George W Bush may have damaged this Democracy beyond all repair.
The Constitution defines the powers of the Executive Branch and the Presidency. George W Bush took power beyond those which are defined in the Constitution.
As of now the President CAN spy on me, name me a terrorist, imprison me without trial and torture me until I confess to something. Should it give me any comfort that he promises not to do so? Or should I wait until some President (or his advisors) feel less squeamish about it?
With those new extra-Constitutional power, George W Bush became MORE THAN just a President. With the new and un-Constitutional powers of office, the Presidency under Bush became less Democratic and more Authoritarian.
For all intents and purposes, George W Bush was more than a man, but less than a God.
Now that President Obama holds the office, it is his duty to restore the powers of the Executive branch to their original status as defined within the Constitution.
So far, the Obama Administration has applied the same strategy Bush had been following to matters related to the Iraq-Torture scandal, all while telling us repeatedly, “No. Trust us. We will handle it. “
and we are supposed to believe them.
When George W Bush and his administration took new Executive Powers for themselves they let the Genie out of the bottle. Our job is to put the Genie back in.
So, what happens if POTUS Obama does not intend to abdicate the un-Constitutional powers of the executive branch that were illegally taken by the Bush Administration. What if he will not deny future Presidents the ability to name citizens “enemy combatants”. What if he will not deny our Government the ability to illegal spy on citizens without a specific warrant. What if he will not deny future Presidents the ability to torture when necessary. His Chief Of Staff has said as much. But he promises not to let it happen again.
President Obama, your promises are meaningless to me.
Your actions speak volumes.
The day I fully believe the promises of any politician is the day I pack my bags for the funny farm. Especially after the last President, and especially when I consider who may be the next one.
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
If Obama does not CHANGE his view on this issue, I can no longer have any HOPE he will be able to administer his office as required under the Oath he swore to when he accepted it.
What matters more than our basic HUMAN RIGHTS? Tax code and global warming mean nothing to a man tied to a rack.
And if you can do it to somebody, you can do it to anybody.
To those who would say that this will mean the Republicans will win, I ask you, which should I prefer?
the straight road to hell?
or the scenic route?
