The government is now demanding a loyalty oath????

[greatauntoftriplets]

GULF COAST CRISIS: VOLUNTEER HASSLES
<0>

Helper refused to sign oath; state refused help

By John Bebow
Tribune staff reporter
Published September 22, 2005

Jessica Parman wanted to help hurricane victims but didn't see the need to pledge allegiance to her government to do it.

Parman said she was turned away from a hurricane relief center in Chicago last week because she refused to sign an oath presented by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

The oath required, in part, that volunteers "support and defend" the United States and Illinois Constitutions and swear not to "advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization" that advocated the overthrow of the state or federal governments "by force or violence."

Parman said she told volunteer coordinators that she thought the oath violated her 1st Amendment rights. So the coordinators, Parman said, denied her access to the volunteer center at Fosco Park Community Center, 13th Street and Racine Avenue.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0509220217sep22,1,802481.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

[leveymg]

1. Similar oath as induction to the military or swearing into federal office

I don't recall the reference to foreswearing membership "in any political party or organization" that advocates the overthrow, etc.

This seems a bit much for a volunteer position handing out water bottles.

[acmejack]

2. These folks are totally over the edge!

Thats ridiculous, these people are really getting carried away. A loyalty oath to volunteer? I am afraid I would refuse to sign as well.

[ladylibertee]

3. LAWSUIT !!!!!! They cannot force her to do that.It DOES violate

her rights.I guess that would mean she cannot vote come election time right?ILLINOIS is ILL-ANNOYING!!!:mad:

[drduffy]

4. such idiocy

they can take their loyalty oaths and shove them the same place George should be shoved.

[Joe Chi Minh]

5. Would that not constitute 'duresse',

particularly since people's lives are in jeopardy, precisely as a result of the gross dereliction of the same government? Presumably, its' purpose is to prevent their attesting to what they witness in the course of the rescue work.

[Oilwellian]

8. Or...

Would talking to the Katrina victims about the gross dereliction of their government be considered a violation of that oath?

[Callalily]

6. Totally ridiculous

To sign such an oath, yes it is unconstitutional. That oath has nothing to do with being a temporary relief worker. It's too bad that our government is turning away caring citizens. What kind of message is being sent here?

[Inland]

7. If Chicago were an epicenter of an armed insurrection, I could see this.

Because FEMA would be at work in a civil war or civil uprising, too.

But what bureaucrat thought this was necessary in every single situation? The woman is probably going to haul contributions. Do you really need an oath, and if you did, wouldn't it be to bend one's knees when lifting?

By the way, the oath is similar to what I took to become an Illinois attorney.

[no_hypocrisy]

9. This is McCarthy Redux.

During the 50's and into the 80's, citizens wishing to work in the public sector were compelled to take a loyalty oath, similar to the one you cited. I know it as a fact as I didn't want to, but had to take one with tears going down my cheeks in order to become a public school teacher in New Jersey ca. 1983. All I know about it is it is a barrier to certain jobs. I don't think you can be arrested and prosecuted if it later turns out you had your fingers crossed while taking the oath.