Question Author
I was aware that there had already been some discussion of the leak on another thread, but wanted to restrict my question to the oath, disregarding the context entirely. Even after asking similar questions on that thread, I see repeat requests for detail s about the leak to be the antithesis of what I asked, so my thanks to Calicogirl and others for retaining perspective.
To suggest that swearing on one's children's lives is 'just something you say' is an insult. Many people put a few quid on the Grand National or the national lottery because they don't mind losing. If you consider your children on a par, perhaps you should never have procreated.
As a commissioned officer in the Royal Naval Reserve, Williamson is considered a leader of fighting folk. How would our military be if every soldier, sailor or Air Force person took the attitude that it is fine to sacrifice colleagues as long as you yourself stay safe?
If our own leaders use language as falsely and insidiously as this, how can we criticise perceived standards in schools or on Jeremy Kyle. Edward Leigh, MP, recently spoke in the Commons of "piscine off" voters. John Major had 'bastands' in his cabinet. Do we have any right to complain about anti-social behaviour on the streets when this is the example set.
If Williamson is found to have lied, I would not expect him to hand over his children for the nation to decide their fate, although it raises questions of his suitability as a parent and the children's mother's judgment in choosing a mate. To comply would be a sign of honour, whereas to have lied would already have ruled it out.