"This latest controversy is one more manifestation of an executive branch (or, more accurately, now executive BRANCHES) that seems to be making a power grab that would have shocked Barry Goldwater or Ronald Reagan or their followers years ago. Goldwater and Reagan were conservative icons back in the days of yesteryear when conservatism stood for solid principles that not everyone would agree with — but they were solid principles and conservatives could be counted on to defend them.
These days, in a spectacle that seemingly is bigger than “American Idol,” Americans are witnessing a lemmings’ march to the sea as a segment of the Republican party repeatedly adjusts its principles and jettisons old ones so they are in sync with whatever the official preference is at the White House — or Vice President’s office."
Political Scientist Dr. Steven Taylor adds:
"Further, Cheney asserted executive privilege when seeking not to share information about his meetings of his Energy Task Force with the Congress. I guess now that the VP’s office is part of the legislative branch by its own assertion, it will be turning those records over to the leadership of the Senate forthwith."
Heh. Right. I understand Cheney--he is a power hungry tyrant. I don't understand those who support him or defend this administration and call themselves conservatives.
Here is the question. Will Bush rein him in, or will he submit to having the news cycle dominated by the ridiculous question of whether the VP is part of the Executive Branch? Or can Bush do anything with him?
5 comments:
I'm not generally a fan of Rahm Emanuel, but this press release I read at DailyKos is making me reevaluate....
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel issued the following statement regarding his amendment to cut funding for the Office of the Vice President from the bill that funds the executive branch. The legislation – the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill -- will be considered on the floor of the House of Representatives next week.
"The Vice President has a choice to make. If he believes his legal case, his office has no business being funded as part of the executive branch. However, if he demands executive branch funding he cannot ignore executive branch rules. At the very least, the Vice President should be consistent. This amendment will ensure that the Vice President's funding is consistent with his legal arguments. I have worked closely with my colleagues on this amendment and will continue to pursue this measure in the coming days."
Heh.
can Bush do anything with him?
Can? Huh. Don't you mean will?
Mary, I saw that too and chuckled. I kind of wonder if this might be an issue that really pisses Bush off--though, as Tony notes, not much evidence that he will do anything about it.
I think that one of Bush's biggest faults is to surround himself with poor choices. He then rewards them with loyalty and an unwillingness to reign them in or get rid of them.
Yep. Not something you would normally associate with "leadership," eh? Someone who hires bad people and refuses to actually, well, "lead" them?
This is the worst president in history, and the most destructive Vice President.
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