I'm fine with the social ritual aspect, but before it is worthwhile to get upset about what is under their hand while saying something I would think it relevant that what they are saying have some importance.
Quote:
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I, Loyal Citizen of the Republic, 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.
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Now, the sentiments expressed are certainly worthy, but they actions they imply are entirely subjective. By all means stand up and shout it to the world but since it is essentially non-negatable (everybody's definition of enemy, threat, attack, defense, etc. is different) but it has the same value to other people regardless of what is under your hand while saying it. It isn't like god has shown itself to be inclined towards immediately smiting anybody who makes a false oath on the bible while Allah is lax in this department.
If one feels that putting a hand on a bible will making an oath strenthens the oath, then by all means do so. To
me the oath is no stronger because of it and I'm saddened that it takes a fear of magical retribution to do what one was elected to do.
I'm all for pomp and circumstance. Just not the silliness of getting hepped up about deviations.