Which Pledge? A Small Break in a United Front

US Congressional Republicans, the most outspoken being the freshman legislators, have made a small break with Grover Norquist and Americans for Tax Reform's pledge to never vote to raise taxes. This is well reported in a post from Politico. Signing the pledge has been a must for winning a Republican primary, and ATR has supported internecine warfare against pledge violators.

On my prior subject of which oath is more important, I note that at least one Republican House freshman emphasizes his oath of office to uphold the Constitution. From the Politico post:

And a spokesman for Rep. Trey Gowdy, one of the most conservative House freshmen, emphasized that, first and foremost, Gowdy has “taken an oath to uphold the Constitution,” though the congressman isn’t backing away from the pledge.

Pledge or no pledge, none of these solons are likely to vote for a tax increase. They do seem more interested in governing than in litmus tests, however.

Which Pledge?
Which Pledge? The Texas Budget Compact

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.