The Pledge of Allegiance

A number of Windcrest citizens seem to be confused about history & freedom when it comes to the Pledge of Allegiance. The words “liberty and justice for all” are in the pledge. According to Merriam-Webster’s simple definition, liberty is “the power to do or choose what you want to.” Demanding that I recite the pledge contradicts why our country fought to free ourselves from a tyrannical king & denies my liberty.

The free exercise of my religion is constitutionally protected & the Supreme Court ruled in 1943 that no one could be forced to recite the pledge. The city secretary doesn’t recite the pledge either for religious conviction, but she has employment laws which prohibit discrimination against her. For all the years she has been present during the pledge in city chambers, no one ever noticed that she didn’t recite it & she continues to do her job serving citizens. So, why is it such an outrage that I don’t recite it?

Many believe it means I’m unpatriotic. Then you must think the first 23 presidents of our great country were unpatriotic too because they didn’t say the pledge. Oh, wait, the pledge didn’t exist until 1892, 104 years after our country was established. Didn’t know that fact? Me either, until I researched it. A socialist created the pledge so that he could sell flags to schools. https://priceonomics.com/the-marketing-of-the-pledge-of-allegiance/

I personally view pledging allegiance to a flag or a country as idolatry. My first allegiance is to God. If you don’t believe as I do & love saying the pledge that is your freedom.

There isn’t any religious test to hold public office. If you want someone who agrees with you 100% of the time look in a mirror & you will see the only person qualified by your standards to be a public servant.