While this is not "humor" in the sense that it is a joke, it is something which I feel needs to be shared. Red Skelton was one of the greatest comedians I can remember. He was funny without being smutty. He also made some profound statements.

The words were meaningful many years ago when they were spoken by Mr. Skelton. They are just as meaningful today.

Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.

Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance

by Red Skelton

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I -- me, an individual, a committee of one.

PLEDGE -- dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

ALLEGIANCE -- my love and my devotion.

TO THE FLAG -- our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

UNITED -- that means that we have all come together.

STATES -- individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

AND TO THE REPUBLIC -- a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION -- one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

INDIVISIBLE -- incapable of being divided.

WITH LIBERTY -- which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

AND JUSTICE -- the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

FOR ALL -- which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance...

UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?

Red Skelton

-- Uncle Jake (lulafred@cs.com), September 21, 2001

Answers

Thanks for bringing back a childhood memory for me. I remember that off a R.S. special in the '60s, but more from my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Johnston and her printed article by Red Skelton on The Pledge on the bullitin board. We all need to keep passing those values on to the "new" generations. You mentioned how funny and entertaining Red was and I agree with you, but I remember him most for his sincerity when he closed his show every week. Thats something you don't see anymore. Maybe a lot of those values will be strong once again.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), September 21, 2001.

Red grew up in Indiana very close to my grandma. He was very poor and sang on street corners for money.

I saw a movie, made in the last 20 years, that included the Pledge, well sorta, it left out the "under God" part.

-- Cindy (S.E.IN) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 21, 2001.

I'm in 10th Grade. My Social studies teacher talked to us today and disscused the plege. Nobody says the plege anymore, we just stand and listen to it over the speaker. Anyway, thank you for providing me with a site were I could get the speach that infulenced my teacher to send us home and find the meaning of the words

-- John (www.snoopyboy486@hotmail.com), November 15, 2001.

Red Skelton must surely be turning in his grave as Today the 9th Circuit Court took the Pledge out of our schools. This is a disgrace and I feel an infringement on our so called "rights" as Americans. I am truly disgraced and ashamed of this turn of events. We Americans need to stand up and fight for what our forefathers fought for... Our Freedom!! and our Rights to express it.

-- jackie dillard (jdillard@peoplepc.com), June 26, 2002.

It doesn't matter the decision will be overturned. Too many people especially the senate voting 99-0 are against the appeals decision. Bush said it was ridiculous. The 9th is the most liberal court in the U.S. It won't stand. I think those liberal, tree-hugging, rainbow loving judges on that court need to get their heads out of their asses and realize this is 2002 and not 1954.

-- harry Dunn (harry_dunn@hotmail.com), June 26, 2002.

Regardless of what California thinks or wants, I feel that the vast silent majority of people in this country will continue to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag and, more importantly, the Republic for which it Stands, using the politically incorrect 'under God'. Of course, we might be a little louder now then we used to be.....

-- Stan Nance (stnance@cox.net), June 27, 2002.

I think the answer is simple. Lets put the issue to rest once and for all-Lets all support a constitutional ammendment that allows the words "under God" and that allows prayer in school. Who says it has to be all or nothing. I think we can get along by letting those who want to pray to pray and those who don't want to pray should not be forced. It is really simple-We are allowing everyone to complicate it.

-- David Selzer (dselzer@ilheart.com), June 27, 2002.

As much as I disagree with the decision, I must disagree with Mr. Selzer in the suggestion that we should support a constitutional amendment to allow the use of the word God. This would be a direct contradiction to the first amendment which reads as follows:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

To support an amendment to the constitution would be to support changing the first of the ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights.

-- Jeff Flora (jaflora@satx.rr.com), June 27, 2002.

So I guess that the Constitution of the United States itself is unconstitutional since it mentions God a few times! How ridiculous is that! I think that in this day and age, we have bigger fish to fry.

-- Dennis Nicholls (ironmaiden292082@aol.com), June 27, 2002.

That would be an incorrect assumption. None of the text of the constitution mentions God, nor does any of the amendments. The Declaration of Independance however does mention god numerouse times. But remember, one of the reasons the United States succeeded from the control of Great Britan was for religious freedom. It is that religious freedom that the first amendment hits on that makes it so great. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...

This means there can be no law that either confirms or denys the existance of a supreme being. Nor can there be a law prohibiting a person or group to establish a religion and worship a supreme being or beings. In other words, you are just as free to believe in God as I am to believe there is no God.

