Joe Biden faces document scandal. Courtesy | Flickr
Our leaders have broken their oaths and acted dishonorably.
Every president in American history has sworn the same oath upon entering office:
“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
An oath is not merely a promise. It is a solemn, holy vow before God. It should not be taken lightly. And yet, many of our nation’s leaders have either not fulfilled the totality of their oaths, or have ignored them for personal gain. Not only this, but their response to the public revelation of this information has only tainted their character.
To gain honor, leaders must act with humility, not hostile blame-shifting.
They can start by acting more like former Vice President Mike Pence. When classified documents turned up in his home in January, Pence apologized.
“I take full responsibility,” he said.
The difference in his conduct in contrast to that of both our former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden is astounding. Pence informed the National Archives that he found the classified documents. Pence then notified Chairman James Comer of the House Oversight Committee.
“Former Vice President Mike Pence reached out today about classified documents found at his home in Indiana,” Comer said in a statement. “He has agreed to fully cooperate with congressional oversight and any questions we have about the matter. Former Vice President Pence’s transparency stands in stark contrast to Biden White House staff who continue to withhold information from Congress and the American people.”
Pence’s response to these documents is one of humility and honor. He apologized for his mistake, and his actions reflected a desire to correct the situation.
Biden was quick to condemn Trump when classified documents were found in Trump’s home in Florida.
“How that could possibly happen,” Biden said. “How one — anyone could be that irresponsible. And I thought, ‘What data was in there that may compromise sources and methods?’ … Totally irresponsible.”
And yet, after weeks of cover-up, sources revealed that classified documents had been found in Biden’s Delaware home and his office at the Penn Biden Center in Washington, D.C. These documents had been in his possession for more than six years since his vice presidency ended.
Our leaders are too busy blaming one another and pointing fingers and lack the proper humility to admit a mistake and correct it.
Nothing can be done about the fact that multiple leaders have treated sensitive information with less care than appropriate. Their responses speak volumes for their character. Much of this scandal is centered around the coming 2024 elections. There is no doubt that this “pointing fingers” will characterize many of the upcoming debates.
Leaders should respect their oaths of office, but it is just as important that they admit failure instead of painting a false moral high ground. A humble character will serve America best in 2024.
