It is the third word in the pledge of allegiance that I learned when I was four, sixty eight years ago. At the time, I had no idea what it meant. After all these years, nine in the Marines, I have a pretty good idea of its meaning, maybe more than most.

It is a word taken for granted. Many don’t ever take the time or effort to truly understand what it means. as they recite the words, they say them by rote, they pay little attention to them. Until recently, almost all legally new citizens know the meaning of the word, mostly because of what they left behind. However, more and more frequently, naturalized citizens pay their allegiance to two flags. They never truly let go of the one that represents the nation they left.

Most have no problem with that, but it irritates me when I see the Flag of a foreign county flying in this country. We speak of those special men who fought to secure our liberty and freedom during World War II. I assure you, most of them would not like to see a foreign flag flying in our country, especially when those flying it have so much disdain for Old Glory. If they like this country so much, why do they insist on hanging on to what they left behind? If they like what they left behind, why do they come here?

To be sure, most will tell you it is money, although they say it is for a good job. And so it is that we purchase their allegiance for the price of a 9 to 5 job. You take the job away and they will head south just as fast as they can. It is all about the money.

Some have seen fit to give these people the right to vote, not because they deserve it but because of the increased chances of gaining office. So they want those who have absolutely no allegiance to vote them into office. It makes me doubt the true allegiance of the office seeker. Do they seek office to do us good or do they seek office for the power and glitter.

Me. It turns my stomach to see such things even suggested. For me, to vote should call for total allegiance to city, county, state and country. Anything less is a distortion of the vote and I assure you those that fought in Europe or the South Pacific would find the odor pungent and nauseating. Moreover, it speaks loudly of the candidate’s allegiance. If they aren’t aware of it, someone should explain it to them.

Besides, do we want those who are proud of the Russian or Chinese flag voting in our elections. Such is preposterous on its face. It should never be considered for a second.