The essential 'Pledge of Allegiance'

By Phil Boehmke

Recently a friend sent me a video clip of ‘Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance.’ The video has been circulating on the internet for many years and has grown more and more poignant since our last national election. Over the past few days I have watched this four and a half minute tribute over and over again, each time reflecting upon the simple wisdom of Red’s message.

Richard ‘Red’ Skelton was born in 1913 in Vincennes, Indiana. Red’s father died shortly before he was born and his formative years were filled with hardship. Although he only received formal schooling through the seventh grade, Red was imbued with a faith and love of our country which he carried with him for the rest of his life.

If only little Barry, Michelle, Bill, Hillary, Nancy, Harry, Barney and their comrades would have learned the essential ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ from Mr. Laswell.

This Tuesday we will go to the polls in an attempt to redress the abuses and corruption of the current leadership. In spite of the seemingly widespread attempts to defraud us of our God given rights under our Constitution, we have an abiding faith in our Free Republic and the democratic process. Red Skelton reminds us what is at stake.

For those of you too young to remember Red Skelton, he always closed his weekly TV show by saying ‘Good night and may God bless.’

Hat tip: Brian Harrington

October 30th 2010

paboehmke@yahoo.com