14 June 2002
As a seasoned amateur performer, having participated in a score or more of community theatre productions, I have a love for both pageantry and audience participation. Thus, combining that with a love for this country, and for the flags of our past, present, and future, I have always enjoyed The Pledge of Allegiance. However, it has also somewhat troubled me. Many patriotic Americans love their country and her flag no less for being non-religious, and many of us, understanding the principles of States’ Rights and State Sovereignty, would often find ourselves pausing over the expression, “one nation, under god, indivisible.” While we are, indeed, a single confederation of states, there is no support in our Constitution for the concept of indivisibility, and, while there is no mention of a “separation of church and state,” the First Amendment does stipulate that “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion,” which leads inevitably to the conclusion that there can be no Federal or national support for religion. Therefore, as a pledge to the flag of the United States, the expression, “one nation, under god, indivisible,” is, at best discordant, and more likely presumptuous.
I would not attempt to do away with a cherished public ritual that acts so well to draw a crowd to a common feeling and a common purpose. I would, however, like to offer an alternative to awkward silence for those of an atheist (or simply more private) persuasion, as well as those understanding the voluntary and confederal structure of our Union.
If I may…
I pledge allegiance to the flags of the united States of America,
and to the Republics for which they stand, sovereign states,
in confederation, with Liberty and Justice for All.