With all the other calamities and electoral bluster from the hustings, we haven't heard much about the President's usurpation of signing statements as his own unconstitutional line-item veto. Today, thanks to this article, we can pull back the curtain on a particularly onerous signing statement.
From the White House website:
Today, I have signed into law H.R. 4986, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The Act authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, for military construction, and for national security-related energy programs.
Here's the kicker (bold mine):
Provisions of the Act, including sections 841, 846, 1079, and 1222, purport to impose requirements that could inhibit the President's ability to carry out his constitutional obligations to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, to protect national security, to supervise the executive branch, and to execute his authority as Commander in Chief. The executive branch shall construe such provisions in a manner consistent with the constitutional authority of the President.
Keep in mind, this is signed into law just like the Schoolhouse Rock video showed us when we were kids. Wondering what those sections might be that our Chief Executive is choosing to ignore?
One such provision sets up a commission to probe contracting fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan. Another expands protections for whistleblowers who work for government contractors. A third requires that U.S. intelligence agencies promptly respond to congressional requests for documents. And a fourth bars funding for permanent bases in Iraq and for any action that exercises U.S. control over Iraq’s oil money.
To recap:
1. He can ignore a law that calls for a commission to probe contracting fraud.
2. He can illegally deny protection to whistleblowers who work for government contractors.
3. Contrary to the law, Congressional requests for documents from intelligence agencies can be ignored.
4. He can controvert the law and set up permanent bases in Iraq and he can continue to assert US control over Iraqi oil money.
When I say monarchy, I mean it. Erase Schoolhouse Rock from your memory banks, because government doesn't work that way any more. The sheer gall of this goverment is appalling, certainly impeachable, and potentially treasonous.
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4 comments:
I clicked on "this article" I just sort of skimmed the rest because it is so sickening (what I read in the first "click"). Not that I am some "yellow dog Democrat," however, I dislike Bush very much (as opposed to "hate") . He has been such a detrement to our Country. No offense to you "Republicans" or Bush supporters, but I can't stand the individual...he is nothing but a redneck manipulating bully. Yes, I agree, the "appalling, certainly impeachable, and potentially treasonous" gall of this government is at best, unpatriotic. Thanks for the posting.
Thanks for the comment. I have one bone to pick. I think you do real rednecks a great disservice. Most of the rednecks I've encountered are very honest, if a bit rough around the edges. Bush is a Northeastern prep school cheerleader who wears a cowboy costume.
Steve, you sound surprised. Isn't this the kind of government that conservatives consistently promise (i.e., an expansion of executive power)?
You should meet the rednecks where I live--they drive snowmobiles around their yards and wear lots of neon.
Yhea Steve, Thanks for pointing that out -- I could have left out the word "redneck" and manipulating bully would have served just fine.
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