William Marvel: Dividing America

I prefer to practice patriotism as I do charity — quietly, and anonymously if possible. Boasting declarations of patriotic fervor evoke a distinct air of insincerity, just as conspicuous publicity around corporate donations smacks distastefully of self-interested public relations.

That’s one reason I shun the cheap-and-easy patriotism of the Pledge of Allegiance, but I have several philosophical objections to it, as well. Mainly, it seems dishonest for an atheist like myself to pretend that my country is watched over by God. Then there’s the misguided logic that a few strips of colored fabric deserve my allegiance; my loyalty goes instead to the Constitution. The Pledge is nonbinding and unenforceable, but in my case it’s also redundant. I took an oath of allegiance to the United States nearly 53 years ago that I’ve never renounced, and in my estimation it remains in effect. I don’t need to repeat it.