[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

That even in emergency situations you can't give unlimited power to the executive for indefinite period of time? I guess I understand the power of fear in shaping emotions, but people really should look at history, especially the collapse of the Roman Republic or the Weimar Republic.

I believe the Roman Republic did give the Consul (executive) dictatorial powers during time of war.

And Lincoln ignored the constitution when it inteferred with his conduct of the Civil war.

[garbanzo]

believe the Roman Republic did give the Consul (executive) dictatorial powers during time of war.

Yeah...it was for six months though. However the eventually the dictators didn't leave when they were supposed to and eventually declared themselves emperors and the republic was finished.