Compare and Contrast

I came across this graphic and it caused me to do some research. I recalled that as a police officer I took an oath to preserve and defend the Constitution. Surely, congress critters must take a similar oath? 

Yup, here is the the Oath of Office for congress critters in the United 
States Code.

The Congressional 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.

United States Code

No congress critter has ever been charged with violating his oath of office. Many have been convicted of a variety of crimes. Some have even been imprisoned. Purists might argue that to be charged and convicted of a crime, while a member of Congress, should include a violation of the Oath of Office.

There is no criminal penalty specified for violating the Oath of Office. Furthermore, Congress has a ready made defense to any accusation. It is called the speech and debate clause.

The U.S. Supreme Court has gradually defined and redefined the Speech or Debate Clause in several cases over the years.The first case concerning the Speech and Debate Clause was Kilbourn v. Thompson, 103 U.S. (13 Otto) 168, 26 L. Ed. 377(1880). 

The Court has interpreted the Speech or Debate Clause to mean that  members of Congress and their aides are immune from prosecution for their  “legislative acts.” 

This does not mean that members of Congress and their aides may not be prosecuted. Rather, evidence of legislative acts may not be used  in a prosecution against a member of Congress or a congressional aide.

Free Dictionary

It has been my experience that bad laws or laws that are routinely ignored undermine the enforcement of good laws. It is time to get rid of the Oath of Office, or modify it to reflect the times we live in. I offer a rough draft of a more appropriate oath of office.

I do so solemnly swear or affirm that I have got mine. In order to maintain my position I will lie, cheat and steal. I have no convictions or preconceived notions of morality. I will pander to any entity that offers me the best deal. Loyalty, true faith and allegiance are mere buzzwords used to gull the idiots who elected me.

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.

I admit, it needs work. It doesn’t mention sexual abuse of minors, rape and the free exercise of stupidity without sanction. (Has Guam capsized yet?) On the plus side, it expresses sentiments that Congress already follows.