Elmasry's Replacement for the Lord's Prayer

I've often criticized my colleague Mohamed Elmasry in this blog (see here and here). However, in a recent issue of our local paper, the Kitchener-Waterloo Record, Prof. Elmasry makes a very good suggestion:

I believe that most Ontarians, whether they profess religion or follow no religion at all, would agree with me that the Lord's Prayer should be replaced, not by another prayer, but with an inclusive and purposeful pledge-to-serve. It might go something like this:

"We pledge to serve all the people of Ontario with integrity and competence; to put the interests of the people above our personal interests; to put public good above party politics; to lead by example as role models and honest citizens; to serve all constituents justly, regardless of their wealth, power, or influence; to respect our colleagues and their opinions; to celebrate the diversity and culture of Ontario's people; to build a strong, just, and more inclusive society; to co-operate in working to eradicate poverty and homelessness; to provide adequate and dignified assistance to the sick and disabled, the elderly and the young, the student and the challenged learner; the newcomer and the unemployed. Above all, we who are privileged to serve in government pledge to not misuse our power and to spend Ontarians' tax dollars only for the public good."

Although I might quibble with the wording in a few places, I think this is not a bad idea at all.