Growing up, I was taught to respect the opinions of others, even if I didn’t agree. Even if I passionately, vehemently disagreed, because I was told that this was one of the golden opportunities of being an American: the right to speak freely about politics, religion and just about any other crazy thought that fell out of your head. I don’t have to see eye to eye with you, but I can promise you I won’t give you the stink eye because of it either.
Now, lest you think I was raised be some shy, retiring wallflower that stands in the corner letting other people have all the fun on the soapboxes of the world, know that part of my instruction was to diplomatically express my views, taking care not to offend others with my personal comments or tastes (so, don’t eat the mustard covered oatmeal cookie. That’s your prerogative).
No, Siree. Debate is not my weak point. I’m happy to mix it up with anyone who wants to go toe-to-toe in conversation. What I’m not terribly fond of, is the idea that it’s okay to ridicule someone for their beliefs. Even worse, when a public forum such as today’s social media becomes the platform for slinging sticks and stones. When, exactly, did freedom of speech become a licensed, free-for-all WWF smackdown of values?
Recently, I was encouraged to express my appreciation for the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America in a public forum. Ordinarily, I make it a rule not to air my red, white & blue undergarments for all to see – but on this occasion, I chose to innocently give a tiny glimpse into my very patriotic soul. I did not expect the response I got. 3,411 belittling little characters, from one character in particular.
Not wishing to get into what my grandmother referred to as a “scenting contest with a skunk” (which I’ve sensitively paraphrased), I chose instead to let the beautiful, heartfelt words of a beloved, grandfatherly American icon speak for me. See, I believe it unnecessary to reinvent the wheel when a perfectly suitable vehicle is available to transport my message clearly and succinctly.
But, no.
Again, I was challenged and criticized for the words I chose, with the implication that there was an expiration date to the strong, emotional words I posted. Words I felt held up the integrity of the pledge’s words, written in September 1892, with amendments in 1932 and again in 1954. The words have been altered slightly over the last 100+ years and, in my opinion (OPIN-ION noun – a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter. Just so we’re clear) the pledge has stood the test of time quite well, to reflect what this young country of ours stands for.
It saddened me that someone would confront me about using words from a bygone century express what I feel in my heart, as I often quote from centuries before, knowing that the strength & wisdom of words do not diminish with time. In my estimation, the documents of the foundation that America was built upon were not written in folly or unstructured emotion – they were measured and metered. Their weight can still be felt today. Therefore, I am taking this place in space to reiterate what I said before… to recite a pledge to honor those words is a privilege I choose to continue and one I will defend.
With liberty and justice for all.