I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the People, by the People, for the People; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; A democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many Sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of Freedom, Equality, Justice, and Humanity for which American Patriots sacrificed their Lives and Fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to Love it; to Support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to Respect its Flag; and to defend it against all enemies.
This is the official creed of the United States of America. It was written in 1917 by William Tyler Page and adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives the next year (thank you, Wikipedia). How can anyone not read this, then look around at our GOP-run government, and NOT be angry?
I will tell you right now, I can put my hand up and swear fealty to this creed right now. That is easy enough, because, without even knowing this creed existed until yesterday, I've held these values close to heart my whole life. And that is why folks are wrong when they accuse us of being the Angry Left. The fact is, we are the
Patriotic Left, and it is only in response to those who have betrayed their allegiance with the American Creed that our fury becomes enkindled.
The current Congress does not even come close to embodying the creed that their predecessors adopted in 1918. This administration spits in the eye of the average citizen, claiming kingly rights to dissolve or ignore any part of the Constitution they deem inconvenient. The American Patriots who sacrificed their Lives and Fortunes would weep to see the state of their Union, now determined to empower the rich and weaken the poor, governed by politicians who serve corporations rather than the common good.
One of the few consistancies I see on the Left is an honest love of Country. But not just any Country---one that embodies this creed. It is to this highest ideal that we aspire. And in striving for this potential Country, we see those who Deny its Constitution; openly break its laws; Disrespect the true Spirit of its Flag; and weaken our Armed Forces fighting endless wars against those who did not and could not harm us. Yes, this Union is still one, but no thanks to the Republicans who work hard to divide us. And the Principles upon which we were founded--Freedom, Equality, Justice, and Humanity--are fading to a dull flicker under the GOP tenure.
This is our American Creed, and to it I hereby pledge my allegiance, renewing my vow to fight to see it made true. Yes, I am angry---how can one not be when he sees those trampling on what he holds dear---but anger is not what is in my heart. Deep within is a love of America, the same America that inspired William Tyler Page in 1917. And this is why I am of the Patriotic Left.