Argument Essay: The Pledge Of Allegiance

In war-torn, impoverished, and communist countries, America is a symbol for freedom. In America, our flag that waves red, white, and blue, is a symbol for our freedom. The Pledge of Allegiance begins with the words, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands..." This republic form of government is what grants Americans freedom: the power is invested in the people, and the government is responsible for protecting the rights of the people. A republic can only prevail if the citizens understand and properly practice the responsibilities that such power entrusts with them. For example, the first amendment of the Constitution protects freedom of speech; this liberty is meant for good, but can easily be abused. My responsibility is to use my constitutional rights for good, however, issues concerning responsibility seldom have just one correct solution. In the scenario that depicts bullying on a school campus, my responsibility is to properly use my freedoms, yet, the question remains: what does this entail? To witness bullying take place and to choose to ignore it, is to misuse my freedom just as much as the bullies chose to misuse theirs.

Though taking immediate action is thought to be the only way to help, other methods can be used to make a difference. For example, I could report the issue of bullying to a person in an authoritative role, such as a counselor, professor, or administrator. These individuals have been trained to handle situations such as this, and most likely have more information about the students involved. Choosing this method would ensure that the conflict is resolved professionally. Another method would be to focus on the person being attacked. The effect that kindness can have on hurting people is remarkable. Befriending the individual would enhance my ability to stand up for him or her in the