MY WORD!

On the occasion of the AIG scandal

Galations 3:15  "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto."

Although this quote is from the Bible, it refers to what we know as Common Law. Generally speaking a person's word is binding. Specifically, a contract cannot be broken unilaterally or by a third party. Common law predates our Bible and probably most legal or religious systems.

History and scripture both hold numerous examples of people making bad deals, yet they still fulfilled them. It was a manner of honor and integrity. Esua sold his inheritance for one meal; surely one of the worst deals in all of history. Esau's father Isaac was fooled by Jacob into giving the father's blessing to Jacob rather than Esau. Esau, being a profane person, tried to get his father to renege on his blessing. Isaac explained it can't be done. A promise given cannot be taken back. Esau had to stick to his promises the same as Isaac fulfilled his promises.

The people of Israel made a hasty alliance with the people of Gibeon. Although it was an embarrassing example of work done in ignorance and haste it was still a promise. They had to keep it. Later on, Israel had to defend the Gibeonites as though they were their own people. Lack of proper investigation is not an excuse. A bad deal is still a deal and must be honored.

And poor Jephthah! Just popping off his mouth caused him to lose his daughter. His word was his bond, even in the extreme case of killing his own child. I do not condone his action, but use this as an example of the seriousness of a promise, in this case an oath.

"Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto."

Recently, the Congress of the United States passed a law in haste and ignorance. This law specifically and legally authorized the infamous AIG bonuses. The members of our Congress did not know, so they claim, that such a clause was in the law. Yet it was certainly there. Now that certain people acted on the promise in the law, our Congress has voted to take away the money. What's Congress' word worth? Apparently nothing.

"Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto."

Furthermore, the bonuses are alleged to be part of a pre-existing contract. Since when does Congress have a right to change contracts? Is EVERY agreement subject to the whim of Congress? Are we truly entering the age of mob rule? Jesus himself was crucified to please the mob. This happened in the same city that greeted Him as king only days earlier.

I am ashamed of our Congress.