Patriotism

Why Washington DC Should be Our 51st State

51 stars on the US flag

Has this ever happened to you? You start to hear about an upcoming get-together -- a birthday party among your classmates. Or someone in your family is getting married. Or your co-workers are organizing some celebration. They're making plans, they're all excited, and you expect to hear the details about when it is, and where...

But wait! You never get the invitation! What the -- ! How come you're being excluded? You thought you were part of the group but turns out you're ... not?

If you've ever had this experience then you know how Washington DC residents feel.

What We Say When We Say the Pledge of Allegiance

The American Flag flies over Madrid, New Mexico

I hadn’t been in the habit of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance since elementary school, and unless you are a politician, a teacher, or a scout leader, you probably haven’t either.

But a few years ago, I joined the ABQ Speaks Up Toastmasters club and was surprised to find the club says the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of every meeting.  

Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on a regular basis again had me wondering about this peculiar political ritual.