At least SOMEONE gets it....

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After the "Flub Heard 'Round the World"...

(Chief Justice Roberts not only misplaces the word "faithfully"; he changes "President of the United States" into "President to the United States")

President Obama took the Oath of Office a second time yesterday in the Map Room in the White House:

Now, some might nitpick and say this second Oath was unnecessary; others might say it's invalid because no Bible was used. Both these assertions are wrong: the second Oath was essential, and it was totally legal. As far as using a Bible, this is a tradition (dating back to Washington)...but not legally required. As for the first point....

For the uninformed, Article II of the Constitution reads:

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." [Italics added]

And the 20th Amendment says:

1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Through these, there are 2 major points to understand:

1. As of noon on January 20th, George W. Bush ceased to be President - the Bush Administration ceased to exist; and
2. Until the Oath of Office was administered, Barack Obama could not use any Presidential powers.

Further, Article II not only states that an Oath must be given, it also quotes the precise Oath that must be administered. There are many serious and good reasons for wanting this Oath to be exactly administered, but you'll have to read these elsewhere.

The main point behind this second Oath is that our new President wants to follow, not only the spirit and intention of the law, he will obey the letter and word of the law.

This is not only a refreshing change from the previous Administration, it stands as a shining example of how West Haven's officials should conduct our business...

Are you HEARING this, City Council?

APPOINT MR. COSCIA NOW!
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