Inspired by the political debate about the Muslim gentleman who chose to use the Qu'ran rather than the bible to be sworn into office:
What book would you pick to show the solemnity of your oath if you were to be sworn into office (political or not)?
It's generally understood that atheist politicians tend to keep shtum and just put their hand on the bible and say the words when sworn in -better for public opinion to appear religious, but I wonder what they'd choose given free range of the library but required to pick something to represent the solemnity of the oath and justify their choice?
Of course amusing answers are welcomed, but I'd be very interested to hear some serious ones.
I think I'd go for something like the Oxford Dictionary. That's the book I use most, have nearest to hand and trust for the answers to my questions.
And what if it didn't have to be a book? Would you pick some other object other than a book? And if so, why?
For a non-book, i'd maybe pick Wikipedia -same reasons. Or how about the internet in general? I'm a firm believer in the power of the internet ;)
For a (slightly) less sensible answer
A babel fish.
edited for spelling :roll:
Always thought that the swearing in should be done on Law books - makes more sense than something that boils down to whether you believe in it or not, that has a pretty complicated history etc..
Silly item would be my guitar, or somebody elses Martin.. roll
don't trust Wikipedia after its title page got hacked with a picture of a big Penis shock
Always thought that the swearing in should be done on Law books - makes more sense than something that boils down to whether you believe in it or not, that has a pretty complicated history etc..
How about swearing in on a copy of the constitution since that is what they are swearing to uphold?!!
don't trust Wikipedia after its title page got hacked with a picture of a big Penis :shock:
That's what makes it such a good choice imo -a good demonstration that nothing is inphallible ;)
I think that even to believers, being asked to swear on the Bible isn't as awe-inspiring and solemn a thing as it once was.
Certainly, in the US it would seem appropriate to swear on the constitution or the flag because they are both things which Americans hold in reverence.
Is there a British equivalent? I don't think so. No-one can quote the constitution because it's unwritten and the Bible is not something that most people hold precious.
How about a piece of the earth? A mountain? The sun? Something that we should protect and revere. A declaration of democracy and freedom?
Can you magine what would happen if people could choose anything at all? A photo of Princess Diana or Julian Clary? Their pet hamster?
If it absolutely had to be a book, I'd pick my MacBook; it holds a lot of images and sounds and memories of what I hold dear to me and I would defend it almost to the death!
Is there a British equivalent? I don't think so. No-one can quote the constitution because it's unwritten and the Bible is not something that most people hold precious.
There must be some kind of royal pledge because I distinctly remember that members of Sinn Fein refused to take it and this take up their places in the commons.
That question deserves its own (tongue in cheek) thread. I vote for a picture of Jimmy Saville.
I did think about
but we'll have to wait for an ENGLISH parliament for that.
The Oath of Allegiance is to the Queen, her heirs and successors. Maybe they have to swear to that and refused?
I found my copy a few weeks back that I signed back in 1987 when I joined the army.
Is there a British equivalent? I don't think so. No-one can quote the constitution because it's unwritten and the Bible is not something that most people hold precious.
In England and Wales you can swear on any religious book you like or nothing at all. Frankly the whole thing is meaning less. A simple affirmation that you know that you are required to tell the truth and that if you get caught lying you will go to jail would suffice in court. In NH we don't use any books - you simply stick your right hand in the air and swear to tell the truth, serve, uphold the constitution or whatever.
If I were being sworn into a political office, I would prefer to swear on a large stack of money provided by my campaign financiers. They could fill a wheel barrow with it. I'd swear and roll it out.
It just seems more honest somehow.
Reading Rob's post - a thought crossed my tired mind...
Why do we raise the right hand? What about lefties can they chose to raise that one?
Don't some places say at the end of promising to tell the truth, add "So help you God" or something?
Just promising on one's own life should be enough. That way no choice of book, flag or whatever necessary.
Come to think about it why do we say "I promise..." Promises can be broken.
Damn I'm in a weird mood, better quit now...