The Center Cannot Hold

The Center Cannot Hold: Is President Bush violating the Constitution?

2007-07-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Center Cannot Hold: Is President Bush violating the Constitution?: "http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/opinion/23mon4.html?_r=1&oref=slogin."

Is President Bush violating the Constitution?

2007-07-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

You need to read the following editorial:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/opinion/23mon4.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.

The writer, Adam Cohen, argues that Bush "is trying to expand 'his' powers beyond all legal justification" and that he is trying to expand his authority beyond what the the founders intended. The framers of the Constitution, Cohen argues, were careful "to keep the president on an especially short leash on military matters." In Federalist #69 for example, Alexander Hamilton argued that that the president would be “nothing more” than “first general and admiral,” responsible for “command and direction” of military forces.

The president argues that "Congress ought [not] be running the war. I think they ought to be funding the troops.” He added magnanimously: “I’m certainly interested in their opinion.”

My questions for you are:

Is Bush overstepping his constitutional powers? Is he trying to resurrect the "imperial Presidency?" Does congress have a role to play in matters of war and peace? Bush suggests the role is limited to funding. Cohen suggests otherwise. What do you think?

Welcome to Dr T's "The Center Cannot Hold" blog

2007-07-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

I'd like to welcome you to this blog, which will focus on the discussion of foreign and security related issues.

The first entry concerns oil refining and gas prices, which look like they will be rising again:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/22/business/22refine.html?ei=5065&en=652e82b4f396b467&ex=1185681600&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

Do you believe oil companies are attempting to manipulate the market or do you believe the industry cover story that it is market forces at work?