![]() The military: “ I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Senate: “ I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.” The President: “ I do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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.” ![]() Let’s look at four (a few have been amended or changed over time, but they maintained the core principle I’m going to discuss today). These are all fine sounding goals and yet as we proceed, you will notice that none of them are mentioned in the oaths of office that our founders gave to the American government. These are just a few examples but notice what these oaths denote? The English and Australian oaths make clear that the ultimate goal is to support and follow the will of the monarch, while the Russian oath mentions the Constitution and then gives the president many other goals and jobs to do, such as safeguard rights, protect sovereignty and independence, faithfully serve the people and protect the security and integrity of the State. In Russia, the entering president says: “ I swear in exercising the powers of the President of the Russian Federation to respect and safeguard the rights and freedoms of man and citizen, to observe and protect the Constitution of the Russian Federation, to protect the sovereignty and independence, security and integrity of the State, to faithfully serve the people”. In Australia, entering members of parliament say: “ I, A.B., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Her heirs and successors according to law. In England, this is what entering members of parliament say: “ I(name of Member) swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.“ Let’s look at a few examples from other countries first. But have you ever really listened to what they’re saying? Further, have you ever taken the time to contemplate how unique the oaths of office in America are when compared to those of other countries? Have you considered why the oaths say what they say…because the founders carefully selected the words for a reason. ![]() I’m sure you’ve heard the president or other members of government give their oaths of office before. ![]() I hope that the following realization is as impactful to you as it has been for me. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |