I listened yesterday to a caller to a talk radio show explain her concern that President Obama and Congressional Democrats were going to manipulate things to make Obama president for life. The talk show host, Neal Boortz, explained to the woman that this was not very likely because such a change required amending the Constitution and that required more than just the President and the Congressional Democrats.
The caller was unconvinced because she clearly did not understand this fundamental of American government.
It is scary that a U.S. citizen could be so ignorant of our Constitution and our governing system as to be unable to understand what underlies presidential power. It is even scarier to think that this U.S. citizen and many like her have access to our ballot boxes. I read and hear of this ignorance often, from both sides of the political spectrum. To the right, people are dreaming up schemes from Democrats and to the left they’re insisting Obama take actions he simply has no power to take.
This is neither new nor unique to our present time. Far too many people thought Bush brought down the World Trade Center and blew up the levies in New Orleans. Clinton was rumored to have secret ties to former Soviet leaders and spies whom he befriended in his student days. Every administration has had similar challenges from both sides.
Vigilance is important. In fact, vigilance is vital. But folks, understanding the Constitution and with it, the role and powers of each federal office should be a part of that vigilance. That understanding should also form the basis of the demands we place on our public officials and our fellow citizens.
Even those that contend our Constitution is highly malleable to the will of the people and that our founders are relics of bygone era should recognize that it is our Constitution, and our knowledge of that document, that keeps us free.
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There’s been numerous attempts over the years to repeal the 22nd amendment (presidential term limits). This was passed after 4 terms of FDR. It seems to make the rounds every year; some representative or 2 tries to get it on the agenda for discussion, and it gets shot down fairly quickly. Last I read was last year between the election and inaugauration (sp?). So it’s not limited to making Obama “president for life” (heaven forbid).
I can certainly see how easily one can be swayed by rhetoric without doing any research on an issue…which is what this caller sounded like. Right now the Dems have their hands full…trying to balance keeping their cushy jobs (with great health care benefits) vs. working on Obama’s agenda.
I think this is what they mean by Obama Derangement Syndrome. The difference is that we now have a 24-hour news network devoted to producing, and then covering, this type of controversy. This is sooooo much more interesting than Glass Steagal. Let’s fiddle while Rome burns!
Who was in charge when Glass-Steagal was repealed…A lib hero DollarBill Clinton…
Earth to Marty – the repeal of Glass Steagal had such strong republican support in Congress that even if Clinton had vetoed it, the republicans had enough votes to override a veto. So your point is moot.
I didn’t say it wasn’t a bi-partisan cluster-f**k, I just mentioned it was that stalwart of the left, the afore- mentioned William Jefferson Blight Clinton, along with Phil Graham, famous Texas RINO,were instrumental in it’s passing, if memory serves.
And really, thanks for bringing me back to Earth…And my points are never moot…only incomplete…
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