Maryland constitutional questions after Fort Sumter

[David Lockmiller]

The Pledge of Allegiance that later evolved into the form used today was composed in August 1892 by Francis Bellamy (1855–1931), who was a Baptist minister, a Christian socialist. Bellamy's original Pledge read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The Pledge was supposed to be quick and to the point. Bellamy designed it to be recited in 15 seconds. As a socialist, he had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity but decided against it, knowing that the state superintendents of education on his committee were against equality for women and African Americans.

(Wikipedia: “Pledge of Allegiance”)

President Abraham Lincoln provided constitutional meaning to the concept of “democracy” in his July 4, 1861 Message to Congress. The American Civil War was the price paid at the time to enforce democratic principles.

President Lincoln told Hay in early May, 1861:

"I consider the central idea pervading this struggle is the necessity that is upon us, of proving that popular government is not an absurdity. We must settle this question now, whether in a free government the minority have the right to break up the government whenever they choose. If we fail, it will go far to prove the incapability of the people to govern themselves." (Hay, Inside Lincoln’s White House, p. 20.)

I think that all of these thread postings regarding President Lincoln’s efforts to save the Union have profound meaning today for our nation. And I am concerned for our democracy for many reasons.