Katrina: The signing statement from hell

[marmar]

from OurFuture.org:


Katrina: The signing statement from hell
Submitted by Rick Perlstein on August 29, 2007 - 2:19pm.


When you're strolling down Katrina's Memory Lane, horrors lurk behind every tree. Here's one from last October. Within the homelsand security bill, congress specified qualifications for any new FEMA chief: "a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management," and not less than five years of executive leadership."

Bush signed the bill with a smile, noting specifically that it would "help our government respond to emergencies and natural disasters by strengthening the capabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency." The White House emailed that statement to reporters.

Then, quietly, the next week—anyone remember?—Bush dribbled out an 8 PM signing statement asserting that he wouldn't follow the provision because it "rules out a large portion of those persons best qualified by experience and knowledge to fill the office."

Yes: he said that the only people experienced and knowledgeable to hold an office were people who weren't experienced and knowledgeable.

Takes one to know one, I suppose.

http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/katrina_signing_statement_hell?tx=3

[annabanana]

1. These signing statements (all by themselves) negate the purpose

of Congress. They allow the executive to, de facto, write and pass law.

[DCKit]

6. Given that the Constitution hasn't yet been completely suspended...

are signing statements even legal and binding in any way?

Hell, it's like defacing a textbook.

[GOPS Worst Fear]

2. Didn't You Know?

The only Real Qualification for one of his people he nominates is that they have their lips affixed firmly on Bush's ass! That's it. No more experience needed!

[nashville_brook]

3. bush's definition of "over-qualified" -- experience AND knowledge

[FloridaJudy]

5. Or either one, for that matter n/t

[rodeodance]

4. He does not care for the average citizen. It has taken years for people to grasp that.

[indepat]

7. Why does junior seem to hate our Constitution and form of government and, if so, why does

any person support him unless they also hate our Constitution and form of government? Houston, we have a problem in that America seems to be more like Amurikkka every day.

[barbtries]

8. he may as well have written

that the required qualifications would rule out all the loyal bushies. the gall, the duplicity, the bullshit! outrage of the day for me