My Passion Is "Temporary", Only Because I Am Temporary
By William Bailey (03/03/03)
I never thought that how I feel about my country might be labeled "temporary passion". By the same token, I never felt that my commitment to those symbols that represent her were "temporary" . . . you know, the Flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the majestic Eagle. I never believed that my devotion and dedication to the Constitution of the United States was "temporary". But, alas, I must admit that all must be "temporary" for one reason and one reason only . . . my presence here is temporary.
Guess you're wondering what this is all about. Well, on Friday, February 28th, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued its second ruling relative to the Pledge of Allegiance matter. They ruled they would NOT re-hear the case. In writing his opinion, Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote, "The Bill of Rights is, of course, intended to protect the rights of those in the minority against the temporary passions of a majority".
Funny thing . . . I was never taught (nor do I read) that the Bill of Rights (the first ten Amendments to the Constitution) had anything to do with the majority or the minority. The very introductory language of the "Bill of Rights" states, "The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution." The Bill of Rights further defined and clarified those rights granted by the Constitution, through its government, to the citizenry. I never heard of anything about the Bill of Rights being "intended to protect the rights of those in the minority against the temporary passions of a majority." But then . . . I'm not an attorney so there will be many who will claim that I don't know what I'm talking about. However, I do know what I read . . . and, I understand what I have been taught.
Some might question where I "get off" commenting on what a Federal Judge has written. Well, let me tell you about that . . . he puts his pants on one leg at the time, just like I do and he can only shave one side of his face at the time . . . just like I do. So, the fact that he is a sitting member of the Judiciary simply means that he has been appointed (for life) to a seat of power. That, I do not enjoy. It does not mean, however, that he is infallible.
Lest some things get lost in the shuffle about this Pledge of Allegiance matter, let me assure you that it will go way beyond that. And, in that context, let me remind us of some things . . .
How many remember that we have a National Hymn in this Country ? Ooops, a hymn is, generally, recognized as being something religious, something sacred. Is it possible that we have a National Hymn ? Well . . . yes, we do. The title of it is, "God of Our Fathers". Whoa . . . what's that ? GOD ? God of our fathers ? You've got to be kidding. Nope. . . dead serious. And, what's more, the last line of that National Hymn is: "And, glory, laud and praise be ever Thine". Oh my . . . guess this must be more "temporary passion".
And, I guess we're gonna' have to quit singing the final verse of "The National Anthem" and the last verse of "America", since both make reference to the Almighty. And, what about the song that was almost a second National Anthem following 9-11, "God Bless America". Guess that's more "temporary passion", huh ?
What about the document that started this whole experiment called America, the Declaration of Independence ? The opening paragraph states, " . . . and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them . . .". And, of course the words with which we're all familiar, "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." (An aside to the 9th Circuit Court . . . your ruling is interfering with my "pursuit of Happiness"). The final words of that document state, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Providence . . . ". Guess all of this would be classified as more "temporary passion".
Sorry, Judge . . . try as you might, you cannot erase history. You cannot escape the fact that this Country was founded by those who came here seeking freedom from a tyrant and freedom to worship as they chose.
Maybe my passion is "temporary", but it's temporary only because I am here on a temporary basis (as is everyone else). And, as long as I am blessed (that comes from a Divine being) to remain here, I will continue to be passionate about my Country and those things for which she stands and which represent her. Too many have given too much for me to feel otherwise.
In closing, Judge . . . "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands; one nation UNDER GOD, indivisible with liberty and justice for all".
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