This post is Part 2 of our series on the Pledge of Allegiance. If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, start here: Rethinking the Pledge of Allegiance: Freedom, Faith, and Choice.

In this second part, we dive deeper into the promise of “liberty and justice for all,” exploring systemic inequality, freedom of protest, and why true allegiance must be freely chosen.

The first pledge was written by Captain George Thatcher Balch, a Union Army officer, during the Civil War — a time when the idea of “one nation” carried deep meaning. But pledges, by nature, prioritize loyalty to the state over the autonomy of the individual.

There is value in unity, but blind allegiance can also be dangerous. History shows us how unexamined nationalism can lead to division, hatred of “the other,” and wars fought for interests that don’t always serve the interests of ordinary citizens.

The closing words of the pledge promise liberty and justice for all — but do we live up to that ideal?

Our justice system is deeply flawed:

• In 46 states, felons lose their right to vote.

• In 14 states, they remain disenfranchised for life.

• Minorities make up over 60% of the prison population.

Wealth often determines justice — those who can afford top lawyers often walk free while others face harsher sentences. Our economic system concentrates wealth in the hands of a few, leaving many Americans without access to education, healthcare, or opportunities to build generational security.

True liberty means the freedom to live without unnecessary interference — yet we see police using force against peaceful protesters, and corporations causing harm to communities without real accountability.

Recent protests — including NFL players kneeling during the anthem — have reignited debates about patriotism and free speech. Some Americans celebrate these demonstrations as the very essence of freedom, while others view them as disrespectful.

Stan Van Gundy, longtime NBA coach, captured this tension when he wrote in Time magazine:

“At a time when bigotry seems on the rise and commitment to racial equality on the decline, I have an obligation as a citizen to support those brave athletes who are working to bring change to our country. All of us do.”

Requiring children to pledge allegiance without teaching them critical thinking about history, culture, or dissent is not patriotism — it’s conditioning.

Allegiance should be freely given, not coerced. I choose to pledge myself to what I believe is just and good. I pledge to work toward positive change — not out of obligation, but because I care about the future of humanity.