I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation under God, indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.

They are simple words. They are the words our teachers made us memorize and recite since we were young. But do we know what it means?

I've seen this more than once: but it seems that more and more students, at the high school level, seem to consider the Pledge as a mere routine that interrupts their socializing. Basically, a waste of time. Students stand silent, not out of respect, but of apathy. I'll admit, even I'm guilty of this. As a student, it's hard to be one of the few students saying the Pledge. But alas, I've always said the words to my heart, and while I would not like to make judgment on anyone, it doesn't look like anyone else even cares.

This once again goes back to how we, as Americans, have taken for granted many of the freedoms and rights that we have been given as Americans. Maybe it's because we don't want to pledge allegiance to these United States. Over the past few years, we have faced scandals from Enron to president Bill Clinton, wiretaps, the Iraq war, and countless more, all the way to the scandal involving Attorney General Gonzales today.

This is just my opinion, but I think we have lost trust in the government. From experience and observation, when a human being is hurt through something traumatic or otherwise, then he or she will not be likely to trust people as much, preferring to do what they want. People have become consumed in themselves. America has become consumed in themselves, and that is what is tearing this nation apart.

If this nation plans to have a brighter future, we need to step up and change things. We need to stand together and create a more honest and trustworthy society and government. We don't have to necessarily agree on everything. That doesn't mean we shouldn't criticize the President or the government. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." We need to disagree, because that is what makes up a democracy and allows us to be a great nation. We must take charge and work together as ONE NATION UNDER GOD, putting our "freedom of responsibility" to use. If we want to make this a better country, then we shouldn't be throwing hate messages at each other. We are sensible people. When standing together, we are INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

I feel if people properly understood, I think people would care more about America and the world around her. I am very thankful for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Learn more about this author, C.N..
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