How faithful are you?

Got something on the heavy side to start off the week.  I’ve brought this subject up before, but it has been a while.  We may have some new people here who might want to chime in.  Or, maybe you have changed your mind on your previous answer.

Do you ever think about the Pledge of Allegiance?  We have one here in the states, and maybe your country has one too, if you live in another country.  Here is what ours looks like:

Using Mirriam-Webster's definitions, let’s also look up two of the Pledge’s key words:

Pledge : a binding promise or agreement to do or forbear.

Allegiance : loyalty and obedience owed to one's country or government. 

 

Now for the questions:

1. When was the last time you were asked to (or expected to) pledge your allegiance to a flag?  (E.g., at jury duty, at a Rotary or other club meetings, at a church or other community organization, etc.)
2. What does the Pledge of Allegiance mean to you?  Just what it literally says?
3. What do you think the Pledge of Allegiance means to others (newly minted citizens, the military, the “man on the street,” other)?
4. Is pledging allegiance more of a sentiment than a real obligation?  (I.e., it’s the thought that counts?)
5. As one who pledges such allegiance, what do you think is expected of you?  (E.g., to follow all civil laws, to never criticize your country, to die for your country, other?)
6. If/When you recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and if you are an atheist (we have plenty here), do you skip over saying the “under God” part?
7. Is the Pledge out of date? Is our "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" a lie?
8. Are we becoming more perfect or less perfect as a union?  Explain your answer in detail?

(by PrimalSoup)