Obama Rolls Back Unconstitutional George W. Bush Signing Statement Policy
Reader Comments
Unconstitutional laws
I see no reason the president's signing statement can't be taken into account when the laws passed by congress end up in in front of the judiciary. It's part of the system of checks and balances. The president is responsible for restraining congress and the judiciary just as they are responsible for restraining each other and the presidency. That's the whole point of the checks and balances of the United States government. But just scribbling something on the bottom of a bill does not give it the force of law or void the law. But the judiciary can read the scribble and decide if it should apply or not.
Signing Statements
I think Americans sometimes forget they live in a system that was specifically set up to ensure democratic accountability. Apart from its legislative role, one of the most important functions of Congress is holding the executive to account. And it is precisely because it has not been doing this job effectively, that we have had the abuse of executive power of the Bush years. Obama's move to reverse the frequency of signing statements is a much needed attemopt to restore some semblance of balance between the executive and the legislature.
Drop a pebble of secrets in a pond
I don't believe that congress should have the privillege of top secrets. They are not worthy with such responsibilities nor are they fit to resume the power of such duties. What is America becoming? I fear that question in itself. But I must say that our leaders we so profoundly trusts have lots their integrity and are becoming more foolish. They rather gain power and popularity over justice, money over innocent all in all corruption and greed. I can gurantee that there will be a ripple in the pond when the congress has that amount of power to receive, "top secrets."
example, to the highest bidder, who will buy my top secret.Dangerous indeed.Caution, only few should have such responsibility, with many comes disaster.
SOUNDS TO ME...
as if we don't have much of a constitution if a president gets to interpret and enforce it based solely oh his judgment - I'm just sayin'...
If there is another Terroist Attack, and there will be
Mark my words that Mr. Obama will change his position.
And when the attack does happen the entire world will know who is to blame, Mr. Obama. There will be no need for a commission to figure it out this time, the buck will stop right at the oval office.
Giving secret information to Congress is the biggest mistake in the world. Don't forget the Sen. Feinstein just told the world that we had a secret base in Pakistan. So go ahead and applaud Mr. Obama while beating up on Bush again, but just hope that none of your loved ones are affected by this decision.
If there is another Terroist Attack, and there will be
Mark my words that Mr. Obama will change his position.
And when the attack does happen the entire world will know who is to blame, Mr. Obama. There will be no need for a commission to figure it out this time, the buck will stop right at the oval office.
Giving secret information to Congress is the biggest mistake in the world. Don't forget the Sen. Feinstein just told the world that we had a secret base in Pakistan. So go ahead and applaud Mr. Obama while beating up on Bush again, but just hope that none of your loved ones are affected by this decision.
