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“So help me God”

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Illinois

* The last question at Gov. Pritzker’s press conference today…

I noticed yesterday that when you took the oath of office that you did not in the traditional way, as many governors have, say ‘So help me God.’ Can you explain that?

Pritzker immediately raised his right hand and said “So help me God.” Some folks chuckled.

* From the Illinois Constitution…

SECTION 3. OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF OFFICE

Each prospective holder of a State office or other State position created by this Constitution, before taking office, shall take and subscribe to the following oath or affirmation:

“I do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of …. to the best of my ability.”

Background on the phrase is here.

Thoughts?

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 2:10 pm

Comments

If I am not mistaken, I think the Governor accidentally flubbed the oath when he said “officer” instead of office.

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 2:11 pm
Confirmation that we’ve converted him to Unitarian Universalism. His inaugural address now this. UU’s scored a big one. s/

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 2:13 pm
so, Pritzker did the oath the correct way.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 2:15 pm
@ Colin O’Scopy

Yes, you’re correct, he did.

Comment by Osborne Smith III Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 2:32 pm
Mercedes Marxist.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 2:34 pm
Which reported asked that? Can we get a “Do better, dude” for the reporter like we got for the Supreme Court spokesperson?

Comment by Reserved Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 2:48 pm
Didn’t Rauner have the wrong hand on the Bible?

Comment by KOL Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 2:59 pm
Without a Quincy or a 3-year budget impasse to report on, we are really into some petty stuff.

Comment by lakeside Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:02 pm
I long for the day when this is not an issue. I, for one, could not care less if he believes in a God, 1000 gods, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster. If I want a religious leader I’ll go to church and find one. Any Christian saying otherwise would do well to remember they dont want government in their church, and the inverse is just as important.

Comment by Harvest76 Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:04 pm
Many of you need to find a new hobby. OMG

Comment by Sue Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:05 pm
In the immortal words of Jay Cutler, “Donnnnn’t caaaaarrreeee”

Comment by Smoking Jay Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:09 pm
So he is a strict constructionist

Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:13 pm
Rauner placed his right hand on the Bible and raised his left hand. People freaked out. The reaction was so silly.
God help us if we ever elect a Governor that doesn’t have a right arm. /s/

Comment by LOK Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:15 pm
I’ve administered many oaths to office holders and more than a few have requested that I add the phrase, ’so help me God’. More than happy to do so.

The Governor took the oath as it was written. It doesn’t mean he is or isn’t a God fearing man.

It would have been a bigger story if he swore to uphold his duties to the “best of my abilities, or to the extent Speaker Madigan allows me to”.

Comment by Tommydanger Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:20 pm
At least he raised the correct hand.

Comment by Ole' Nelson Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:42 pm
=Didn’t Rauner have the wrong hand on the Bible?=

I think he also had his fingers crossed.

Comment by Deadbeat Conservative Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:55 pm
Too bad churches don’t pay property taxes. They are economic and political organizations after all.

Comment by Theo Crat Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 3:57 pm
“So help me me.”

“So help you you?”

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 4:05 pm
==Didn’t Rauner have the wrong hand on the Bible?==

Not possible. The Constitution does not require a bible or a hand in the air. So, there is no “wrong” hand.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 5:21 pm
Who cares?

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 5:51 pm
Save lots of money close the Sparta Shooting complex

Comment by realworld Tuesday, Jan 15, 19 @ 8:13 pm
Between this and the Rev. Collyer/Collier thing in the inaugural address, I think we’re seeing a pattern: a response to errors of admit it, apologize, fix it.
How refreshingly grownup - I hope this continues.

Comment by Shamrockery Wednesday, Jan 16, 19 @ 7:27 am