On Faith, Swearing-In and the Body Politic

I believe that senators and representatives and other government employees should be required to take their oaths of office on the Constitution, rather than on any religious instrument.

Its no the swearing on so much, but keeping it that causes problems. That would not mean, for instance, preserve and protect some interest, world order, or loyaly to another country or leader. Campaigns are largely based on the opposite premise. Once they get in they resent being anchored to a constitution. As to swearing on: would you rather they chose whatever they want? Maybe it will be on their bank account.

Thanks for reading and commenting on my humble blog. Making an oath to uphold the constitution while placing one's hand upon said document certainly seems a sensible thing to do at first blush. But to require people to take an action that may have spiritual overtones for the inductee without considering an individual's beliefs about truth would be as wrong as not allowing a Muslim the option to swear on his Koran. As for a person placing a hand on their bank account ... are you serious? The idea that a bank account can hold any one accountable to uphold an oath seems somehow ludicrous. But just for the sake of argument, I'll give suppose that you had asked me how we set limits as to what a person could swear upon. Since what we are talking about here is the concept of holding to one's own word, either by making a show of holding oneself accountable to a higher power, or simply by affirming that your word is true, the documents of earth that deal with truth, accountability, and a moral standard should be considered. If someone can seriously show that what they wish to swear on, if they are so inclined to swear, inspires them to be a better person, a tolerant society should be able to recognize that. Can the limits of those boundaries be stretched to the point of being incredible? Absolutely. But if a society is not keeping an eye on its elected officials, it deserves the circus that could be the result. If we were half as outraged by some of our congressmembers' voting records as we have been over someone swearing on something other than the Bible, we might have had different results in the polls last month.

Very well said indeed!
I realize that there has to be some recognition of a persons allegience by the person individually, and this is what raises the question with Mr.Mohammed, Oooops, sorry, Mr. Ellison. I am of the opinion that since Mr.Mohammed, oops Ellison apparently changed his name just to be elected, he showed his stripes in full color(no pun intended;not a reference to skin color at all)!!So, I immediately would not trust him if his tounge came notarized, and would be one of the first to sign a petition to have him dismissed. It is high time the US populace ceased supporting politicians that are blatant liars, and started calling them gone because of it. If they can not stand up and be honest from the get go, then they do not deserve the office of a public servant.
I have made many mistakes in my life, and I still make mistakes in judgement and action; but, I have much more respect, trust and can forgive a person that is up front and honest with me than for one that blatantly lies.

Thanks for stopping by again. '...tongue came notarized'. You sure have a funny way of saying things. No wonder you have Peppermint Patty in stitches. Of course if you make honesty a requirement of being a politician, you will be the American version of Cromwell as you will have to send Congress home.

Have you read that Shari'a law yet?? Just joshin you. I know it's hard to find time for everything. I'm having that trouble myself. I have a nice free night here being off work tomorrow so I've been floating around on the blogs trying to read some other people. Lots of interesting stuff people write. I'm so impressed with all the ones who have blogs, reading their ideas and the creativity is amazing.

Well, I don't know if Ellison is going to swear on the both books or not, but I am not sure it matters in the long run.

Today a rep from VA came out with a warning about having Muslims in government. I guess he'll be a pariah from now on.

Well, gnome Merry Christmas and God speed.

Thanks for stopping by. Time? What is that? No I haven't read that yet but I made sure it's bookmarked. I heard Laura Ingram and a guest she had talking a little about Shari'a law last week, so I'm a little more educated this month. I am fully aware, however, that I MUST read up on this subject and soon. Thanks again for your efforts at keeping us all educated on this vital subject.