Constitutional scholar, Russ Sype, here!
United States Constitution
Article VI
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
[aside: I
highlight that bit about "no religious test" just to remind folks... ]
The oath to be taken by Senators is not specified by the Constitution.
But the
following has been adopted:
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.
Just a reminder to our esteemed Senators:
United States Constitution
Article II
Section 2
... he [the President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law...
I wish more people were aware that the Senate's responsibility is to only advise, and give CONSENT to the President's appointments. Doesn't say anything about a filibuster. Where are all those folks claiming to believe in the LITERAL translation of the Constitution? Justice Scalia was one of those. That's what HE would have wanted. amirite. Certainly seems to ME that's what GOD wanted too. Scalia died On President's Day weekend. In Black History Month. During an election year. With a Black, Lame Duck, Democratic(mostly), President in office. I wish Mr. Obama would look into the cameras with that blank ass look he has - you know the one I mean? the one he wears when he isn't condoning or condemning? "just statin' the facts, ma'am!". - and say ... "This is God's will. And I will fulfill it!". Just ONE time.
ReplyDeleteNice looking place you got here ...