When you are strung up several stories in the air and Batman asks you a question, it is best to tell him the truth. Swearing your oath of truth to the dark crusader of justice is probably a good general rule of thumb in Gotham, especially if you know you have been naughty.
But what do you do when you are becoming an elected official and are taking your oath of office to defend the US Constitution? Do you swear on the Bible? Torah? Qur’an? Do you just affirm your oath and not swear by anything? Or do you keep it real with the Bat? Now that we have our first Muslim official coming before the country to take his oath of office that wants to use his holy book, we find ourselves debating the issue.
I understand why it makes some uncomfortable, but when it comes down to it the religious freedom that we enjoy and proclaim in our Constitution does allow for this type of expression. I realize the question of how far the freedom of that expression extends can be a complicated one. The unfortunate result of the discomfort is that some believe Rep-elect Keith Ellison (D-MN) should not be allowed to take his oath of office on his chosen holy book.
Here is the actual oath that US Representatives take before entering office:
I, (name of Member), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or 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."
For me the result of the discomfort focuses on the question of Ellison’s allegiance to truly defend the US Constitution. Does he believe in an Islam that alleges to be a religion of peace or in one that wants to see the western world crumble? Clearly if it is the later than he cannot live up to his oath of office and he should not be allowed to sit as a US Representative.
In the end, I believe he has the right to take his oath on whatever holy book he chooses, but don’t mistake the god he swears by for the God of the Bible.
Jeff, so glad someone else enjoyed the snow! Everyone else didn't even realize it was snowing..of course it only came down for 20 minutes but thats ok because it was soo worth it :)
Posted by: Janet at December 10, 2006 01:33 AMI agree that he should really be allowed to swear on whichever book he chooses. I feel this way partially because we do live in a free country. I also don't want him swearing on the Holy Bible when he doesn't believe it. What's the point in that?
Also, that is one of my favorite scenes from Batman Begins. Batman Begins being one of my favorite movies ever. :)
Posted by: Larry at December 12, 2006 02:21 PM...if i ever get elected i want to be sworn in on Dr. Seuss's "Mr Brown can Moo! Can you?"
just imagine what book will be next after the koran. how about Adolf Hitlers Mein Kamf? Hugh Hefners adult magazines? Oh yippee Oh ya! We can swear on anything we may!
Oh the places we can go!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy
who'll decide where to go.
And away from the Bible is the best place to be
If you want to be elected, unfettered and free.
Personally I'd want to be sworn in on an issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly. :)
Posted by: Larry at December 13, 2006 01:20 PMI'm sure Dr. Seuss, Playstation & Batman will all be humbled by your adoration!
Posted by: Jeff Price at December 14, 2006 01:41 PM