Then when you add that whole "one nation under God" part it just turns me into a completely unwilling participant. I did it for the kids in school, as a TA, but I always felt very uncomfortable and hypocritical.
However as I said that pledge up above is certainly one that I would willingly take any day of the week. And wouldn't it be a much kinder, and more peaceful planet if everybody agreed?
In countries like the US and Australia, the original concept of taking and reciting the pledge was to ensure people understood their new loyalties lie with their new land. That should an immigrant from Germany become a US citizen, and war broke out between the persons country of birth and their new home, their loyalty would be unquestionable.
ReplyDeleteWe have so many traditions that are rooted in something that - at the time they were planned - made all the sense in the world.
The trouble brews when we try to evolve and carry old traditions along without letting them evolve along with us.
OzMud
Perfect, OzMud!
DeleteAbsolutely agree! I do believe in God, but always felt uncomfortable, even as a kid, pledging to "the flag." The flag? A piece of cloth? This pledge is universal, about the Earth we all inhabit, and would please God, should He exist.
ReplyDeleteYes, this pledge might just reverse the damage we do to the ecosystem which nourishes all.
DeleteBut do you see those who can change it pledging?
Of course not!
It would interfere with the next quarterly statement!
Gryphen, I couldn't agree with you more. This is really great!
ReplyDeleteWhere do you FIND things like this?
I'd pledge allegiance to Planet Earth any day!
ReplyDeleteBeaglemom
Of course, Mother Earth is perpetually nursing all of us. But there will come a time when her teats run dry... literally, because there may not be enough water to sustain growth.
DeleteIf you respect all of life, why do you disrespect some people based on lies you choose to believe out of ignorance? Why do you live so closed-mindedly which hurts your country?
ReplyDeleteHi, Krazy Kristy Krackhead!
DeleteMaybe the presumed disrespect is based on something other than "lies which you choose to believe". Maybe it's based on the intrinsic merits of the argument itself--ever think of that??
DeleteShe's hooked on stupid
DeleteYou missed it on this one. I agree with you with the under god statement being wrong. But, our military members make a pledge to defend our country. I took it and I still remember the goose bumps I got the 1st time and each time I reenlisted till I retired. Why should those military members pledge to defend someone who cannot take the time, have the desire or belief in dedicating themselves to our country. I know why, because we believe in pledging ourselves to our great country, warts and all.
ReplyDeleteDaleinSanAngelo... You are right...
DeleteMembers of the military of many, if not all, nations DO swear a "Flag-Oath" (for wont of a better term) going all the way back to the Roman Empire.
Then it was called the "sacramentum", the sacrament, if your will.
This is appropriate, as soldiers signing up will pledge their lives to defend their country... and I admire you for the "warts and all" comment.
Peace, Man...
I totally agree with you, Gryphen.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, but I still get a lump in my throat when I watch new citizens pledge allegiance to our flag. I think that's the only time it's appropriate. Drives me crazy at sports events.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually pretty stupid, thinking your country 's better than others because you happened to be born there.