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.
US Citizenship Oath
Address:
http://www.v-soul.com/us/oath.htm
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, or sovereignty 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."
In some cases, the oath is allowed to be taken without the clauses:
". . .that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by law. . ."
hoosierham wrote:
Oaths of allegiance should not be compulsory.
A compulsory oath is worthless except in the view of tyrants,and I find it repugnant
Hmmm, -- you find our naturalization oath repugnant.
I repeat, -- I think it should be mandatory for all citizens, prior to them first exercising their right to vote.
No oath, no vote.