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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