What's good for the goose is obviously NOT good for the gander.

Or at least I would say that is how our fearless leaders in both Austin and Washington feel and think toward the huddled masses yearning to be free.

This past Tuesday as I was sequestered in my house due to the Great Texas Ice Storm of '07 I found myself watching the beginning of the governor's inauguration that was held indoors in the State House of Rep's chamber. Of course what did the ceremonies begin with? Why of course a singing of the national anthem, and the recital of the national pledge of allegiance (and the Texas pledge which for the life of me I can't remember ever being taught). So of course I asked myself why the great career politicians can begin their day with the pledge to our country's flag, but my son will probably never be taught this or say this pledge to Old Glory in all of his school days. It may be up to us as parents to teach Noah the pledge of allegiance, but he may never have the opportunity or need in the future (maybe a pledge to the great red white and green eagle if you get the reference to our future overlords).

So that not being enough for the day I had another encounter later. I don't know if it was my interest in a pure government (or desire to see such, my second favorite old movie is "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) or my hate for Judge shows and Dr. Phil, but I found myself tuning in to CSPAN or one of those shows that shows the U.S. House of Representatives live. It was an interesting part b/c it was the beginning of a session or something. The speaker entered (to a podium etched in the grand Washinton-esk marble 'In God We Trust') with slight version of the pomp and circumstance that is deserving of such a great government lead by such great leaders as Washinton, Jackson, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Eisenhower to name a few. But something peculiar happened. The session was opened with ....hmmm what could it have been...but the national pledge of allegiance. This same pledge that our great judges in the land are banishing from our schools at an ever alarming rate. And why is this being removed from our public lives? Because of the phrase, "one nation, under God...".

They should take the Bald Eagle off of the endangered species list and put "...One nation under God.." on the list. Or could we just put national pride and tradition on that list.

So what was the first lesson and probably the best lesson I ever learned about leadership. "LEAD FROM THE FRONT", was the greatest lesson a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps taught me in my impressionable freshman year at college. So why can't our leaders vote to support what they already do on a daily basis to preserve such a time honored tradition for our future sons and daughters, patriarchs and patriots. May God bless America and I pray that American would start to bless God before we lose him altogether.