-- Jeff Flora (jaflora@satx.rr.com), June 27, 2002.

It may be out of some of the schools and not a hot topic in many others, but it still should remain in our hearts!....especially after 9/11.

-- Andrea Pons (apons@burke.k12.nc.us), June 28, 2002.

It's been a long time since I studied the Constitution, but if Jeff's explaination is correct -- "This means there can be no law that either confirms or denys the existance of a supreme being." -- then doesn't removing the phrase "under God" do just that? Doesn't the sheer act of erasing it DENY the existance of a supreme being?

-- Deb (dperry@msn.com), June 29, 2002.

No, it does not, in my view. Removing the added phrase merely reinforces the Constitutional mandate that the government stay out of the religion business always and forever, period.

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), June 29, 2002.

As a forty two year old man I'm in disbelief. What has happened to our country. This country which was founded on the belief in God. God has blessed us with good and we repay Him with evil. When does it stop? I knew that the nonsence involving the pledge would be stopped, but what bothers me is that it was entertained at all.For all that challenge the things of God, If you don't believe in God, why are you so threatened by Him. I'm so tired of being told that I have to be tolerant of ignorance. This is a sad day for me and my children. I love Jesus and know that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Emphasis on TRUTH. Please pray for our nation and stand up for what is right.

-- Pastor Tim (revcop72@yahoo.com), June 29, 2002.

There is an easy solution to this controversy. Thomas Jefferson gave us the answer in the Declaration of Independence when he referred to our "Creator". In the Pledge, it should read "Under our Creator" instead of "Under God". No matter who or what your concept of God is, you can take pride in your nation and your Creator who unites us all.

-- George Henne (Submatey@aol.com), June 30, 2002.

Regarding my previous statement of the Pledge reading "Creator" instead of "God", I should have included Thomas Jefferson's quote in The Declaration of Independence. He said," We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This should certainly be constitutional, unless the courts want to challenge the Declaration of Independence also. May God forbid. Oops, I meant Creator.

-- George Henne (Submatey@aol.com), June 30, 2002.

Countries come and go. Our Democracy/Republic could easily go away as dozens of others have over the centuries. The process of 'going away' is unbelievably painful and I don't want this for me, my children, or anyone I know. One of the ways to sink ourselves is to look up at the sky and Officially reject God from our Country. We won't last if we do this. Please please let's be thankful to God and invite his guidance instead.

-- Jeff Ramsey (jeffra@uidaho.edu), July 01, 2002.

I think that when this country starts bowing down to people who reject God it is a very sad sad thing. This country was founded because of religious persecusion and how depressing it was when 1 woman had prayer taken out of school. Just think how the world went down hill after that When you take God out of the things you do, you have nothing.

-- Amy Johnson (johnny119@btv.net), July 09, 2002.

I have heard this done on radio stations, especially around the 4th of July. I have only found one recording on line, and that is the original version, done by none other than Red Skelton. Can anyone help me find a version with some musical background to it? I have heard it done, but can't find a recording of it. Thanks.

-- Jason Umberg (jason_umberg@mail.msj.edu), July 11, 2002.

I certainly understand the sentiments of those who cringe at the mention of God (Creator) in any political arena. That is their right as an American to believe what they will. However, to actively pursue the removal of any reference to God in our political system would be to actively pursue the overthrow of everything for which our Nation stands for. We have government paid Chaplains who pray before opening congress, Chaplains who serve in our armed forces and references to God on our money! The First Amendment ensures that our government will not make a law forcing any person to observe a particular religious concept. The First Amendment guarantees that every person is free to believe and worship or NOT to worship in a manner appropriate for him or her. But the First Amendment DOES NOT say the government system, itself, must be void of any particular belief! Don’t you realize that the government system consists of PEOPLE elected to office to serve other PEOPLE, each of who can choose for themselves what to believe? Our country is successful because of the Judeo-Christian values held by the founders of our Nation. Our country will continue to be successful if we allow ourselves to be guided by those values and principles, even if one chooses to deny the very existence of God. Our country is successful because of the pattern of government established at our founding. Let’s not try to fix what has never been broken!

-- David Schmidt (DavidASchmidt@cs.com), July 23, 2002.

Our country was founded by immigrants that left their homeland ( Great Britain) for the sole purpose of living within their religeous beleifs.... to get away from forced political practices and forced religions? Correct me if i am wrong. If you are an athiest.... go back to your homeland.

