The Oath of Office

George Bush is fond of making statement that are often ignored and go unchallenged by the mainstream media. These same statements are taken as gospel by the president’s supporters. On Monday, Bush gave two speeches. The first was to the “pro-life movement” who were protesting yet another anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. In the first speech of the day Bush told the audience in attendance via telephone that the “Declaration of Independence applies to everyone” including the unborn. And on cue, the audience applauded.

I started to wonder if the people at the rally were really listening to what he said? Did they notice he said the Declaration of Independence and not the Constitution? Did those in attendance know there is a difference?

I have read the Constitution many times, and I for the life of me cannot find any reference or legal recognition of the Declaration of Independence. The latter document is the greatest Mission Statement ever published. But of course, the Bush followers don’t appear to be very studious other wise they might not have been so quick to applaud. Perhaps I am being unduly critical of Bush supporters.

The second speech (lecture?) of the day was given at the University of Kansas. Bush spoke at length to a friendly audience about his justification for illegal wiretapping and the expansive powers of the executive branch. (I was hoping that he would expand upon his administrations use of wiretapping and mention the legal justification according to the Federalist Papers, but that didn’t happen.) The second part of his speech was about the Iran’s [legal] pursuit of nuclear power and the quest for nuclear weapons.

Central to each topic was Bush’s central theme was his claim that “the most important priority [as president] is to protect the American people.” Now this isn’t the first time Bush has made such a statement. The earliest evidence that I have found dates back to June of 2002. Bush stated, “The President’s most important job is to protect and defend the American people.”

While this sounds all well and good, and most certainly receives the applause that it was intended to elicit, Bush is wrong. And the reason I know he is wrong is found in the very Constitution that he has shown contempt for. The following is the Oath of Office every President takes and that Bush has twice sworn upon a bible of his chosen religion to uphold.

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

United States Constitution, Article Two, Section 1 (ll. 404-408)

So, the next time Bush starts talking about the “most important job of the president” don’t be fooled. Remember the Oath of Office he swore to uphold, and his failure to do so.


The Oath of Office