Is there a special atheist swear in for Senators?

[Massacure]

The senators have to say

"I, <insert name here>, 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."

But could an atheist change the last line to "There is no such thing as god"?

[Tux]

1. Could replace God

With "So help me America" or something. Are you running for Senator? If this unemployment keeps up, I may run for rep.

[LittleClarkie]

2. It's a swearing in

not a time to make speeches, however small.

Atheists, I'm sure, could just say "So help me" and leave off God.

Otherwise it would sort of be, So help me, and by the way, fuck you.

[PretzelWarrior]

3. change to: "May the Force be with me."

or something like that.

How about...so help me existentially.

[killbotfactory]

4. no, they don't get elected

might as well run as a communist

[progressoid]

5. How many openly atheistic senators do you know of?

I'd be shocked if one of us was even elected in this climate.

[Idioteque]

11. There are 100 Senators.

I find it hard to believe that out of a group of 100 educated individuals, not a single one is an atheist or at least agnostic. I bet you at least 20% of Senators don't believe in God.

I am an atheist but if i ran for office, I would probably call myself a nondenominational Christian or a Unitarian or something. I'm sure several politicians lie about their faith to get elected.

[progressoid]

13. 15-20% would be a reasonable assumption based on the general population

But 0% will say it while in office or could say it during a campaign. In fact they all lined up outside in solidarity to say the Pledge under god when Dr Newdow's suit won in the 9th circuit. Sad.

[Nimrod]

6. I have worked for a city office

"I so affirm" is allowed to replace "So help me God". That's on the city level, I don't know if non-bible thumpers are even allowed in higher offices.

[mcscajun]

7. I'd just drop the last line altogether.

Odd that there's this kind of issue in Senate oaths, when there is no such line in the Presidential Oath, nor any requirement that he swear with his hand on a Bible.

As specified in Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution:

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.

The rest is add-on and optional.

[Gold Metal Flake]

8. "The rest is add-on and optional."

Not to mention irrelevent.

You swear to uphold the laws governin the office. That's the damn jod. Cosmic Muffin Of Choice has not a damn thing to do with it.

Now, if we could just execute everyone who swore an oath "so help God" and then failed to follow through, Friday nights at the soccer field would be packed with spectators.

[mcscajun]

9. And I say my non-existent prayers to the Cosmic Muffin

(mine's Blueberry) that one day we'll see a President swearing said oath without any Bible in the vicinity, and who doesn't make any optional add-ons (except maybe "Let's Party!")

Okay...maybe not the last one. :)

[Gold Metal Flake]

10. And I respect the Cosmic Muffin of yer choice, as it is no threat to me.

You, on the other hand, I ain't too sure about. ;-)

Seriously, I hope your vision comes theu for the sake of all of us and all Cosmic Muffins.

[mcscajun]

12. Yeah, it's for real. I'm a major loon.

So you're right not to be too sure of me.

At least I'm not worshipping the Great God Zarquon. :bounce: