There are any number of marvelous things one might do as president, if Congress were not such a checked and balanced mess. But future presidents now have a new method at their disposal: Declare a long-running debate to be a national emergency. Challenge Congress, under threat of unilateral executive action, to legislate on the topic before your term runs out. And when lawmakers refuse, act with the most expansive definition of presidential power.◼ Obama really doesn't like politics. He doesn't do it very well. - Discussion at Lucianne
The supporting arguments for this approach come down to the claim that the American political system is broken — incapable of action on urgent matters because of obstructionism, bad faith and the abuse of legislative procedure. It is the political philosophy of “something must be done.”
...By crossing this particular Rubicon, Obama has given up on politics, which is, from one perspective, understandable. He doesn’t do it well... KEEP READING
◼ On Obama’s Illegal Usurpation, Jeff Sessions Speaks For Us - John Hinderaker/Power Line
We will have more to say about President Obama’s unconstitutional nullification of the nation’s immigration laws in the days to come; likely, before the night is over. But for now, let’s quote Senator Jeff Sessions, who has been the hero on this issue for a long time. Better than anyone else, Sessions has drawn the connection between the open borders movement that is supported by business magnates and those who live in gated communities, and American workers who are already suffering, and whose wages will be driven down by mass immigration of low-skilled workers. Which is the whole point, if you are the Chamber of Commerce:◼ Obama puts the Republic out of its misery - David Harsanyi/The Federalist
President Obama’s executive amnesty violates the laws Congress has passed in order to create and implement laws Congress has refused to pass. The President is providing an estimated 5 million illegal immigrants with social security numbers, photo IDs and work permits—allowing them to now take jobs directly from struggling Americans during a time of record immigration, low wages, and high joblessness.We can’t say it too often: under Article II of the Constitution, the President’s most fundamental duty is to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” Barack Obama has made a mockery of his oath of office. He is a scofflaw.
This amnesty plan was rejected by the American people’s Congress. By refusing to carry out the laws of the United States in order to make his own, the President is endangering our entire Constitutional order.
“This is how democracy works,” Barack Obama lectured the country before giving everyone the specifics of his expansive one-man executive overreach on immigration. If you enjoy platitudinous straw men but are turned off by open debate and constitutional order, this speech was for you.◼ One clear,cool voice in the wilderness. - Discussion at Lucianne
Modern Democrats aren’t the first political party to abuse power – far from it. Obama isn’t the first president to abuse executive power – not by a longshot. But he has to be the first president in American history to overtly and consistently argue that he’s empowered to legislate if Congress doesn’t pass the laws he favors. It’s an argument that’s been mainstreamed by partisans and cheered on by those in media desperate to find a morsel of triumph in this presidency.
◼ Should Republicans Embrace The Obama Non-Enforcement Doctrine - John Hinderaker/Power Line
The Obama Non-Enforcement Doctrine holds that a president is not required to implement or enforce laws passed by Congress with which he disagrees. Obama’s use of the doctrine sets an interesting precedent for the next chief executive, who likely will be a Republican.◼ Obama puts the cat among the pigeons - Wesley Pruden/Washington Times
For example, a Republican could adopt the Obama Non-Enforcement Doctrine with regard to corporate income taxes by directing the IRS to cease all efforts to enforce those portions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to income taxes payable by corporations. This would be great public policy. My law school tax professor once remarked that there is no intellectually respectable argument for the corporate income tax, other than the fact that it employs an army of lawyers and accountants. Repealing, in effect, the corporate income tax would give the economy an enormous shot in the arm....
Environmental policy is another area where the Obama Non-Enforcement Doctrine could be applied. The Environmental Protection Agency, as now operated, probably does more harm than good. A Republican president could suspend enforcement of all federal environmental laws, thereby putting the EPA out of business, and remit all environmental regulation to the states and to private actions sounding in nuisance and trespass. This would result in a major improvement in the nation’s environmental policies. Or, if he preferred, the president could single out for non-enforcement some, but not all, environmental laws....
Barack Obama put the cat among the pigeons Thursday night, but he may be surprised by how big that cat could get, and with it a big cat’s appetite for more than pigeons.◼ Obama’s amnesty: Your guide to the gimmicks - Ernest Istook/Washington Times
◼ You Are Being Played - Erick Erickson/RedState
There are enough Republicans in Congress who in private support what the President did that they will go through elaborate kabuki theater to keep you convinced they’re going to fight him, when in reality the Republicans are going to fund the President’s plan.
You are being played.
Republicans are pushing forward with a plan to fund the government. They claim they will then return next year and defund the President’s plan. But doing so would be subject to a Presidential veto. The GOP does not have the votes to override that veto. In effect, they’ll be funding the President’s plan while setting themselves up to claim they oppose it.
