Quote Originally Posted by walter View Post
I don't agree.
It is a private building.
Whom did the clerk swear the oath to?
The public is a collection of persons.
A good idea would be to get it right from the "horse's mouth"; why not ask the local clerk?

Write a simple letter with short simple questions, like:

Is the building where you operate as clerk a public or private building?

In order to "swear", and have any meaning or value behind it, one must do so appealing to a higher authority. Any meaningful oath is sworn to God.

The clerk has many duties, but most of all, it is to be the keeper, holder and authenticator of the public record.

The word person can be defined in any number of ways. People have a right to be secure in their papers and their persons without interference. Any clerk who swore an oath is bound to not interfere with such rights.

The main purpose of those who hold office in "government" is to secure, protect and restore property. Rights are property.