I Pledge Allegiance...

Thank goodness for M’s Hip-Hop class—Wednesday afternoons are a sanity saver. Her class lasts an hour—I can type guilt-free without interruption…usually. Today, a mom and daughter discovered my quiet corner and are interfering with creative flow.

The little girl hasn’t seen her mom all day and wants attention—the mom would rather play games on her cell phone… So far, she’s bribed the little girl with lipstick and other purse-related items—if she offers cash, I’m putting my hand out.

I’ve been thinking a lot about politics today—not surprising, considering impending changes and a new White-House cast. History in the making…only time will determine its value.

As I finished teaching today, I took down the American flag and had an epiphany. As you know, this happens to me sometimes, often causing ripples in the space-time continuum or at least demanding internal reflection over an iced tea at Starbucks.

I’ve mentioned sharing a room with another preschool program—a federally-funded program, borrowing space in a public school. This program refuses to fly the American flag—I’ve been unable to determine why. I’ve been putting up and taking down the flag daily—the hypocrisy struck me full force this morning…

I’m not overtly political, usually keeping those views private. I graduated high school in Australia (USAF brat) and never took American government. I didn’t even take Australian government—I was too busy taking calculus, physics and chemistry…

So, we’ve established that my democratic training was learned on the fly and I know nothing about Parliament. However, I do understand that a country needs nationwide symbols and practices, or it lacks core unity. Flags invoke feelings of solidarity, and that’s important in this day and age. Whether or not everyone agrees on the wording of the Pledge of Allegiance, I think most people agree on the unity it inspires.

Therefore, I won’t be taking down the flag after class anymore—it’s hanging where it belongs. I will also pay more attention to my federal tax dollars, voting for programs that embrace all aspects of the United States of America.

We are a country of many nationalities combined into One Nation—our flag represents strengths, struggles, victories, history and hope... A nation that pledges together, stands together…it’s as simple as that.