[Lurking Libertarian]

Since when does one get an option as to what book one will swear upon when taking the oath office?

Since 1789, when the Constitution was ratified.

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.

Do you really think every officeholder in U.S. history has sworn their oath of office on the King James Bible?

[Wormwood]

Since 1789, when the Constitution was ratified.

Proving once again why the Constitution remains one of the most amazing documents in the history of humankind.

[HKMk23]

...no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

The use of a Bible in the swearing-in ceremony does not constitute any sort of religious test, and it certainly does not fit the language of the portion of the Constitution that you quoted.

Actually, too, the option is therein provided that one may eitehr take an oath or give an affirmation, which provides an out for ANYONE who might have a persoanl thing about swearing on a Bible. Ellison should man up and take that option instead of raising all this stink about the Koran. Do you really think every officeholder in U.S. history has sworn their oath of office on the King James Bible?

The VAST majorty have, and without so much as batting an eyelash.

But, please, name for me those who have not.