The Pledge

United Press International ^ | June 27, 2002 | UPI's Capital Comment

[D.C. Media Hor]

UPI's Capital Comment -- Daily news notes, political rumors and important events that shape politics and public policy in Washington and the world from United Press International.

Seeing Red -- The ruling by a U.S. federal court in San Francisco concerning the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance brings to mind an essay comedian Red Skleton shared with his audience many years ago on the subject. The essay diagrams the pledge.

"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 is 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. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

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 -- For All --which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine."

After asking the boys and girls in the audience to recite the pledge along with him, Skelton shared this additional observation: "Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, 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?"

Yes Mr. Skelton, it would be a pity.

-0-

[D.C. Media Hor]

Where is old Red now when we need him... share this will all your friends.

[coton_lover]

I remember this now that you have refreshed my memory. I have sent this out to all who are in my address book. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[homeschool mama]

Thank you for posting this, DC. As a child I remember watching Red Skelton share this recitation. I was touched by the heart felt and serious quality even as a youngster...much more now as an adult. :o)