“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.”

I take back this pledge. I renounce this pledge. I was told by people of authority, prior to my reaching the age of reason, that I must recite this every morning. How genuine is such a pledge? They’re just words. They mean nothing. At age five, I didn’t understand what democracy was, nor what “republic” means. One nation, fine. Under God, yeah, this part was added, freedom of religion, bottom line – this part is meaningless to me. We’re also indivisible, apparently, with liberty and justice for all… Justice has become for those who can afford it or those who grease the palms of those with authority and power. It’s justice for some and bullshit for most. If I’m pledging allegiance to a republic that promises unity and justice for all, and it is the strong conviction of the pledger that the latter part of the agreement has been voided, is this forced contract then broken?

Case in point, I retract ever making this “pledge.” Does this mean I’m turning my back on this country? Heavens no, it doesn’t! I am exercising the right I was given, my birthright, to practice whatever belief I choose. I pledge nothing to this country, a country that has turned its back on me and forgot about me a long time ago. Over 200 years ago, this country was for and by the people, now it is for and by the rich and greedy. Allegiance is a commitment made by the party pledging it, not a forced hierarchy of power, you know, like slavery. Allegiance has to be earned, like respect. I pledge allegiance to that which has earned my loyalty and trust, not a teacher telling me every morning to put my right hand on my heart and repeat some words. I am an American, this is America, but America, I owe you nothing.