While looking at various news items, I read about Okanogan County, in Washington State welcoming its first woman sheriff. That’s indeed a milestone for ANY locality.

I want to stress that I congratulate Jodie Barcus on becoming the first woman Sheriff for Okanogan County; yet, I couldn’t help but notice the accompanying photo of her right hand held upward (appropriately), while her left hand looked so limp, held horizontally at her waistline. I realize a Holy Bible (or other holy book) isn’t required there; although it gives a greater solemnity to the pledge ceremony. It is a solemn promise to the people, not to be taken lightly.

Many people in our current age of protests and defiance want to be creative and use other books, instead. That is wrong. A holy book helps bind a person to their word-of-honor. Yes, they can lie, but “Faith” is the anchor most people hold dear. Just three months ago, one politician on the East Coast used a book of selected readings. On Jan. 20, 2026, the incoming Governor of New Jersey Mikie Sherrill took her Oath-of-Office on an old book. While it had the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in it, those are “Documents,” not “anchors of fidelity to a pledge.” Solemn promises and vows are taken on a holy book for a reason: To bind faithful compliance. In other words: It’s a “Morals Anchor.” Whether a marriage vow or otherwise; the act is invoking God’s aid or else be condemned and forsworn as a liar.

In the State of Ohio, some Oaths of Office end with the words: [This I do as I shall answer unto God.]” I like that concept very much. In Nebraska, many Oaths of Office (even for Municipal and County Offices) include a loyalty clause: “I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this state by force or violence.” This oath is required for many public employees and officials. While not fool-proof, this type of conscience-twinge helps.

Even the State of Florida is considering Legislation to have public school teachers take a Loyalty Oath. It seems like almost every week these days, we hear about a case of a school teacher or secretary (mostly female ones, and quite a number of them nowadays) getting caught having sexual intercourse with 15- to 17-year-old boys. Thus, some type of morals clause, with teeth is needed. While it may not totally deter such crimes, it would add more LEGAL provisos, which would be a deterrent, if they knew they faced added consequences and shame for breaking said Oath. Years ago, many States even allowed wronged spouses to legally “sue” for “Alienation of Affection.” Some of these pedophile teachers are young (perhaps 30-45 year old range), fairly good-looking, and in many cases married teachers or secretaries. Ostensibly, with their beauty, and supposed training, they would have no need to stray, and commit sexual violations of minors in their cars, classrooms or homes. Some may have a mental disorder of “tempting fate” by risking illicit fleeting encounters.

The point of all of this is: If Oath-takers make solemn pledges and are obviously “caught,” the aspects of monetary fines and losing jobs isn’t enough to give them second-thoughts. However, evidence of “breaking a written Oath” might do the trick. It might teach them to avoid shame – and avoid prison-time. Kansas should enact similar Oaths-of-Office stipulations.

James A. Marples

Esbon, Kan.