Replies

The author proposes:

I'd like to use the Swiss system as an example:
Each law-abiding male of proper age is issued and trained in the use of a firearm, and must keep it at his home. In many cantons, owners of handguns are allowed to carry them concealed.

I'd modify this system to include females as well, and make concealed carry universal.

The USA is long overdue in passing such a 'rite of citizenship' amendment.

A short voluntary course in basic defense tactics and the obligations of constitutional citizenship could be offered to all would be voters at 18..
They would graduate with the right to vote and a surplus rifle, after taking this oath:

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, sovereignty or philosophy of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen;
that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law;
that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law;
that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law;
and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Oaths of allegiance should not be compulsory.

A compulsory oath is worthless except in the view of tyrants,and I find it repugnant.

An oath of office is different because seeking or taking an office is not compulsory.

I note this nation had no need of Pledges to a symbol until after Mr. Lincoln and the pledge was written by a proponent of centralized gov't control.

The second admendment recognizes the right of a free people to be armed, and further,by recommending to the people the existence of miltias as opposed to creating a standing army, shows the intent of the Founders to keep the central gov't in check.

Every word in the Constitution was much discussed and I think the meanings are pretty clear. But people have been twisting the meanings of the original words for over two hundred years.

I have a feeling that you're sorely lacking in historical knowledge and have no earthly idea how similar your screed reads to the words uttered by Rudolf Hess on February 25, 1934 when he led millions of Germans in an oath of loyalty. Absolutely repugnant to any American. Washington required no oaths of the citizenry. Jefferson required no oaths. I'll stand with them. Let's reserve oaths for the military where they mean something.

that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law;

*shudder* What would President Johnson, President Carter, President Gore, or President Kerry's idea of "work of national importance" have been? We don't need a national servitude amendment.