Ethics

Did GW Say SHMG?

By Ed Brayton

My co-blogger at American Creation Ray Soller has done Yeoman's work showing that the historical record does NOT demonstrate George Washington added "So Help Me God" to his oath of office. This historical nuance is playing a part of Michael Newdow's present lawsuit to restrain John Roberts from adding those words to the Constitution's required oath. Note, the President elect would still be free to add those words himself; the Chief Justice would be forbidden from adding them.

To see a professional historian of the highest caliber make the case, check out Dr. Peter Henriques' recent article on the matter.

Or you can watch/listen to Michael Newdow's School House Rock like telling of the story:

Full post as published by Dispatches from the Culture Wars on January 13, 2009 (boomark / email).