In the last analysis, of course, an oath will encourage fidelity in office only to the degree that officeholders continue to believe that they cannot escape ultimate accountability for a breach of faith.
Fidelity - a virtue peculiar to those who are about to be betrayed.
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.
Total loyalty is possible only when fidelity is emptied of all concrete content, from which changes of mind might naturally arise.