“…with liberty and justice for all.” So ends the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

“…with liberty and justice for all.” Then who or what are not part of the word “all”? Are you a U.S. citizen? You are part of the all. Are you an immigrant? Are you a migrant worker? You are part of the all. Are you on Medicare or Medicaid? You are part of the all. Are you wealthy enough to own two, three or five homes? Are you without shelter? You are part of the whole. Are you Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Christian Nationalism, of no particular faith community? You are part of the all. Are you lesbian, gay, trans or bi-sexual, queer, straight male, young black man? You are part of the all. Are you Republican, Democrat, non-voter? You are part of the all. Are you……fill in the blank? You are part of the all.

The current Republican Administration continues its destructive path of exclusion: with massive spending cuts in “The Big Beautiful Bill” that adversely affect health care for all except the wealthy; free public libraries (where all are welcome); farmers and laborers; public schools and all colleges and universities; federal employees; the arts; small businesses; and local communities, to name a few. The Administration has spread chaos and fear across the nation for immigrants, migrant workers and non-white people.

Still, the President, Vice-President, cabinet members and staff, and members of Congress continue to place their right hand over their heart and boldly say “…with liberty and justice for all.”

When I place my had over my heart and say these words I have to ask, “Who or what are not part of the word “all”? So do each of us as we call ourselves to account for those we want to exclude. And we must demand that our government be called to account, with letters, phone calls, public protests, standing together now to say loudly and clearly “…with liberty and justice for all.” For all.

Patti Welch

Bristol