Please read along with me for a moment while I consider something: I (that’s me) pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America (Our stars and stripes, Old Glory, the red, white and blue) and to the republic for which is stands (Yes, simply stated, the people, all of us have political power, not just some. One nation under god (Yes), Indivisible (Yes...we hope) with liberty and justice for all. (Yes, all races, creeds, colors, gender identifications, etc.)

For all of my born days, I thought that’s how it went. Now, today, this simple pledge seems out of focus. There seems to be a portion of our population that feels entitled and controlling to a point that even our American concept of democracy is threatened. What is happening to us?

Charlie Stepanek

Concord