Asked by a reporter on “Meet The Press” on May 4 if he had an obligation to uphold the Constitution, President Trump answered, “I don’t know.” When he was inaugurated, however, he laid his hand on a Bible and repeated an oath stipulated in Article II, Section 1, Clause 8, promising to do just that.
Presidents are not the only ones who are sworn in. Here in Santa Fe, firefighters raise their right arms and pledge to defend the Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic. Attorneys, as officers of the court, promise to do the same. Members of our armed forces take the vow, as do police, members of Congress, notaries public, and even dog catchers! Naturalized citizens are asked to recite the bond required of all new Americans:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies …”
Today there are still threats to our Constitution from foreign potentates. But the greater menace now comes from those in high office who have forgotten their pledge. Those who threaten to suspend habeas corpus (requiring the government to show just cause before imprisoning people) and simply snatch them off the streets to be sent to torture cells. Those whose executive orders nullify the Fourteenth Amendment guaranteeing birthright citizenship. Those who call the press (protected by the First Amendment) enemies of the people. Those who violate the rule of law by ignoring court orders and calling for the impeachment of judges whose decisions they don’t like. Those who fill their cabinet with cronies swearing to “preserve, uphold and protect” the law of the land but whose real loyalty is to a convicted felon and fraudster..
Unfortunately, Donald Trump will not defend the Constitution. He and his accomplices have broken their word. Instead, the time has come for us all to take a citizens oath, remembering that “we the people” are the authors of this nation and the ones responsible for ensuring that the blessings of liberty continue to flow to our neighbors and our posterity.
So join in taking a pledge. Because self-government begins at home. It means that we will not allow ourselves, as citizens, to be governed by fear or by intimidation. We will not allow ourselves to be governed by passivity or hopelessness. We will be governed instead by courage and generosity and vision.
Will you swear to a citizen's oath?
I solemnly swear to uphold the rights and civil liberties of all Americans. I will resist arbitrary and unlawful decrees and detentions. I will defend freedom of speech, worship and assembly (including the right to peacefully protest) for myself and others. I will honor our veterans. I will respect the common inheritance of air and water, our parks and public lands. I will work with fellow citizens of every creed, color, and culture to build a society where all people can thrive and where our government represents the many, not the few.
Please add your signature below and copies of this oath will be sent to our elected representatives. Declare your independence from tyranny and your commitment to a democratic tomorrow.
