General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Quick question!!! "When was the last time you recited the Pledge of Allegiance?" [View all]Journeyman
(15,001 posts)I haven't repeated the pledge since, and I've no intention of ever repeating it.
The way I figure it, once you pledge yourself to something, if you truly mean it, you need never do it again. In fact, to do so -- to engage in a "doctrine of continual reaffirmation" -- makes a mockery of the original vow, as only a meaningless pledge needs constant updating. I affirmed my commitment to the Constitution as a young man. If I ever change my mind, I'll renounce my pledge. Until then, I consider it my word, freely given. Any attempt to make me renew it simply insults me and casts aspersions on my honor.
As for those who insist it should be recited on multiple occasions, who would prefer to see it rendered meaningless through reduction to nothing more than a rote recitation, I often wonder, if they can't trust me to keep a pledge quietly, what's my mumbling it going to mean?
Perhaps we should just reduce it to a Readers Digest version: I pledge allegiance to liberty and justice for all. Short and to the point, non-controversial, useful for all peoples on the planet.