Senior Scribes
Is It Really True?
By Mona Lease

Hi, all!! I trust you all survived our little "Arctic Blast!" As I write this, it is 9 degrees at the Versailles Airport. And it seems so much warmer now that the wind has mostly settled and we're on the plus side of zero - kinda hard to believe!

I'd like to take credit for the following, but; I can't. Red Skelton (one of my all-time personal favorites) of Vincennes, Indiana; credits a teacher of his - a Mr. Lasser, for revealing the true meaning of our Pledge of Allegiance. It seems that the kiddies were just dutifully "saying the words" - and that would not do. With the absence of our American Flag from wherever our current President is conducting our affairs, and the ugly rumor that our Constitution was written "under Duress" and is outdated - consider the following

I (me, an individual) pledge (dedicate) allegiance (my love and devotion) to the Flag (our standard, "Old Glory", a symbol of Freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because our loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts "Freedom is everybody's job"), of the United (all the people that came together) States of America (individual communities that united into 48 states...united with pride, dignity, and a purpose - love for our Country). And to the Republic (a state in which sovereign power is invested and representatives are chosen by the people to govern. And Government is the people. It's from the people to the leaders not from the leaders to the people.) for which it stands. One Nation (one "people"), under God (meaning "so blessed by God"), indivisible (incapable of being divided), with Liberty (which is freedom. The right to live one's life without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation), and Justice (the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others), for all (it's as much your country as it is mine). - Red Skelton, 1969. (www.google.com/#q=Red Skelton+Pledge)

Most of our Constitution is based on the above words. How could it or our Flag be "out-dated? What has happened?

PS - When Red Skelton aired this on his weekly show in 1969, he looked to be around 60. That would mean that his teacher taught the Pledge's real meaning somewhere around 1919. (If you refer to the YouTube address I listed - he speaks of being around 10). Since then (48 states mentioned in the Pledge) four more "states" have joined us - Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands - that I know. What would they want here?

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever Toodles!! MONA