[Tublecane]

It says it’s optional, so who gives a crud?

Two problems I have with this. Firstly, why do we occasionally pretend oaths still matter in our contractual/egalitarian society? Secondly, why would we have to pledge allegiance to anything, including the Constitution, if the people are sovereign? I understand if you’re serving as an officer of the constitutional government. But since when did being a good citizen require allegiance to scraps of paper? Those laws are to pen in the state, not us.

[ExGeeEye]

If we don't support and defend the constitution, and scowl menacingly at the government it's supposed to pen while cleaning our rifles, what incentive has that government to follow the Constitution? What then compels that government to remain penned?

I believe we all ought to commit ourselves, privately or openly, with or without formal oaths, to bearing "allegiance to scraps of paper". Those "scraps of paper" are all that stands between us and tyranny.