The Pledge of Allegiance

Few Americans know the history of the writing of the Pledge of Allegiance. For instance, did you know that the writer was a Christian socialist? I am amused when people on the far right agitate for mandatory recitation of the pledge oblivious to the political inclinations of its author, the Reverend Francis Bellamy. It also must be noted that Rev. Bellamy did not include the phrase "under God" and likely would have objected to the phrase. Inclusion of such a phrase does fly in the face of the American tradition of toleration of both religion and the lack thereof.

As I write, it is Flag Day in the United States. It is a time to display the flag and reflect on what it represents. The pledge is nearly as good as any declaration of the American credo. Under normal circumstances I have no problem reciting it, although I typically fall silent for the "under God" phrase out of respect for the pledge's author, as noted above. To mandate the pledge as some would do, while providing unity, would seem to be antithetical to the spirit of self-realization which we have known under our system of laws.

Having said all that, I must say I like the pledge, as settled upon by Francis Bellamy, a good deal. May we do all we can to live up to the ideals expressed in its powerful words.


http://history.vineyard.net/pledge.htm