Which Pledge?

Here are two pledges. The first is instantly recognizable as the pledge of allegiance most Americans have recited at school, sporting events, parades, etc.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The second is the Taxpayer Protection Pledge espoused by Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform.

I, _____________, pledge to the  taxpayers of the (___________ district of the) state of _________________ and to the American people that I will: ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rate for individuals and businesses; and TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.

Allegiance to the second is a sign of fiscal irresponsibility and excludes the pledge to the United States. Mostly Republicans have taken the pledge so that they can win elections against other Republicans who won't take the pledge, or at least be competitive in primary contests with other Republicans and incumbents. Party primary election contests are much more easily influenced by money and party organizers such as Norquist. Consequently it is possible to elect enough people to bring the US government to the edge of default, a very irresponsible budget tactic which runs counter to the pledge of allegiance to the United States. Punishment for pledge breakers is immediate by loss of party support and funds, or deferred until the next party primary. Punishment for voters arrives in the form of dysfunctional government. My suggestion to Republicans is that you break Norquist's pledge en masse for the sake of your pledge to the United States.