Friday, April 22, 2005

An Earth Day Pledge

This is what the “Pledge of Allegiance” really says:

I pledge allegiance to the flag and the dollar of the United States Military Empire,
and to the system of imperialism, exploitation and oppression for which they stand,
one oligarchy, one priesthood, one security force over all, holding in bondage all lands, all people, all of nature as mere commodities to be used and discarded at will,
with alienation, slavery, betrayal, corruption, hatred and fear for all.

Perhaps we should respond to this with a pledge of our own, because we have the ability to perceive, to think, to decide for ourselves what is important and worthy of allegiance in this world. It really does matter what we say; it really means something when we place our hand over our heart.

For example:

I pledge allegiance to the real earth, her living systems and all the people who dwell within her bower - not to any person’s image, idol, song, theory, ideology or conception of her,
and to our true hopes for a just and abundant world community that protects all that is of value, and honors and exalts all creatures and all people,
one land, one people, one earth indivisible,
with liberty, justice, equality, fulfillment, righteousness and love for all.

From: portland imc - 2005.04.21 - Salem Flag Cult Targets Kids
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2005/04/315999.shtml