[freeeee]

My statements on this thread are not just directed at Bush. They concern the unconstitutional powers exercised by the executive branch, regardless of who inhabits it.

My concern over the power of the executive was shared by many here during the Clinton administration. As you may recall, a popular saying here was "Stroke of the pen, law of the land", in reference to Clinton's abuse of executive orders. Now that "Their man" is in office, many FReeper's memories seem to suffer, and whatever the executive does is A-OK (that is if it is to their liking).

When the Democrats eventually retake the presidency, suddenly it will again be fashionable here to complain about abuses of excessive executive powers. But the same lack of memory will be present as Republicans will forget just who gave the executive those powers to abuse. With a strait face, they'll say it's all the Democrats fault. Just watch.

[Miss Marple]

My preference is that executive orders be restricted to reversing previous EO's. As you will note, I commented that the abortion question should not, and cannot, be solved by an EO.

The only other EO use that I would condone is one done in a national emergency for security reasons.

On the other hand, I do understand the temptation when one is faced with a Daschle-ized Senate.