tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2909814477098868440.post4619216652896867734..comments2023-12-26T13:33:07.730-06:00Comments on The Midnight Freemasons: The Illustrious Red Skelton, 33°: The Pledge of AllegianceTodd E. Creasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12966451416841599132noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2909814477098868440.post-21479244494394199612018-04-12T09:59:09.970-05:002018-04-12T09:59:09.970-05:00"Since I was a small boy, two states have bee..."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 be eliminated from our schools, too? [sic]"<br /><br />The separation of church and state is a principle that has long been a part of Masonic thought. In particular, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (SMJ) has, historically at least, been quite vocal in their support of it.<br /><br />The addendum to the Pledge to which Skelton refers was added in 1954 as an exercise in McCarthyism. More in the nature of a "gotcha" to "godless Communism" than any declaration of either love of country or the Almighty, when one considers the politics of the time. <br /><br />The Pledge itself was originally published in 1892 by Brother Francis Bellamy. He was still alive in 1923 when words were added to what existed at that time, which was:<br /><br />"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."<br /><br />It was changed in 1923 to:<br /><br />"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."<br /><br />Brother Bellamy opposed ANY changes to the Pledge, and was quite outspoken on the manner. It's worth considering what might have happened had he been alive in 1954- at the ripe old age of 99. His opposition to any changes in the Pledge, compounded by his own status as a Christian Socialist would have, no doubt, had Joe McCarthy, his Senate committee, and HUAC in tailspins.<br /><br />Oh.. one more point: the Pledge is not said in every regular Masonic jurisdiction in the United States. Depending upon the particular Grand Lodge, it can be required, recited at the wish of the Worshipful Master, or actually prohibited.<br /><br />therreslaw@gmail.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00682750709587602307noreply@blogger.com