I have, for a very long time, maintained the Presidents, if they are going to use something to "validate" their oath, should take the Oath of Office on a copy of the Constitution. If there is to be any sort of significant symbolism to the ceremony, it is more appropriate to fully commit to the office on a document embracing not only the founding ideals of the United States as set forth by the Founders, but also embracing all aspects of American society without a hint of exclusion or favoritism. Actually, there is nothing in the Constitution mandating the oath be taken using any sort of document as validation, secular, religious, or otherwise; it kind of makes one wonder why the Founders saw fit to exclude any such provision; perhaps they were wiser than those who seek to put their brand unnecessarily on matters not to be trifled. But, given the past performance of those in the past who have given their oaths on a Bible, we might as well just have them swear on a copy of a shopping list...
<O>