Your Opinion: Oath of Office

CNHI

An oath is a sworn loyalty to a stated cause or specific contract. The Constitution of the United States of America requires that a candidate for offices serving the citizenry willingly commit to certain behavior and is accountable to the way they govern. It is reasonable to expect government office holders to adhere to oaths as stated and perform their duties according to the foundational document that defines our nation, the Constitution.

The oath is a contact with God and the country — “We the People.” Public servants used to be known as statesmen and patriots — Webster def.  “a person who loves and  loyally supports their own country.” An oath is a bond based on trust. Let’s look at the oaths required by the Constitution.

The oath required of senators and representatives read as follows: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both 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 I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: so help me God.” A sworn oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution has many implications. Our form of government, a republic, given to us by our forefathers, has birthed and grown the greatest country in the history of the world. To undermine this form of governing jeopardizes our very survival. Historical documents prove this is predictable. If we are to survive, we have to hold these oathtakers accountable; limit terms, recall, impeachment, etc.: It’s the only way to preserve our freedom and way of life.

The oath required of an incoming president reads as follows: “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.” A leader that takes this oath should not apologize to the world for our country. He should not ignore the Constitution with the agendas he proposes. Why do elected candidates believe they are destined to rule? Because power entrusted to them to serve sometimes intoxicates them and impairs their perception of reality. This intoxication makes mere mortals act irresponsible and do irrational things. They forget their oath of office they swore on the Bible. A ruler imposes his or her will on their subjects. A servant seeks to do the will of those they are serving. “We the People” have to get educated, informed, engaged and get involved in the process of preserving freedom as was intended by our forefathers.

This form of governing resulted in a Constitution and Bill of Rights and was entrusted to the people to protect and preserve. If enough are unconcerned to the point of doing nothing, everything is lost; and the many lives, sacrifices and efforts have been in vain. A great number of people are seemingly indifferent about our America because our freedoms do not seem to be in imminent danger to the uninformed, but be sure our freedoms are in grave danger. We’re so close to losing our republic, it’s frightening.

America, please wake up; our grandkids deserve the America we cherish. We can no longer take things for granted. The phrase “the only way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing: has never been as relevant as it is today.

By the way, the oathtakers aren’t the only ones that are accountable to our country; we all have pledged allegiance to our United States of America.



Solutions, not revolution!



Randy Thompson

Sycamore

Text Only