The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy, a Christian Socialist. Christian socialism is a leftist Christian set of beliefs which sees an interrelationship between the teachings of Jesus (the social gospel) and socialist ideas.

In general, the ideals of respecting the needs and rights of every person pervade the Christian Socialist teachings.

"We affirm and promote the worth and dignity of every person." It's the most difficult belief to put into practice, in my experience.

I wonder how many Tea Party supporters know the background of the Pledge of Allegiance? If they did, would they repudiate it--or would they twist it to their own purposes, as they have so many other traditions?

So caught up in existential rage and fear that they cannot see.