Comments on: Mr. Bush: Get Out.

By: Nathan Pralle

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:29:46 +0000

But that’s just it — the president DOES NOT have to run everything past Congress to get it to happen. For instance, Executive Orders are not approved by Congress, and Bush passed a great many of them in his time, dealing with everything from the environment to spying on our own citizens to stripping away our rights. These orders CAN be struck down by an actual law, but of course, that requires that Congress either override Bush or suffer a veto. (plus the entire process to get a bill passed, whereas an EO can be very quick) Remember also that as Commander in Chief, the President can send troops anywhere for any reason and, although Congress is needed to declare war, he can go into conflicts without their approval, which is exactly what happened with Iraq. Funding must be approved by Congress, but of course, his first term was Republican-weighted.

A great many things were accomplished in that time that Bush proposed and Congress passed because they were all on the same side. Ultimately, however, the ideas came from the Bush administration, as the President traditionally pushes policy. That’s why the great debates right now are about Obama’s policies, not as much about what Congress’ policies are. The big ideas come from the top.

Lastly, the buck stops at the President. Whether or not all of the ideas and policies came from him, he was aware of them and endorsed them as very little can be accomplished and carried out without his approval and consent. (Remember, the President is part of the Executive branch. He carries out the laws.) Therefore, he is the reason for a great deal of the problems of the past 8 years and to say otherwise is to deny the very political processes that allowed him to operate for so long.

By: Laurie

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:51:25 +0000

I am curious what your take is on this:
Since the pres has to pass EVERYTHING by congress. Wouldn’t that mean that congress is to blame, also? Or really, truly, it is them that have messed things up? They have the final say. Makes me wonder…why people always bash the pres when it’s congress that gives the pres the green light?

By: Nathan Pralle

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:12:52 +0000

I’m rather of the opinion that I glossed over and spoke generally about the travesties of the Bush administration and the true reality of the situation would be far more tragic and damaging, so while my writing lends itself to colorful description, I don’t see it as an unfair expansion of the truth.

Hell comes in a variety of shades and situations. To wake each day, scared for the country and the repercussions of its actions, afraid that the entire thing could unravel at any moment due to the whims of a headstrong leader, watching as rights and privileges are stripped away from the public, and wondering what my child would inherit — that is, to me, a particular type of hell. Perhaps not for you, but I cannot speak to that.

By: nicheplayer

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:07:46 +0000

What are you trying to say here, Nathan? It's unclear to me. Also, what kind of construction is: It’s one thing to disagree with someone’s policies than to just spout off personal attacks. Shouldn't it be: It’s one thing to disagree with someone’s policies and another to just spout off personal attacks. Enlighten me. nicheplayers blog: Almost 22 weeks