The title of an article, "Shift on Executive Power Lets Obama Bypass Rivals" by Charlie Savage in yesterday's New York Times on-line caught my eye this morning.
In it, the author states that increasingly in recent months, the administration has been seeking ways to act without Congress. He says that according to aides, the president coined a slogan, "We Can't Wait" at a strategy meeting, under which the White House has rolled out dozens of new policies such as, creating jobs for veterans, preventing drug shortages, raising fuel economy standards, curbing domestic violence and more.
And although many in Congress are upset by this tactic, whereas they think it's an over-stepping or abuse of executive power, I don't agree with them for two reasons. First of all, it's something that's been done by many presidents before when faced with opposition in the House, Senate or both, and so long as the decisions remain within the limits set in the Constitution, it's not illegal either. However, I believe my second reason's far more important.
Despite the politics involved, which would naturally lead to nay votes on the other side in Congress, much of the legislation proposed by the administration happens to be terrible to begin with, regardless of political affiliation. Consequently, practically none of it can get any traction because even the president's allies realize that their constituents don't like it. Furthermore, the most significant reason for proposing the ideas in the first place seems like political payback to special interest groups that helped the incumbent get elected, rather than a dedication to passing sound legislation for all.
Therefore, if my preceding supposition's correct, the best thing rivals can do for themselves is to sit back and let this process continue unencumbered. Because, this is simply another example of how, step-by-step, the administration continues to alienate or upset almost every segment of the population there is.
However, if opposition happens to force the incumbent to support sound ideas and change his approach to where he'd build better relationships and actually benefit the majority of voters, he'll likely remain in office another four years instead of only nine more months. Consequently, the best thing rivals can do regarding the president's stretching of power is to simply shut up and watch him self-destruct next November.
That's it for today folks.
Adios
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