“I pledge allegiance to the flag”
right hand over heart
just a child, I am taught to honor
while my country falls a part
***
I don’t yet understand the meaning of allegiance
yet I am expected to follow, “They’ll do as we tell them.”
and it’s a sad thing, being taught to bite my tongue
because asking for the meaning is seen as rebellion
***
How can we pratice what we preach
without explaining the meaning?
Taking an oath to serve and protect
when the lives beneath us are screaming?
***
“One nation under God,” we chant
claiming a land that’s united
but with blood shed and lives lost
I’ve only ever seen a land that’s divided
***
We dream in colors of red and blue
and avert our eyes from division
but when we sleep with guns next to our Bibles
“One nation under God,” becomes hard to envision
Life Lessons From Around the Dinner Table 
“We sleep with guns next to our Bibles” ā it’s strange that people don’t recognize what a bizarre juxtaposition this is.
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Right?!?! People truly baffle me.
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It’s painful Kristian, really painful.
All I can say is, I think we all need to expand our view, truly. I think we are a worldwide human family and we need to work together to make this entire planet very beautiful and care for each other, the creatures we share out planet with and this stunning home we have.
Division is causing so much pain.
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I wholeheartedly agree. How anyone can look at another person regardless of race, gender, sexual preference, religion, and political party and see them as anything less than human is beyond me. We are all human spirits living in human bodies, and we’re not all going to agree on e very topic, but we should be able to come to an understanding, and most of all we should show nothing but respect and love for our fellow human beings. ā¤
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Oh, how I have missed your wonderful way with words, dear Kristian! This is powerful and provocative. An honest and probing look at the incongruity of what we say and how we live. I love the perspective of the child pledging allegiance. It creates a palpable visual image for anyone who reads it. I really loved this and your timing is exceptional. Big hugs to you!
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Thank you so much, my dear! Your lovely comment made my day. š Big hugs back!
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Well said! Here in Canada I see First Nations people doing without fresh, potable water, among many other things. How can we be proud when the least of our people are treated as ‘less than” the rest of us. No easy answers, but we must find them.
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Thank you! It is terrible how low class citizens are treated. And I agree, I don’t have the answers, but I do know we MUST do better!!
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I think the problem is how we still tend to think in social classes.
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That’s very true.
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Well said Kristian.
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Thank you!
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My pleasure
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I don’t know. I was station in Europe in 1976. I saw old East Germany and Poland. USA is mess-up now. Old wisdom. People with nothing to do, will cause chaos. Right now, the coronaviras is messing-up the world. Where I live in Michigan. Many European, Asia and Africa people are here. They escaped terror, war and racist countries. They are doing well. Own homes, paying taxes and they are safe. USA, land of the opportunity for the people seeking opportunity. The cool part about the USA. Each state, a separate unit. I believe, we don’t need the federal government. They do little for us. We need less government. Hard days are coming and we don’t need violence and separation. Here in Detroit. Kind people of all color help feel the poor and the hungry. We have health care for every child. And work, if you want to work. I am tire of the hateful voices. People seem to forget. Police men, soldiers are mix of all races and beliefs. Stand in the shoes of a police man or soldier. Facing hate and danger. Not so easy. They knifed a black lady in Washington D.C. for wearing a MAGA hat. Where the people standing for her?? Threaten to burn and riot if they don’t get they way. Somehow we forgot. In the USA, we suppose to be free to believe in what we want. Time for us to gather. The good people. Not a revolution, a gathering of people to ensure our streets are safe, freedom is alive and violence actions isn’t allowed. I was born poor, I worked hard and I have a good life. I taught my children and my grandchildren. Work hard, be kind to people and don’t harbor hate. I pray we learn. One people and one world dear Kristian.
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I feel the division in this country. People tend to forget what it truly means to be unified. We all came together when the 9/11 attacks happened. It’s shameful that it takes such tragedy for us to open our hearts and minds. During our nation’s time of grieving it didn’t matter what political party we voted for, we saw beyond skin color, gender, sexual preference, religion, and financial status. We stood together, we offered outstretched arms and helped our neighbors in need. Police, firemen, and other service men and women volunteered their time and support. That’s the America I’m proud of! Where is that America? Just months ago people were rioting because they couldn’t get a haircut. There are right wing militias preparing to start a war, there are radical left wing rioters burning down buildings. We have to do better! Our whole system needs reformed. People absolutely should be standing for the lady who was knifed in D.C. People should also keep standing for Breona Taylor, George Floyd, Rodney King, and every other injustice. How quick we are to forget. How quick we our to turn the other cheek when an issue doesn’t affect us directly. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
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I agree dear Kristian. Martin Luther King Jr. told the truth.
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I work in a 5th-grade class and they do the pledge every day. I put my hand on my heart and say nothing. I can’t and since we have to wear masks, nobody knows. I hope you are well! xo
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It would be especially hard. I don’t blame you. I am well, all things considered. I hope you are too! xoxo
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All is good!
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Glad yo hear it!
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