Posted on Feb 9, 2015
The military and politicians need to give the same credence to our respective Oaths of Service/Office
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Each of us in the military has sworn an oath of service, and though the officer oath of service is slightly different, the tone and the principle is the same. The common thread is the support and defense of the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The enlisted oath reads:
"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; 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. So help me God."
We, as members of the military, understand that we are obligated to accomplish our missions in accordance with our lawful orders, and in a manner consistent with our national ethics. We also understand that we are not required to follow illegal or unconstitutional orders that would serve to act contrarily to our Constitutional principles.
It has been my experience that those in the military remember their oath of service, and hold dear their responsibility to defend and support the Constitution. It seems clear however, that our politicians, generally speaking, do not share that same reverence to their oath of office. Members of Congress swear this Oath:
“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.”
A review of the enumerated powers granted to the federal government in Article I Section 8 of the Constitution, reveals that the federal government has FAR exceeded it's Constitutional boundaries, and does so on a daily basis by politicians who ALL have sworn the above oath of office. Some of these politicians ardently defend the First Amendment (a good thing), while incessantly trying to undermine the Second Amendment through laws and regulations. Others clearly swear their oath of office even though they see the Constitution as a flawed document that can be changed through court actions, through laws passed by Congress, or worse, through regulations created by bureaucrats.
Such actions serve to undermine the credibility of their oath to support and defend the Constitution, and also their credibility in the eyes of those in the military who DO take seriously our oath of Service.
How seriously do you take your oath, and do you feel politicians lose credibility when they violate their oaths?
"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; 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. So help me God."
We, as members of the military, understand that we are obligated to accomplish our missions in accordance with our lawful orders, and in a manner consistent with our national ethics. We also understand that we are not required to follow illegal or unconstitutional orders that would serve to act contrarily to our Constitutional principles.
It has been my experience that those in the military remember their oath of service, and hold dear their responsibility to defend and support the Constitution. It seems clear however, that our politicians, generally speaking, do not share that same reverence to their oath of office. Members of Congress swear this Oath:
“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.”
A review of the enumerated powers granted to the federal government in Article I Section 8 of the Constitution, reveals that the federal government has FAR exceeded it's Constitutional boundaries, and does so on a daily basis by politicians who ALL have sworn the above oath of office. Some of these politicians ardently defend the First Amendment (a good thing), while incessantly trying to undermine the Second Amendment through laws and regulations. Others clearly swear their oath of office even though they see the Constitution as a flawed document that can be changed through court actions, through laws passed by Congress, or worse, through regulations created by bureaucrats.
Such actions serve to undermine the credibility of their oath to support and defend the Constitution, and also their credibility in the eyes of those in the military who DO take seriously our oath of Service.
How seriously do you take your oath, and do you feel politicians lose credibility when they violate their oaths?
Politics
Constitution
Professionalism
Ethics
Command Post
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 83
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If they do, they (or at least a bunch of them) don't take it to heart . . .
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PO1 Glenn Boucher
There is no way in hell that politicians take their oath of office in anyway, shape or form as seriously as the military does. These crooks in office are so far out of touch that they cannot even comprehend what the average American goes through.
They continually fail to do their jobs, they continually pay lip service to Active, Reserve and Veterans by smiling and getting publicly "outraged" with scandals.
Even those who have served, Senator John McCain, for the most part have lost sight of what their duty is.
The only thing that really matters to politicians is getting reelected each term, that and stuffing their already fat bank accounts with kickbacks and "speaking" fees.
They continually fail to do their jobs, they continually pay lip service to Active, Reserve and Veterans by smiling and getting publicly "outraged" with scandals.
Even those who have served, Senator John McCain, for the most part have lost sight of what their duty is.
The only thing that really matters to politicians is getting reelected each term, that and stuffing their already fat bank accounts with kickbacks and "speaking" fees.
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MAJ Matthew Arnold
The DHS was an unnecessary knee-jerk reaction to 9/11, is superfluous, and needs to be unfunded, revoked, and disbanded. The DOD, CIA, DOJ, DOT and other departments are all well funded and capable of securing the USA. We don't need no stinking DHS.
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PO3 John Clausen
The elephant cartoon above is so accurate, John Boehner is a complete failure and should be represented as a Rino (Republican in name only) in the cartoon. The House of Reps holds the power of the purse and could have stopped the presidents spending anytime they wanted, a sad fact: Pelosi's house is credited with $3.3 Trillion of deficit spending over 4 years, Boehner's house is responsible for $3.6 Trillion of deficit spending!
