Let’s Put Some Legal Teeth Behind Our Nation’s Oaths of Office For Both Civilian And Military Service

“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.”

For too many persons who utter words of these sorts upon entering military service or public office they are just so many words with no legal consequences behind them. In the wake of the Trump presidency, playing at being Putin’s useful idiot against the national interest, putting self above country and of course because of the failed coup of January 6th that needs to swiftly change.

Violating those public service oaths need have at least the same legal consequences as, say, lying to the FBI, as well as automatically triggering a slightly amended version of the below statute.

18 USC 2383: Rebellion or insurrection

“Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”

We can’t write laws detailed enough for every possible bad deed a politician can do against the public good, so it does need to be deliberately quite broad in order to keep snakes like a Donald Trump and many other slimly politicians from slithering around justice.

To put such a law together that has real teeth yet can’t easily be used for petty political harassment is a tall order for sure. But guys and girls please give it your best try. Democracy now depends on it.