Signing statements an abuse of power
(This is from the editorial page of the Asbury Park Press...seems America is waking with a vengeance!!!)
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 06/6/06
One of the most disturbing aspects of the Bush administration is its insistence on conducting so much of the nation's business in secrecy. Our political system was instituted with clear checks and balances, and forums for open political debate. It seems President Bush has little regard for checks, balances, accountability or the Constitution itself.
Recently, it was disclosed that Bush has issued more than 750 presidential signing statements. These are notations a president adds to bills he signs, declaring his interpretation of the law, and how he intends to enforce the law. In many significant cases, the president quietly noted that he would not enforce laws he signed, such as the Congressional ban on the torture of prisoners. This is an obscene circumvention of the constitutional process. This is the main reason the president has yet to issue a veto. By publicly signing a bill, then quietly issuing his intention not to follow the law, he avoids going through the political process and risk of having his veto subject to a congressional override.
Signing statements have been used periodically by presidents since the Reagan administration, but never anywhere near the frequency of Bush. Signing statements are an ill-conceived notion, and should be removed as a presidential tool. The system of three branches of government with checks and balances was instituted to avoid just this kind of abuse of power. Bush seems to be striving for something close to absolute power. He must be stopped in this blatant abuse of his sworn constitutional responsibilities.
Robert Carlisle
FREEHOLD
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 06/6/06
One of the most disturbing aspects of the Bush administration is its insistence on conducting so much of the nation's business in secrecy. Our political system was instituted with clear checks and balances, and forums for open political debate. It seems President Bush has little regard for checks, balances, accountability or the Constitution itself.
Recently, it was disclosed that Bush has issued more than 750 presidential signing statements. These are notations a president adds to bills he signs, declaring his interpretation of the law, and how he intends to enforce the law. In many significant cases, the president quietly noted that he would not enforce laws he signed, such as the Congressional ban on the torture of prisoners. This is an obscene circumvention of the constitutional process. This is the main reason the president has yet to issue a veto. By publicly signing a bill, then quietly issuing his intention not to follow the law, he avoids going through the political process and risk of having his veto subject to a congressional override.
Signing statements have been used periodically by presidents since the Reagan administration, but never anywhere near the frequency of Bush. Signing statements are an ill-conceived notion, and should be removed as a presidential tool. The system of three branches of government with checks and balances was instituted to avoid just this kind of abuse of power. Bush seems to be striving for something close to absolute power. He must be stopped in this blatant abuse of his sworn constitutional responsibilities.
Robert Carlisle
FREEHOLD
posted by Ed at 4:17 PM
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