Inauguration Week

Just as a footnote to the "changing of the guard" this week. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts incorrectly recited the Presidential oath of office on Tuesday to Barrack Obama. Wednesday the Chief Justice came to the Oval Office and without cameras or ceremony swore in the President one more time. There were enough concerns over the public goof to repeat the oath to be completely complicit with the Constitution. So here is my concern.

John Roberts has known for a very long time that he would administer the oath of office to whomever won the election. Since November Justice Roberts has known it would be Mr. Obama. The Judge knew it would be administered in front of world wide television cameras and a crowd of almost two million people. The oath is 35 words, and normally it is simply read from a piece of paper. With history and the Constitution on the line, don't you think Justice John could have rehearsed a little to get it right?

I mean come on. In the 44 times the oath has been given over two decades, it has never needed a "do over". In some cases the oath has been given by a Supreme Court Judge half again as old as young Chief Roberts. If he was still a law student he would have gotten a D or maybe an F.

Here is my suggestion. Since it can be done in the Oval office the next day why not hire an actor to give the oath on camera? An actor who could memorize 35 words and deliver them with the emotion the moment requires for a good show. Get one of those actors who make a career out of playing Judges on television. One of the guys from Boston Legal, or Law and Order, a guy that knows how we think a Judge would act. Even better call Judge Wopner out of retirement or if you need to add a comedy element, Judge Judy.

I mean the show must go on. Next time hire the right talent.

As you were,
Jay