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That oath still lingers in my memory. It is very compelling. Although I hold an Honorable Discharge releasing me from my obligation to obey the orders of the President and the officers appointed over me, I still feel bound to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic...
It's a choice.
It's a choice that leaves me in a predicament.
SSG Gerhard S. is correct. The growth of government and its unconstitutional intrusion into aspects of our private lives, far beyond anything warranted or authorized by the Constitution, is prima facie evidence (apparent on this face) that those serving in elected office are not in compliance with their oaths.
The fact that this situation not only continues, but also continues to be exacerbated by the continuing actions of our elected officials is prima facie evidence that I and others who value the Constitution are failing in our obligation to protect, preserve, and defend it.
Something must change.
Sadly, I live in California where the weather is mild and the politics little resemble the traditions and moral compass that made America great. It's representatives in Congress lead the charge to undermine the Constitution. Nancy Pelosi laughs at any suggestion that her legislative goals lie far outside Constitutional limits. California senators are infamous for their assaults on individual rights and liberties. All are elected and reelected with little doubt until they retire or die, and are replaced by clones who, if anything, are even more pernicious.
It is frustrating, to say the least.
Sometimes, I wish I were ignorant. Perhaps I could find bliss. Sadly, I am a student of history, the law, and the Constitution. I love what America once was. I believe completely in the rule of law. I am tempted to worship the Constitution.
How can I remain mute and honor my oath? I can't.
I suppose that I am failing inasmuch as "they" haven't yet carted me off to a camp somewhere.
If my voice one day disappears from these discussions and my short stories and blog postings disappear from the Internet, you can be sure that I will either be dead or incarcerated. In either case, it will be with a smile permanently affixed to my face...
It's a choice.
It's a choice that leaves me in a predicament.
SSG Gerhard S. is correct. The growth of government and its unconstitutional intrusion into aspects of our private lives, far beyond anything warranted or authorized by the Constitution, is prima facie evidence (apparent on this face) that those serving in elected office are not in compliance with their oaths.
The fact that this situation not only continues, but also continues to be exacerbated by the continuing actions of our elected officials is prima facie evidence that I and others who value the Constitution are failing in our obligation to protect, preserve, and defend it.
Something must change.
Sadly, I live in California where the weather is mild and the politics little resemble the traditions and moral compass that made America great. It's representatives in Congress lead the charge to undermine the Constitution. Nancy Pelosi laughs at any suggestion that her legislative goals lie far outside Constitutional limits. California senators are infamous for their assaults on individual rights and liberties. All are elected and reelected with little doubt until they retire or die, and are replaced by clones who, if anything, are even more pernicious.
It is frustrating, to say the least.
Sometimes, I wish I were ignorant. Perhaps I could find bliss. Sadly, I am a student of history, the law, and the Constitution. I love what America once was. I believe completely in the rule of law. I am tempted to worship the Constitution.
How can I remain mute and honor my oath? I can't.
I suppose that I am failing inasmuch as "they" haven't yet carted me off to a camp somewhere.
If my voice one day disappears from these discussions and my short stories and blog postings disappear from the Internet, you can be sure that I will either be dead or incarcerated. In either case, it will be with a smile permanently affixed to my face...
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COL Ted Mc
CPT Jack Durish Captain; As far as I am concerned, the oaths I gave continue to be binding regardless of the fact that I am no longer required to wear government issued clothing and the government is no longer required to pay me.
Of course, if the government wants to require me to wear government issue clothing again then the government is damn well going to be required to pay me again.
Of course, if the government wants to require me to wear government issue clothing again then the government is damn well going to be required to pay me again.
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PO1 Michael Fullmer
I also agree that politicians have no concept where their oath is concerned. I also believe that those who served and are NOW politicians have for the most part long forgotten the oath they took so many year ago.
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TSgt Robert Carter
I agree, the oath is something I intend to take with me to my grave. I will always defend this country so I swear!
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As a dual national citizen from birth (Child of an American Parent born abroad), I had to give up my British citizenship upon taking my Oath of Enlistment into the Army. It was personally heart wrenching, but an example of my commitment to my Oath.
Later, during my AF years, a little skirmish arose down in the Falklands, and there was a question which side the US might take ... and for the first time, I knew how my confederate civil war ancestor may have felt ... but I knew at that point, my Oath was paramount.
