Why pledge allegiance to the flag?

Instead, people should be pledging --better yet, SWEARING-- allegiance to The Charters of Freedom and the principles of The Father of Our Country. The former is merely a symbol. The latter are the very essence and safeguards for the preservation of "Liberty and Justice for All." Of course, citizens are encouraged to stand in the presence of the flag when they swear said oath

It is the contention of this writer that the GREATEST THREAT to our NATIONAL SECURITY comes not from some radical Islamic jihadists from the Middle East or Chinese communists but rather from the CHARLATANS and SCOUNDRELS who pose before the American Flag inside government buildings surrounded by barricades and phalanxes of armed guards in the District of Columbia --as well as state capitals nationwide-- and think that President Washington's Farewell Address -as well as that of President Jackson-- were places where postal letter-carriers delivered their mail -- else some useless, antiquated artifacts that should be relegated to the Ash-Dump of history!

[ Example: click here ]

I defer further comment to men of higher stature and credibility:

“... the lessons contained in this invaluable legacy of Washington to his countrymen should be cherished in the heart of every citizen ... his paternal counsels would seem to be not merely the offspring of wisdom and foresight, but the voice of prophecy, foretelling events and warning us of the evil to come.”

~~ President Jackson's Farewell Address

Repeat: “PROPHECY...WARNING US OF THE EVIL TO COME”

Any questions?

The Honorable John Marshall, 4th Chief Justice of the United States, referred to it as;

 

“... a last effort to impress upon his countrymen those great political truths which had been the guides of his administration, and could alone, in his opinion, form a sure and solid basis, for the happiness, the independence, and the liberty of the United States. This interesting paper contains precepts to which the American statesman cannot too frequently recur.” [The Life of George Washington]

In his book, U.S. Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission Director General, the Honorable Sol Bloom, declared that;

 

 “Among the many valuable state papers of the nation, two are most intimately connected with the Constitution. These are The Declaration of Independence, which opened the way for it, and Washington’s Farewell Address on keeping in the path.” [The Story of the Constitution] 

Repeat: “... KEEPING IN THE PATH!”

On the 100th anniversary of the farewell address in 1896, The Washington Post dedicated several columns to the Farewell Address. Many other newspapers all across the US also reported on the centenary as well. THIS one merits the GOLD MEDAL for it is what can most accurately be described as proper and dignified observation commensurate with its importance! I get goosebumps and my neck-hairs stand at attention EVERY time I look at it! In that era, The Evening Star was the predominant newspaper in our nation's capital. Among that day's editorial highlights (see Column I):

“That remarkable document should at all times be deeply interesting to every true American....

“There is so much of sound and pertinent advice in the Farewell Address that, in making extracts therefrom, one is embarrassed by excess of riches. It is a coherent and logical and heart-touching petition for the growth and nourishment of the most unselfish patriotism; IT SHOULD BE READ AND REREAD AND THOROUGHLY UNDERSTOOD BY EVERY BEING WHO PRIDES HIMSELF UPON LAWFUL POSSESSION OF TITLE OF AMERICAN CITIZEN*.”