To Whom or What Are You Pledging Your Allegiance

I ask you today, which pledge are we as a nation truly honoring? One pledge reflects a dangerous, divisive vision: “I pledge allegiance to Donald Trump, the leader that 30% of our nation voted for, and to the greed for which he stands: a false vision of strength, prosperity, and unity for those who are male, White, self-proclaimed Christians only of European descent, and for those who financially support his agenda and align with his values. One nation under a divisive and self-serving vision of God, indivisible unless dictated otherwise, with justice withheld from those who disobey, and injustice imposed on those who fail to bow down to him.” This stands in stark contrast to the vision of freedom, justice, and equality that our founding fathers envisioned. It disregards liberty for all. The other pledge is one rooted in our shared American values: “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 pledge my allegiance to all of the United States of America Red or Blue, where freedom rings in the hearts of all people, and the pursuit of happiness is a right given to each and every one. To the Republic, a government created by the people, for the people, with laws that seek to protect the dignity of every citizen, where justice prevails, and righteousness is upheld by truth. One nation, united in the recognition that all people are created equal, under the sovereign authority of a just and merciful God, the Creator who has endowed us with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Indivisible, bound together in the common cause of justice, peace, and compassion, despite our differences, our shared humanity keeps us strong and united, as we work together in service of the greater good. With liberty, as a gift from God, the freedom to worship, to speak, to live without fear, in a land where every individual’s rights are respected and their voices heard. And justice for all, for it is only through righteousness, truth, and accountability that true freedom flourishes, where every human is treated with dignity and fairness, living in peace, in the light of God’s commandments to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is the true spirit of America—a united nation, recognizing the inherent dignity of all people, where liberty and justice are rights for all. I urge you to stand for the values that have made this nation great: liberty, justice, and respect for all, regardless of race, religion, or creed.