Bush Makes Power Grab

[Whacker]

SSSSSHHHHHHHH, yes your right, they have always had that ability but acknolwedging that would eliminate yet another bush is evil conspiracy thread.

We definately need another

Disclaimer - I didn't really read the OP completely

It would seem that the above somewhat "expands" on the Prez's power to institute martial law to more of a "I do it when I want to instead of there being a legitimate 'need'". It would seem to me that there's some real oversight needed to put the Executive branch back in it's proper place in our beloved government triumvirate.

[Odin]

Disclaimer - I didn't really read the OP completely

It would seem that the above somewhat "expands" on the Prez's power to institute martial law to more of a "I do it when I want to instead of there being a legitimate 'need'". It would seem to me that there's some real oversight needed to put the Executive branch back in it's proper place in our beloved government triumvirate.

Well yes it does, but under Article 2 of the constitution he "Caring for the faithful execution of the law". Dont tell anyone but the National emergencies act that Zak is referencing is the law.

Now if he said that the law needed to be changed thats one thing, but no, this is a "power grab", when in truth its an execution of the constitution.

[Whacker]

Well yes it does, but under Article 2 of the constitution he "Caring for the faithful execution of the law". Dont tell anyone but the National emergencies act that Zak is referencing is the law.

Now if he said that the law needed to be changed thats one thing, but no, this is a "power grab", when in truth its an execution of the constitution.

Meh, I respect you to take your word for the above mate. It still hasn't changed my opinion about the Exec. branch needing some serious power checks in general though.

[Odin]

Meh, I respect you to take your word for the above mate. It still hasn't changed my opinion about the Exec. branch needing some serious power checks in general though.

Dont take my word for it. The law The constitution article 2 Bush isnt my favorite guy either, but elected officials excersising thier job functions is not a power grab, its the law.

Perhaps now that the dems are in they will change the law? Well that wouldnt play well for the left would it? Nope, its a "power grab"

[Gawain of Orkeny]

Whats the use of being in power if you cant act on it? This is one of the powers the constitution reserves for the president. He wont be in office forever.

[Goofball]

Whats the use of being in power if you cant act on it? This is one of the powers the constitution reserves for the president. He wont be in office forever.

But hypothetically, could a president not invoke this power then use it to postpone the next presidential election? Not at all implying that Bush would do this (quite frankly, I think he's sick of being president and will be out of the White House like through a goose as soon as his term is up), but isn't it possible?

[BigTex]

But hypothetically, could a president not invoke this power then use it to postpone the next presidential election? Not at all implying that Bush would do this (quite frankly, I think he's sick of being president and will be out of the White House like through a goose as soon as his term is up), but isn't it possible?

No, read odin's wonderful links to article 2 of the constitution. Elections are an act of congress, and take place on the date specified by congress. The executive has no control over these. Not to mention a state of emergency is called by congress and can be stopped by congress.

Anyways, the president can't grant himself powers, not even congress can grant powers, though they've tryed. This is the president defining the current meaning of martial law if envoked.