What's in an Oath

When each of us entered military service, we took an oath. It goes like this:

"I, (NAME), 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."

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to be admitted to the State Bar of Arizona, each took an oath which begins like this:

"I, (state your name), do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Arizona...."

Central to each is the obligation to support and defend the Constitution. Contrary to the reported quip by G.W. Bush, the Constitution is not just a piece of paper, it is the foundation of this great nation. The current administration offers even less respect, indeed, its actions demonstrate abject contempt for our Constitution. We are in trouble.

Article II, Section 1 of the Arizona Constitution provides, "A frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is essential to the security of individual rights and the perpetuity of free government."

Article II, Section 2 of the Arizona Constitution provides, "All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights."

It is beyond dispute that individual rights are in serious jeopardy in this country. Perhaps we should take guidance from the Arizona Constitution and return to and reaffirm our fundamental principles.

There is a group, OathKeepers, composed of military, police and veterans who, this June 13, will mass at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to reaffirm their oaths and their loyalty to the Constitution of the United States. Please take a look at their blog at;

http://oath-keepers.blogspot.com/

Perhaps it is time to organize local law enforcement, military and veteran's groups for locals who cannot make the trip to D.C. I'm in.