Archived Opinion

On the way to an imperial presidency

To the Editor: 

This is what President Barack Obama said this week: “Where I can act on my own without Congress, I’m going to do so.” 

“I’ve got a pen, and I’ve got a phone. And I can use that pen to sign executive orders and take executive actions ... and I’ve got a phone that allows me to convene Americans from every walk of life.” 

What in-your-face remarks those are! Imagine that! Barack Obama will act to make or change laws without Congress! Maybe he thinks we like that? Not so, Mr. President. These are arrogant, disgraceful statements made by a president of the United States.

Barack Obama is saying he will do what is not allowed by the U.S. Constitution to further his own agenda. He is saying that the officials we elected to the United States Congress are of no matter to him. He is disdainful and demeaning to every member of Congress and therefore to we the people.

Congress makes laws, the President signs or does not sign the bills into law. That is how it works, according to the U.S Constitution. We the people elect our senators and representatives to participate in congressional lawmaking according, we hope, to our wishes and direction. The President works with Congress to make compromises or to convince the majority of members of Congress to see the issue his way. 

The President of the United States does not change laws on his own, as Obama has done repeatedly, especially regarding Obamacare. Allowing businesses to delay their participation for a year, granting different rules for different groups of people, and changing the rules for insurance company allowed policies are only a few of the changes Obama has made to the Obamacare law.

I urge readers to contact members of Congress and ask: “Does Congress have what it takes to face up to tyrant Barack Obama?” 

If the answer is “Yes,” what is the action the House and Senate will and can take to reverse the results of the unconstitutional and unlawful actions by President Obama? If the answer is “No” and Congress cannot or will not stop a President from actions that make and change our laws, then we are doomed to imperial presidencies and Congress should go on permanent recess.

Carol Adams 

Glenville

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.