OPINION:
The first clause of the oath of office for every employee and elected official of the United States reads, “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” The oath’s second clause reads, in part, “I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same,” meaning that the oath taker “will bear true faith and allegiance to the” Constitution. The presidential oath is different.
“True faith” means you believe in the Constitution and the amendments. If you don’t, why did you apply for the job or run for the office? To believe in the Constitution means you have accepted it as the foundation of the United States of America and its laws, especially the words of the Framers. Those men intended to create a small federal government of limited powers and a populace that enjoyed a maximum of freedom and individual liberty. They created a subservient federal government answerable to the people, not to any political party.
“Allegiance” means you will be absolutely loyal to the Constitution. Specifically, it means you have sworn to put the needs of the United States and the American people — not your career or political party — first. If you have divided loyalty, you should not accept a federal job, nor should you seek a federally elected position.
Violation of the entirety of an oath of office should render an individual unfit for federal service. If we held Congress to this standard, most of its members would be gone today.
MAJ. JAMES M. DORN
U.S. Army Reserve (retired)
Chino Hills, Calif.
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