Every public servant, such as a judge, Senator, or Congressman, makes a personal oath when entering into such a position. It is required by the Constitution.

The Presidential Oath is set forth in the Constitution as: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

When being sworn in as our first President, George Washington spontaneously added the words: “so help me God.”  This has becoome a traditional part of the Oath of office.

The Oath is said while holding one hand on a  Bible, and raising the right hand to the square (although people have generally forgotten what it means to hold your hand “to the square. “)

An Oath is defined as “A solemn appeal to God . . . to witness one’s determination to speak the truth or to keep a promise.”

It is also often referred to as a Vow. A Vow is defined as “a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment.”

It sadly seems that some have now forgotten either the meaning of the Oath, or the meaning of such a promise when entering office as a public servant.

U.S. Congressman Phil Hare is talking to some constituents. It’s a town hall type of meeting. They are talking about the healthcare Bill, and Phil’s still trying to sell it even though it’s already law, and they ask him about the Constitution.

 

CONGRESSMAN HARE: Well, look. We’ve got a

VOICE: Where in the Constitution?

CONGRESSMAN HARE: We are I don’t worry about the Constitution on this to be honest.

VOICE: Jackpot, brother.

CONGRESSMAN HARE: I care more about, I care more about the people that are dying every day that don’t have health insurance.

VOICE: You care more about that than the U.S. Constitution that you swore to uphold?

CONGRESSMAN HARE: I believe it says we have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

VOICE: That’s the Declaration of Independence.

And this is just one of many such similar indications of ignorancce. When asked about the difference between ignorance and apathy, one man replied: “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” That seems to be a problem we have today in our public servants.

It seems there is a defininte lack of understanding of Oaths, Promises, and the Constitution and Declaration of Indedpendence in general. Perhaps public servants should be required to take a foundational course in oaths, vows, promises, and pledges before being sworn in. Many are now appalled at the disregard their public servants have for their promises.

What if all were determined to uphold their Oath of office and promote only those items specifically included in their job description as provided by the Constitution?