I've never liked pledges especially those about patriotism and my duties as a citizen. They always express someone else's point of view, typically with a religious or political slant and bias. This one is mine. It is as free from religion and politics as I could make it. Perhaps it could be adopted by politicians?
My Pledge to America
I am first, last, and always an American. I live here, I love here, and I will die here. I have the privilege and the duty to make my country stronger, to assure her survival as a beacon of hope for all who seek a better life—one that is free from tyranny, where all are free to fulfill their destinies. I am willing to bear any burden and pay any price to achieve her success. I will invest in myself, in my talents, and in my dreams, but I will not let those limited goals define me. I will also defend my country against all those who seek to destroy her. I will rebuild her highways, her schools, and her institutions knowing that they represent the best means to equal opportunity for all. I will do my best to leave behind a stronger nation, a richer culture, and a more beautiful land. I will be a creator of new jobs and new opportunities. I will seek to give more than I take. I will sacrifice for the greater good when times are difficult; and I will always pay my fair share in blood, sweat, tears, and taxes. I will never ask for more than I can give; I will not expect more than I can do; and I will not accept more than the share of wealth I have helped to create. I understand and I accept that citizenship is not about me—it’s about us, and our children, and their future. I will lead, not impede; I will instruct, not obstruct; and I will forgive, and let live.
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The idea of nation states and patriotic zeal surrounding them has led us into many a war. As much as the United Nations seems to be hated for its actions and its cost, I think the idea United Nations and a pledge to the world would have more meaning and less destructiveness than having the vast number of separate, but unequal, nation states we have today.
All we have to do is go back to the Apollo program and take a look back at our earth and see that there are no boundaries of any countries or states that can be discerned except those that occupy an island like Australia. And then, our view of Australia is no different than our view of Africa from the vantage point of the moon.
The sooner we get away from “my country, right or wrong,” the better off the world will be.
My saying this does not detract from the fine pledge you've made here. I am only disappointed and very few people on AD take the time or make the effort to read and comment on such fine writing as yours.
Ron