Attempt to Simplify Citizenship Oath Thwarted by Complaints

[demdave]

WASHINGTON (AP) - An attempt to revise the citizenship oath to make it more meaningful for new Americans has been stalled after conservatives complained it weakened a pledge to serve in the military and eliminated a promise to bear arms.


The revision, which was shorter, removed a line pledging to "renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty." It also eliminated a vow to "bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law," and rewrote a section pledging to serve in the Armed Forces when required by law.

That rewritten section would say: "Where and if lawfully required, I further commit myself to defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, either by military, noncombatant or civilian service."

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA9Y3TSPKD.html

[patdem]

1. noncombatant...better be VERY careful there

[Selwynn]

2. hmmm...

not sure what I think about that... I like the language better but...

[dfong63]

3. now, will the govt please get back to dealing with our REAL problems,

... like that $500 billion budget deficit?

[Paschall]

4. Hate to haggle

But this oath change is important to the hundreds of people who take US citizenship each year.

I hadn't heard of this move, and frankly it surprises me from this administration. But I hope the change goes through.

[demdave]

5. I hope it stays the same. If you want what this country has to offer

and you are willing to step forward and get citizenship then you also sign on for the full set of commitments.