I always thought through my reenlistments as I took the Oath each time, to the point that once, given the CIC in office at the time, I actually paused & had to think when I got to the part 'I will obey the orders of the President ...' I had the officer swearing me in, and the officer witnessing my reenlistment, both leaning in wondering if I was going to complete taking the oath! It seems like I stood there forever, though it was likely only a few seconds, enough so the pause was clearly noticeable, but I knew my commitment was to support and defend the Constitution, and whether I agreed with current policy or not, there was a duly elected CIC in office, and thus, it wasn't a conflict of my Oath to obey his lawful orders, regardless of my personal feelings regarding him. So I completed taking the Oath without further hesitation.
I don't think politicians give credence to how solemnly most of us take our Oath. I also think there are some that show much dedication to not only supporting the Constitution, but also to representing those who elected them into office.
Sadly however, too many politicians treat their office as a stepping stone to power or as part of a resume to further their political aspirations, or as a means to a lucrative 'retirement' career as an ambassador, a lobbyist, or with a major industry or other appointment or representation. Their oath, while possibly initially well intended, seems to have lost meaning over the years following, their goals muddied in political quagmire.
This results, in my eyes, in them losing any credibility when it comes time to vote whether they stay in office or not ... sadly, too many of the american public, don't seem to hold politicians to the same ideals as those of us who daily were directly affected by much those politicians did while in their respective office.
For me, this is why I have little faith in much of the political process, but I uphold the Constitution, and I use my power to vote so that I personally maintain my rights to express my choices and opinions in some small way.
My Oath of Enlistment, did not expire. I'm still held to the legality of my previously held security clearances, despite the fact I no longer hold said clearances, why would my Oath be any different, just because I'm no longer actively serving? It was a choice, my choice, and one I hold dear.
That's why you're all still my brothers and sisters in arms, you understand the core of what's in each of us. Despite any personal differences, mostly we recognize the patriotism and commitment, regardless of length of service, whether drafted or volunteer, that willingness, if need by, to commit to such sacrifice, up to & including our lives, is/was, for more than just a paycheck and what we might gain from it.
You all have my gratitude, and respect.
Later, during my AF years, a little skirmish arose down in the Falklands, and there was a question which side the US might take ... and for the first time, I knew how my confederate civil war ancestor may have felt ... but I knew at that point, my Oath was paramount.
I always thought through my reenlistments as I took the Oath each time, to the point that once, given the CIC in office at the time, I actually paused & had to think when I got to the part 'I will obey the orders of the President ...' I had the officer swearing me in, and the officer witnessing my reenlistment, both leaning in wondering if I was going to complete taking the oath! It seems like I stood there forever, though it was likely only a few seconds, enough so the pause was clearly noticeable, but I knew my commitment was to support and defend the Constitution, and whether I agreed with current policy or not, there was a duly elected CIC in office, and thus, it wasn't a conflict of my Oath to obey his lawful orders, regardless of my personal feelings regarding him. So I completed taking the Oath without further hesitation.
I don't think politicians give credence to how solemnly most of us take our Oath. I also think there are some that show much dedication to not only supporting the Constitution, but also to representing those who elected them into office.
Sadly however, too many politicians treat their office as a stepping stone to power or as part of a resume to further their political aspirations, or as a means to a lucrative 'retirement' career as an ambassador, a lobbyist, or with a major industry or other appointment or representation. Their oath, while possibly initially well intended, seems to have lost meaning over the years following, their goals muddied in political quagmire.
This results, in my eyes, in them losing any credibility when it comes time to vote whether they stay in office or not ... sadly, too many of the american public, don't seem to hold politicians to the same ideals as those of us who daily were directly affected by much those politicians did while in their respective office.
For me, this is why I have little faith in much of the political process, but I uphold the Constitution, and I use my power to vote so that I personally maintain my rights to express my choices and opinions in some small way.
My Oath of Enlistment, did not expire. I'm still held to the legality of my previously held security clearances, despite the fact I no longer hold said clearances, why would my Oath be any different, just because I'm no longer actively serving? It was a choice, my choice, and one I hold dear.
That's why you're all still my brothers and sisters in arms, you understand the core of what's in each of us. Despite any personal differences, mostly we recognize the patriotism and commitment, regardless of length of service, whether drafted or volunteer, that willingness, if need by, to commit to such sacrifice, up to & including our lives, is/was, for more than just a paycheck and what we might gain from it.
You all have my gratitude, and respect.
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SP5 Derick Johnsohne
my grand-father was german, but when germany invaded belgium, he chose belgium and spent ww1 in the yser trenches .
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