The Emperor's Seven Signing Statements

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/signing.htm

Had to do some research on this one. Like the Czar thing, Obama has taken this to new limits. He's dangerous and this is yet another "loophole" where he can take advantage without anyone really knowing what's going on.

He's appointing even more "Czars" that bypass congress and really have no constitutional right to tell anyone anything.

From the website above, it explains the 4 characteristics of the bill signing - 2 of which Obama can/does/will abuse.

I'm waiting for an abuse of power investigation.

Good post. Thanks.

Some people think that because Bush is no longer in the White House that all of his constitutional abuses got washed away. It is the perfect illusion for anyone using his charisma to keep the same policies clandestinely going. We are still living in a country run by the Patriot Act where you are considered a terrorist simply for peacefully protesting your government. We still live in a country where the Military Commissions Act nullifies habeus corpus. We still live in a country where torture goes unaccountable and where the previous abuses are being hidden from us. And what do we get on our nightly news? Obama swatted a fly and grew an organic garden. This July 4th will be no different than the previous eight regarding the abrogation of our liberties in America. But yet as with Bush and his minions, Obama and his minions see nothing wrong with that as executive signing statements and going over the heads of a Congress too bought and sold to care still happens. And I am still ashamed.

same dance different partner

jeez, you guys need to seriously lighten up.

Everything that took time to do, will take time to undo.
Quote "Kennymotown"

Kudos to David Swanson. More sad days in American history.

2009-02

Signing Statement for H.R. 1105, the "Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009"
(P.L. 111-8)
"United Nations Peacekeeping Missions. Section 7050 in Division H prohibits the use of certain funds for the use of the Armed Forces in United Nations peacekeeping missions under the command or operational control of a foreign national unless my military advisers have recommended to me that such involvement is in the national interests of the United States. This provision raises constitutional concerns by constraining my choice of particular persons to perform specific command functions in military missions, by conditioning the exercise of my authority as Commander in Chief on the recommendations of subordinates within the military chain of command, and by constraining my diplomatic negotiating authority. Accordingly, I will apply this provision consistent with my constitutional authority and responsibilities."

So he is going to use "funds" (our money?) for something not in our national interest? How do you read this?

Obama can be great, but as Americans we still need to question the powers that be. And regardless of popular claim, we need to watch what decisions are made by the president.

"Therefore, although my Administration will notify the relevant committees before taking the specified actions, and will accord the recommendations of such committees all appropriate and serious consideration, spending decisions shall not be treated as dependent on the approval of congressional committees. Likewise, one other provision gives congressional committees the power to establish guidelines for funding costs associated with implementing security improvements to buildings. Executive officials shall treat such guidelines as advisory."

So spending decisions will not be based on congressional approval AND there will be a lot of spending on security improvements to buildings (i.e.spyware).

"Several provisions of the Act (including sections 211 and 224(b) of title II of Division I, and section 713 in Division A), effectively purport to require me and other executive officers to submit budget requests to the Congress in particular forms. Because the Constitution gives the President the discretion to recommend only "such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient" (Article II, section 3 of the Constitution), the specified officers and I shall treat these directions as precatory."

Definition of precatory: 'expressing a wish'. WOW! He's really getting ready to spend a lot of money. Where is he getting all this money?