Bush hits a new low

[Aliantha]

Do you not have referendums in your country?

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

Do you not have referendums in your country?

Not in the sense I think you are thinking. Congress would have to inact some law; the White House would challenge it; they would go back and forth for 10 years or so; the Supreme Court would settle it (narrowly); an new wrinkle would be found and the whole process would start anew IMHO. And the beat goes on...

[tw]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

Do you not have referendums in your country?

Referendum is a California attitude not yet shared in most of the country. President can even issue a 'finding', keep it secret, and have it executed even if that finding is in violation of the Constitution. Why? If no one 'blows the whistle', then it is unknown and not unConstitutional. The American president has massive powers traditionally kept in check by more honest presidents.

At one point, even the US Supreme Court made provisions for a remote possibility - its occupation by the US Army under order of Pres Nixon. That president was only kept in check by a large number of courageous Americans who stood up for America rather than for political party loyalty.

[Griff]

Originally Posted by tw

The American president has massive powers traditionally kept in check by more honest presidents.

I don't buy it. American Presidents have been ratcheting up their power from day one. All the so-called great Presidents ignored the constitutional constraints on the office. That a Republican President has the temerity to abuse the office is upsetting Democrats, but notice that they have done nothing to control him. It is notable that we have crossed a threshold, we now have an extremely unpopular President who continues to do as he pleases and yet the Congress remains supine. Congressional Democrats need to stop whining and start doing.