I'm writing this paper for Soc class... long story short (I really should be working :) I finally realized what's so wrong about John Ashcroft being anointed with oil whenever he begins a new position in civil service. After all, the kings of France were anointed with oil at their coronations, as were pre-diaspora Jewish priests; oil is used in the Greek Orthodox baptism and in sacraments for the sick of various Christian denominations, as well as the Catholic taking of Holy Orders. So nothing's wrong with the practice in general.
Instead, it's the fact that
Ashcroft isn't qualified to be anointed with oil. He is not king, priest or prophet; he's attorney general of the United States of America. It's presumptuous for him to be anointed during his induction.
posted by Maureen at 8:39 PM
