A Pledge of Allegiance to the Earth

Yesterday Maria Owl and I held council for a large group of adults at Harvey Milk School in San Francisco. The school has a social justice emphasis. One of the things I noticed was this pledge posted on the wall. 

I am so happy to see that kid are learning this pledge! Even as far back as when I was in elementary school I detested our national pledge of allegiance, with its emphasis on "the flag" and its nationalistic focus. The pledge of allegiance is an artifact of an outdated consciousness, one that is focused on national pride and self-interest in which there is a total absence of concern for the other peoples and species and landscapes with whom we are connected and with whom our fates are inextricably interwoven.   

This new, more hopeful, wiser pledge encompasses all species; it speaks to the the landscapes that sustain life; and is explicit about the values of peace and freedom. 

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