-- David Lemons (olepaint@hotmail.com), March 04, 2003.

My intent is not to offend, but let this offend who it may. Anyone who is a believer in God and His Son Jesus Christ will know that we do not have rights. We have received freedom from sin through the shed blood of Christ. We have received freedom in this country through God's grace and the shed blood of men and women who have fought to defend our freedom. We have a responsibility to uphold the standards that God has given us. If we take God out of America, America will literally go to hell in a handbasket.

-- Mary Etta Yu (dayus@swcp.com), June 13, 2003.

I cant belive the pledge of alligance exists. No other contry I know of has such a thing.

Are students free to refuse to recite it? If not how does that sit with the consitutional rights of your country, rights which I as an Englishman do not have.

-- Puaulinus Pradip (Paulinus_Pradip@earthlink.net), August 08, 2003.

While I feel no offense in letting someone NOT having to say "Under God" in the pledge, I do feel offended when they want to force ME not to say it if I choose. If you don't want to say those two simple, little profound words, then don't. I choose to say them, am proud to say them and will always say them and not care if others call me politically incorrect.

-- Chris Jeschke (csjman1967@yahoo.com), March 23, 2004.

Lifeteller A Poets Plea Giving Thanks Under God Living in this world is so darn hard-now they want to take (Under God).. If not for God we wouldn't be-only by his grace, did I get to be me.. It just feels right to give honor to God-as he let's us be who we are right from the start.. Right from the start God let's our life brightly burn-as we live, love, teach and hopefully learn.. I remember as a child back many years-holding my chest, recruiting the allegiance as God helped me with my fears.. Children today need something to believe in-as they deal with the bullies, gangs, predictors that try to persuade them.. It's just a few minutes to say thank you-for all the things God allows us to do.. Remember when you were a child, it wasn't hard-I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America to which it stands one Nation (Under God).. Under God Under God By: Patricia Robinson 3/25/04--7:am

-- Patricia Robinson (Lifeteller7@aol.com), March 25, 2004.

One evening, out of the blue, while I was working outside, I was called (by a Higher Power) to witmess Red Skelton recite this Pledge on his Tues. nite program in the late '60s. Around that time, it was also published in Grit, the weekly good-news newspaper. I especially appreciated the under God commentary. When one mentions God, rarely does it say something about religion; it says something about faith. If it were "Under my Catholic God," or "my Methodist God," or "Baptist God," or "Mormon God," then it would imply some religion. God, Creator, or even Allah, mentioned by Itself isn't religion. Religion requires something specific. As presented on our money, our belief in God is there for everyone to witness. One especially witnesses God in war, for it is said there are no atheists in foxholes. I would really like one to record this pledge and release it for airplay because it is relevant to today's occurances. I think it would also remind our fellow Americans that we are all here by our own choosing. And that, as stated in "to the Republic" segment, ". . . government is the people, and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people." Our leadership now, however, have a "fundamentalist reborn perspective that overrules any others' freedoms. Freedom is all our rights, even those we don't agree with. Pledge alligance to the freedom for all. That is all our rights.

-- R. Jacob Watson (rjacobwatson@hotmail.com), April 25, 2004.

I WAS SO FORTUNATE TO SEE RED SKELTON AT THE NUGGET I REALLY DIDNT WANT TO GO AS I WAS TAKIN MY MOTHER IN LAW AT THE TIME I GOTTA TELL YOU ,IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY AND THE TEARS THAT STROLLED DOWN MY EYES.ON HIS GOD BLESS SPEACH I WAS TRYING TO HIDE THE TEARS NOTHING CAN TAKE AWAY THAT MOMENT I AM HONORED TO SEE SUCH A GREAT MAN LIVE ON STAGE

GOD BLESS U RED SKELTON I MISS THE SPEACH HE DID ,HAD IT ONCE ON THE NET BUT IT DONT WORK ANY MORE WHAT A DARN SHAME

PEACE JOJO

-- jojo (ohgorsh@aol.com), June 14, 2004.

I have nothing against the pledge of alligience. I have nothing against reinforcing my pride as an American. I choose to be an American. However, the addition of 'under god' contradicts the next statement- "libery for all." I believe in the separation between religion and state. The United States is "one nation, indivisible" but not every american lives under god.

-- Zwells (saar626@hotmail.com), September 01, 2004.