Politics: LaRocco on Idaho

New Congress Sworn in Sans Bibles

By Larry LaRocco, 1-04-07

Today, January 4, 2007, almost 435 men and women were sworn in as representatives, delegates and a resident commissioner of the U.S. House of Representatives as required by Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution. 110th Congress has commenced work.

The swearing-in ceremony is a moving and family event. The House gallery was packed with friends and relatives. Kids were seen crawling on the floor of the chamber, with some held in the arms of the Members. For the new Members this moment caps off many months and years of toil in the political vineyard. I had tears when I was sworn in, and I wasn’t the only one.

The Speaker stood at the podium and the Members raised their right hands en masse to say:

"I, (name of Member), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or 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."

No hands were laid on any Bibles at this ceremony. It was covered on C-Span but most Americans will not view it firsthand. In fact, most Americans have never witnessed this event or know the protocol. After the ceremony in the House chamber it is not uncommon for some Members to stage a re-enactment for photos, and lay a hand on a Bible, another religious book or no book at all. I never did the photo opp. The real thing was good enough for me.

However, Keith Ellison, a Muslim and newly minted Member of Congress from Minnesota, said he will use a Koran for the simulated ceremony after he is sworn in. At the moment of the re-enactment he will already have been officially sworn into office.

Ellison's decision to use a Koran for the unofficial ceremony has brought out the lesser angels in some. Most disturbing is that fact that those condemning Ellison know full well that most Americans are unaware of the official practice of the House of Representatives.

For example, Congressman Virgil Goode, a five- term Member of Congress from Virginia, has elevated the rhetoric in letters to his constituents. Goode has simultaneously played the immigration card and the Muslim card to condemn Ellison. Goode did not take this opportunity to point out the actual scene and historical practice of swearing in House members in a group by raising the right hand for the oath. He let that slide so he could inflame anti-Muslim passions. Goode has arisen with his colleagues in the chamber of the House five times and taken the oath of office. He knows full well what happens

Now that it’s come to light that Ellison will use a Koran once owned by Thomas Jefferson, Goode’s actions seem even more incomprehensible. Ellison's and Goode's constituents will figure out for themselves whether their congressmen have crossed any lines.

You can't take politics out of politics, but it would be helpful for those who disagree with others to tone down the rhetoric and lay out the facts.

FYI
The Idaho Constitution doesn't use "God" in its oath of office.

SECTION 25. OATH OF OFFICE. The members of the legislature shall, before
they enter upon the duties of their respective offices, take or subscribe the
following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case
may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the
constitution of the state of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the
duties of senator (or representative, as the case may be) according to the
best of my ability."

And such oath may be administered by the governor,
secretary of state, or judge of the Supreme Court, or presiding officer of
either house.

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