Filmmaker Michael Moore has proposed a new take on the American Pledge of Allegiance.
Moore introduced his version of the pledge on his social media, claiming it’s intended to advocate for survival in the country, even as he criticizes it.
“For you. For me. For the sake of the people and our world, amid all the chaos, we’ve chosen to push for survival, holding on to the belief that we can improve things, fix the problems, and create a true democracy that stands out.”
He suggests that the pledge should be made to “the people of America” rather than to the nation itself. His emphasis appears to lean more towards a global view rather than a national one.
Moore’s revised pledge is as follows:
I pledge my loyalty to the people of the United States. And to the democracy where we all stand: one person, one vote, one country, one part of the world, everyone! Table seating! everyone! Sliced pie! The pursuit of freedom and justice, equality, kindness, and happiness for all.
Following the launch of his new pledge, Moore encouraged his followers to partake in political action akin to his own motivations.
“Our minds don’t go longer than a second without creating a thought. Our lungs don’t pause for more than a few seconds without taking a breath,” he wrote.
While Moore claims he’s proposing a new loyalty statement, he seems to miss the fundamental understanding of the country he wishes to critique. His fundamental inconsistency lies in believing America has never truly been “democratic.”
Even with a focus on “the people” in his new pledge, Moore recently described the same “people” as “not good.” Last year, he criticized Americans for electing Donald Trump.
Shortly after the election, he expressed disappointment with the nation, stating, “we are not good people,” and even referred to something akin to a “laundry list” of issues within America.
