The point of all of this is to raise the question of the executive branch's unprecedented power grab over the last 8 years. Here's where we stand today: Obama and Biden have criticized this administration for this reason; McCain has been silent on the topic (as far as I can tell); Palin seems to agree with Bush and Cheney, but in fairness, we know very little about her views on the subject because of her severely limited press availability (some have demanded she hold a real press conference). Still, even with Obama and Biden we know precious little about whether they plan to reverse this trend. After all, history has repeatedly shown that what Government takes over, it rarely relinquishes, even after the initial impetus disappears. This is the greatest argument for conservatism (IMHO).
So, my question to both McCain and Obama is this: Do you agree that the executive branch has expanded its powers over the last 8 years beyond its constitutional limits? What will you do as President to roll back these powers?
Now, I recognize that the current economic crisis has basically led to the semi-nationalization of the financial system and has vastly grown the executive branch's powers beyond anything we ever imagined. Nevertheless, I think we need to understand where these candidates stand on the general topic because that will tell us how much they value the constitution. In case this seems like a minor issue, let me remind you that the President takes the following oath:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Before January 20, 2009 comes, we need to know how, or rather, whether, our next President intends to fulfill this oath. Because the last 8 years have shown that we cannot simply take this for granted.
2 comments:
You said:
"After all, history has repeatedly shown that what Government takes over, it rarely relinquishes, even after the initial impetus disappears. This is the greatest argument for conservatism (IMHO)."
Good point. I heartily concur. I do have my initial gut feeling as to which current Presidential candidate *might* do better at simplifying the govt and rolling back some powers, but what do I know?
One thing's for sure...(at least in my mind) - ONE of those two candidates is clearly much more apt to expand govt meddling, er, I mean involvement in matters they shouldn't be sticking their noses in.
So I'm going to be giving my first vote ever, NOT to the latter candidate.
Interesting post. :) Do you and K share the same political leanings?
Hey Sarah! Thanks for your comment. First, I'm glad you're voting for the first time...I always encourage that regardless of who you're voting for :)
I wouldn't say that my wife has any political leanings purely because she doesn't care much for politics. But, I am slowly working on her. She has been voting in the general elections, so that's good.
I don't have a feeling that either candidate is planning on rolling back govt, not until they explicitly say HOW they intend to do so. Besides, with today's financial crisis and what govt has had to do, I don't expect govt to even have the option of stepping back for many, many years.
All said, I think all the previous rules are now out the window...the Republicans have expanded govt the most since FDR, and the Dems have nominated a constitutional scholar for President...go figure.
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