Undoing the Imperial Presidency

[GoLeft TV]

Run time: 06:59 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3i99xYB5K4   Posted on YouTube: September 24, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: September 25, 2009 By DU Member: GoLeft TV Views on DU: 855

 
It might surprise a lot of our listeners to know that the US Constitution actually gives very little power to the President of the United States. This was no accident. The Founding Fathers realized that if they gave too much power to the commander in chief, America could once again be facing a situation like the one that led to the American Revolution. In spite of this, US presidents have been increasing their powers over the last few decades, setting dangerous precedents for those who follow them. Since Congress seems to have turned a blind eye to these abuses, the only hope left is with the citizens of the United States. Mike Papantonio of Air America's Ring of Fire talks about what we can do restore the constitution with David Swanson, author of the new book "Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union."

[Captain Hilts]

1. The Presidency was designed to be powerful. Many of the powers, such as the pardon

and to commit troops, are derived directly from the British monarchy.

It was balanced by a Bill of Rights derived from the French Rights of Man.

The nuclear era and the sole responsibility for The Button, is what empowered the modern presidency.

[Piewhacket]

2. Thats our david! Nice interview.

the federal government was to be one of limited and enumerated powers.
that was the theory at the time. federalism.

it is said by the sages that the theory was last seen long, long ago,
in in a mythical kingdom far, far away.
some say that it might still live there,
while others say it met a violent and unpleasant death,

who can say.

[MissMillie]

3. Somehow the unsuccessful use of the Unitary Executive Theory

(by Nixon) made Bush/Cheney think they could do anything they wanted with no checks and balances. Scary thought that people actually bought into that (and still do).

[90-percent]

4. Unitary Executive Theory

Another scary thing is that the precedents for the Unitary Executive Theory are in full force and all the things Cheney wanted as far as unlimited power for the white House are still in place!

The only thing preventing these powers being unleashed again in an even more unconstitutional manner is the benevolence of the current White House occupant at any given time.

Wait until America elects a President that is not as kind and wise as GWB was!

Not to mention, I think Obama is taking advantage of some of these powers right this very minute!

-90% jimmy

[Overseas]

5. Great points

about party loyalty having become more important to our legislators than loyalty to the people who elected them.

And about President Obama having given back more executive branch powers than any of his predecessors did.

[Jack Rabbit]

6. Part 2

Please clivk here.

[Crowman1979]

7. We need a fourth branch of government known as the citizenry!

In which bills are passed or defeated by popular vote.