look very good sometimes, God is still in control of the universe, including countries and flags.

The flag is not an idol to me but a symbol of good and not evil.

Our flag stands for our country and for freedom and that freedom has often been costly. Many have served and some given even their lives. My father and my brother served during two different wars and now I have a son in the military.

I do not put my trust in flags, constitutions, or governments. You are right about that, Tim, they will not save you. I do put my trust in the God who can save us and who causes kingdoms to rise and fall. If America will turn back to God, she will still be a great country. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14) That is a promise from the Holy Bible. Notice it doesn't say if anyone will pray, it says "if my people which are called by my name." God's people praying will make the difference if we will turn back to him.

Edmond Burke said, “All that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing.” In my estimation the Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco is wrong and since that time the Senate unanimously approved a resolution "expressing support for the Pledge of Allegiance" and asking Senate counsel to "seek to intervene in the case." By a vote of 99-0, the resolution passed.

Although, things often look bleak as we see those who would fill our land with violence, perversions, drugs, crime, and all the evil that we see around us; I will put my trust in God and not man, striving to make a difference as long as I live. There are still many of God's people trying to make a difference. We must remain vigilant so that we do not lose the freedom that we enjoy. And yes, Tim, I will salute the flag as long as it stands for "one nation under God with liberty and justice for all"

Sincerely,

Pamela Blaine June 2002

** NOTE: The name “Tim” is fictitious, but the story is true.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

The Pledge of Allegiance -- From the Red Skelton Hour,
January 14, 1969 -- This actually took place on live TV.

Getting back to school, I remember a teacher that I had. Now I only went, I went through the seventh grade. I left home when I was 10 years old because I was hungry. (laughter) And .. this is true.

I worked in the summer and went to school in the winter. But, I had this one teacher, he was the principal of the Harrison school, in Vincennes, Indiana. To me, this was the greatest teacher, a real sage....of my time, anyhow. He had such wisdom. We were all reciting the Pledge of Allegiance one day, and he walked over. This little old teacher ... Mr. Lasswell was his name. He said:

I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?

I: me, an individual, a committee of one.

PLEDGE: dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

ALLEGIANCE: my love and my devotion.

TO THE FLAG: our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job.

[OF THE]

UNITED: that means that we have all come together.

STATES: individual communities that have united into 48 great states. 48 individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose, all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

[OF AMERICA]

AND TO THE REPUBLIC: Republic ... a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

[FOR WHICH IT STANDS]

ONE NATION: One Nation ... meaning, so blessed by God.

INDIVISIBLE: incapable of being divided.

WITH LIBERTY: which is freedom, the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

AND JUSTICE: the principle or qualities of dealing fairly with others.

FOR ALL: ... which means, boys and girls, that it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now boys and girls let me hear you recite, the Pledge of Allegiance…

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, (Alaska and Hawaii) and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance - "UNDER GOD".

“WOULDN'T IT BE A PITY IF SOMEONE SAID, "THAT IS A PRAYER," AND THAT WOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM SCHOOLS, TOO?"

Signed: Red Skelton

"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."

~ Pamela Perry Blaine ~
© June 2002
pamyblaine@blaines.us

About Pamela:  She enjoys writing, music, and country living.  She writes"Pam's Corner" for the local newspaper and many of her writings have been published on the internet and in several books. Pam says, "I have loved music and writing ever since I can remember. I play piano at church and I'm an avid reader. One of my goals is to be able to write for my children and grandchildren so special memories will not be forgotten."  She has a CD entitled "I'll Walk You Home".  It's available by freewill donation.  More info, and a clip from the CD, is on her website at: http://blaines.us/PamyPlace.htm

[ By: Pamela Perry Blaine Copyright © 2002 (pamyblaine@blaines.us) -- from Pamela Perry Blaine ]