In the battle of a pledge to a special interest lobbyist versus an oath of office to God is there any doubt which one is superior? It is bewildering to me that some elected representatives believe a pledge is more important than their oath of office.
I would like to believe that at some point in time reality will overcome those elected officials silly enough to have signed a pledge “binding” them to a fixed policy. Of course I’m thinking of the Norquist tax pledge. A person that signs anything committing them to vote a particular way without knowing the circumstances surrounding the vote is incompetent and is not faithfully discharging the duties of their office.
The reality is that governing is hard and cannot – should not- be encumbered by signing some inane pledge promoted by a Washington lobbyist. The fact that anyone would sign such a pledge is an indication of their lack of credibility, their fear of a special interest group or their desperation to win an election by following the crowd. America needs leaders – not followers.
Oath of Office:
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.
Norquist Pledge:
I, _______________, pledge to the taxpayers of the state of__________, and to the American people that I will: ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses; and TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.
Confronting Mediocrity 