Cape Cod Times — Monday, May 8, 1989

Pledge to work for better world

During the 1988 presidential campaign, there was a lot of political rhetoric on the subject of requiring our school children to daily recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The intentions of its sponsors were to instill in our children a patriotism, and a pride in our nation, that we as adults have lost in recent years.

Like our forefathers, we live once again in a very divided world. Once again, we need some unifying force. If we, the great nation that we are, want to take the leadership that we have always shown in the past, let us offer the world a practical solution. Let’s offer the world a new pledge — a pledge that we can be proud of, and the whole world can share in. Something like: “I pledge allegiance to the planet Earth, to make it a better, healthier, and safer world for all mankind.”

It’s a simple pledge, but it no longer isolates us. It’s a pledge that our children can choose to say with pride. It’s a pledge we can offer the Soviet children, the Chinese children, and all the children of the world. And then, a truly kinder and gentler America could walk proudly, knowing that we’ve offered solutions to world problems — not just talked about them.

Think for just a minute what a feeling it would be, to wake up, knowing that all the children of the world are pledging, this very day, to make this a better and safer place for all mankind. Of course, we may not see any instant results, but in a generation or so, we may have created a whole new world.

Then, following the wisdom of our children, let Congress adopt this new pledge. Wouldn’t you feel better knowing that before they voted on a trillion-dollar weapons system that day, that they too had made this pledge? If it only crosses their mind for an instant, it may still change the world. Soon, other countries would adopt this same pledge. It can happen.

We need to set the example. We need to do it now. We need all of your help.

JERRY SCHMEER JR.
West Yarmouth