I will have to get back to case for impeachment later because there has been a very interesting development in Washington. As many of you know the President is perturbed that Congress won't give him a blank check funding bill for the Iraq War. The president has warned the Democrats in Congress that "playing politics" with the lives of our soldiers is unacceptable. Of course the President conveniently leaves out that Congress has passed the appropriations, just with the conditions that we pull out by next year. King George has said he will veto anyting but a "clean bill." Even today, the President has extended the "invitation" to Sen Reid and Speaker Pelosi to talk about the bill, but there would be no negotiation on the terms he has outlined.
Funny thing happened however. The leaders of the Congress said no deal, let us know when you want to actually work with us (code: you must negotiate). The money quote comes from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:
"He has to deal with Congress. We are an independent branch of this government, and by our Constitution we have equal say that he has. And he’s got to listen to us. Because we are speaking for the American people; he isn't."
There is the civics lesson that the majority of the country has either missed or forgotten. The Congress is one of three separate and equal branches of the U.S. goverment. It is not forced to give the President anything. The Congress is operating perfectly within its Constitutional duties in requiring the President to negotiate. Just because the President is Commander in Chief doesn't mean he sets all the rules when it comes to legislative process needed to run the military.
This constitutional showdown really goes to show how fragile our republic and the rule of law really is. We have a president that has expanded the power of the exectuive branch for six years without check from the republican controlled congress. The change in power has been a cold slap in the face to that trend. This is a showdown our country desparately needs. Restoring some semblance of power to the represntatives of the people instead of solely in our executive branch. Unfortunately this game of chicken to restore balance in our branches of government comes at the expense of our brave soldiers. I sure hope the President blinks soon.
Recent Comments