Feb. 24, 2025: Author and IP attorney Timothy Trainer says “Let’s look at the law — Learn about the reality of Mindless Ceremony v. Meaning”

Monday Morning Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — At Inkandescent PR + Publishing Co., we love featuring authors. So it’s an incredible honor to introduce you to our new client, IP attorney Timothy Trainer, the author of seven books (so far), including his latest works of fiction, “The China Connection” and “The China Factor.”

Given his experience and expertise in China, we are thrilled to have Tim share his insights on world events, including his latest blog post: “Let’s look at the law — Learn about the reality of Mindless Ceremony v. Meaning.” Scroll down for that.

Click here to read more of his articles that keep up-to-date on what’s happening with China and also to learn more about his previous books. In March, we’ll share the new website that the Inkandescent team is building for Tim. Stay tuned for that!

Until next Monday: May you have the courage and determination to understand the latest news, even when it’s tough to look.” — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us

Inkandescent Women magazine • BeInkandescent Health & Wellness magazine • Inkandescent Radio • Inkandescent.tv • Inkandescent Shop • Inkandescent Books

“Mindless Ceremony v. Meaning,” insights from IP Attorney and Author Timothy Trainer

Is it just a photo op? Is it just a formality? Is it just ceremonial for families and a few select officials? Or, is there an expectation of respecting and fulfilling the duties as embodied in the words of an oath of office or position?

The Constitution, Article II, Section 1 requires the incoming president to recite the oath of office: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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.”

The incoming president is not the only person subject to an oath of duty. The Constitution’s Article VI states that “Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution . . . .” Every member of Congress (House and Senate) has taken the following oath since 1884: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.

For individuals taking a position within the federal government, the oath of taking their position is found in Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 3331.  “I, NAME, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

A similar oath is required of individuals entering the military service of the United States. The oath for members entering military service is found in Title 10, U.S. Code, Chapter 31, Section 502. It requires these individuals to “[s]olemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

For good measure, here is an additional example of an oath. After passing the Ohio Bar Exam, becoming a licensed attorney in the state requires one to take the following oath:

I, NAME, hereby (swear or affirm) that I will support the Constitution and the laws of the United States and the Constitution and the laws of Ohio, and I will abide by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. In my capacity as an attorney and officer of the Court, I will conduct myself with dignity and civility and show respect toward judges, court staff, clients, fellow professionals, and all other persons.

Here’s what I see: It appears that the various oaths place protection of the foundations and principles of the country as provided for by the Constitution and the bills passed by the various legislative bodies and signed into law above any individual. And, even the oath of military members has a caveat regarding obedience to the orders of the President given the reference to fulfilling orders in accordance with the regulations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice as if to say one is not obligated to follow an order that contravenes law or the Constitution.

As the Trump Administration guts agencies and fires workers without any concern as to whether people were good, efficient and committed to their jobs, he seeks a government of people committed to him. Essentially, that means there is no commitment to the laws of the United States or the Constitution. The commitment to support and defend the Constitution would be eliminated.

And here’s what I want to know: What do we expect from your elected officials and those civil servants working in government agencies and the military? Do you want them to fulfill their daily functions with an eye toward serving those who are the intended recipients of their and their agencies’ efforts? Or, alternatively, do you want them to fill jobs to serve and please one person without any regard to the country? That seems to be the choice that this Administration wants people to make.

Thoughts, ideas, questions? Send us an email.