For the past year, I have been in a funk. Undoubtedly being my own worst enemy, and with time on my hands, I devour the news with disbelief at how bad the United States has descended into tyranny.
This is something I wrote about often at the now, apparently defunct, Backdoor Survival. At the time, I spoke of the erosion of civil rights and the perfect storm for economic and political collapse. My timing was off but as many in the survivalist prepper community have predicted, things are now happening on the public stage that are far worse than we imagined.
All that being said, for Independence Day, I wish to share the following tome with you. Although I have made slight changes, it was originally was shared over a year ago by a member of my community and is a reminder that as far as I am concerned, we live in the greatest country in the world, warts and all.
It is a quick read, but well worth it.
The Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance is a unique document. It begins with the word “I” and ends with “all.” I thought I would take a few minutes and go over each word in the Pledge for its true meaning. The word “I” does not mean all of us as a group or everyone except me. It means me and it means each one of you.
“I Pledge allegiance”
A solemn promise of loyalty by the citizens of a country for their government. Not every individual within the government, or all aspects of the wheels of government, but to our form of government.
“To the flag of the United States of America”
The allegiance is not to a piece of cloth, but to its symbolism. It represents our country. The country that gives each of us the opportunity of becoming all that we wish to become. A country of vast size, beauty and diversity that is unparalleled in the world.
“And to the Republic for which it stands”
A Republic … a style of government in which the supreme power rests with the body of citizens entitled to vote, whose power is exercised by their chosen representatives.
Where representatives, for whom we did not vote, can still represent everyone without the fear of anarchy. A type of government that may not be perfect, but has successfully guided our country to greatness over the past 200+ years.
“One nation”
A mix of different states, regions, races, and religion that are designated with one label: Americans.
A country that can have diverse differences of opinion and argue among ourselves. But a country that will join together when threatened by natural calamity or hostile outside forces.
“Under God”
While the Constitution recognizes the separation of church and state, we also recognize the right to believe in a Supreme Being.
Every religion has its own definition of its God. Whatever that image is, we are all free to believe without fear from our government.
“Indivisible”
We cannot be divided into separate parts. That was proven during the Civil War, one of the most trying of times for our country.
Oh, we can have differences of opinion on how things could or should be done. When push comes to shove, however, we will stand together for what our country stands for.
“With Liberty”
Freedom. Freedom to choose what we will do with our lives.
Freedom to live wherever we wish to live and to work hard to become whatever we want to become.
The freedom to get on a plane and go 3000 miles across the country without ever being required to show a government official documentation of where we live and where we are headed.
Freedom to own property, to save and invest money, to speak out against our leaders or to believe in or refuse to practice a religion.
“And Justice”
Equality and fairness. Being rewarded for working hard. Being punished when doing wrong.
It’s not perfect, but the system works well when faced with the imperfections of mankind. I dread the thought of the alternative.
“For all”
These qualities and pitfalls are for everyone, whether black, white, brown, or yellow.
We are all part of this society called America. We are all entitled to the rewards if we do well and must suffer the pains of regret if we just let things slide.
Have you ever noticed that no one tries to get smuggled across the border to get into Mexico?
I have never seen anyone trying to build a raft at the beach, hoping to make it to Cambodia!
No, everyone wants to come to America.
Why? Because we have everything we need here. All the books we need, all the classes we need, all the lectures we need, all the churches we need, all the schools we need, all the sermons we need, all the opportunities we need … we have everything here.
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Summing It All Up
Each of us is responsible for working toward the betterment of all, regardless of our position in life, race, religion, or sexual preference. That is the beauty of the great melting pot I call home.
Alas, there are certain political ideologies being expressed today that encourage us to look at our fellow man as though he or she is the enemy. The buzzword of the day is “racist” and it is being applied indiscriminately to proud Americans who see people for who they are and not because of the color of their skin. It is disgusting.
On those days where you think you cannot take it anymore, go back and say “The Pledge of Allegiance”. Listen to the words and remember their meaning as you take the higher moral ground and continue to live a strategic life with honor and pride.
Yours for a Joyful Life,
Gaye
Strategic Haul
Free copy of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence: Although it can take a month or two to arrive, you can order a free copy of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence from Hillsdale College. Hillsdale is a small private school in Hillsdale, Michigan, that is known for not accepting direct or indirect government funding. (I have no relationship with Hillsdale other than I ordered a copy for my own use).
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Thank you for posting this article, Gaye, it’s always comforting to know that there are still like-minded people out there! It never hurts to be reminded of what the Pledge stands for…and hopefully our country can withstand this bout of poor leadership until better comes along. Thanks again, and happy Independence Day!
Same to you, Russell. Let us hope that 2022 will bring change for the better. I don’t know if you follow Dan Bongino, but he is big on the “do”. Both my husband and I have joined up with some like-minded community members to help push the America First agenda for the betterment of all of us.
Gaye I so look forward to your posts. You are an inspiration to all. Your way of looking at life is what Americans are all about down deep inside of each one of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do. Prayers go out to all to stay strong in this crazy time.
Honestly, Joan, I have been in such a funk of misery this last year that it has been difficult to put words together for a blog post. I start then stop in frustration – hardly an inspiration to myself. That said, I very much appreciate your kind words.
Ba ck in the 50s (1950s) I heard this read by Red Skelton STILL think about it when I hear/say the Pledge of Allegiance. Now there are some public school systems that allow students to sit IF the pledge is said and they don’t agree with things happening in our country ! Yes there are things that need to change but look at positive changes that have occurred not just things we feel should change. I lived in California in mid 50s when air pollution (smog) in LA was so bad there were days when it was almost to be an emergency to drive there !
My wife and I have had many friends of all races and have had them to our home and been to theirs. No big deal you say, but that was in 1980s after we married. We both had stories before then
You are correct, there are many versions of this piece. Both my husband, Shelly, and I grew up in well-integrated neighborhoods in Seattle. Our schools were of mixed race and religions and it was not until I got to college that I realized that discrimination (and especially antisemitism) was real. These days we are taking 3 steps backward for every step forward. It is sad, indeed. I never thought I would say this but I am glad I am an old person and can remember better times through most of my years.
Happy Fourth to you!
You pretty much said it all in this article. Expletive are trying to get into this country, not leaving it in droves. No matter what anyone says, this is the country of opportunity, where if you work hard, you can be anything you set out to be. It is the best country in the world, no ifs, ands, or buts. Thank you for a great article. You made my day. God Bless!
Please note, my comment said people, not expletive. I don’t know why it was changed.
Thank you for sharing this. I, too, have been in a funk this last year…a mix of confusion, dread and bewilderment. I’m praying for the necessary changes in 2022 that will save our beautiful country from becoming something we don’t recognize.