King George quietly expands his rule

"President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution," according to an article in the Boston Globe. I knew he had used his signing statements to establish his self-declared right to ignore sections of laws for legislation like the Patriot Act and recent torture guidelines, but I had no idea the use of this tool was so extensive.

I strongly urge you to read this article (you may have to register, which is quick, free, and painless).

Look, I'm not going to try to argue that Bush shouldn't be using this tool. Every President has the right to alter his practice as long as it's within the powers granted by the Constitution. His right to use the signing statement to interpret the law is his right. However, it is the obligation of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and it is the obligation of Congress to execute its legislative powers. Neither branch has challenged Bush's statements, which in effect provides legislative and interpreting powers to the executive branch. But, again, who am I to question the legal foundations of Bush's actions? All I can say is this: expanding executive power without a single question raised by the other two question is entirely against the spirit of our constitution. I'm not an expert and cannot say that Bush's interpretations are wrong (though based on this article, I'm extremely suspicious that they are very, very wrong), but I can say that I strongly suspect that this is a collaboration between the three republican controlled branches to reduce checks and balances, at least temporarily, so that a republican agenda can be executed before they lose power. What's worse is that it is done quietly--not with actual legislation or with court cases, but with quiet signing statements. Is this a deal among the current holders of these three branches? Congress can pass whatever they want (Bush is the only president in history who hasn't used his veto power this late into his presidency) and claim credit for getting things done, and Bush will sign it while quietly issuing exceptions (which is, in effect, legislating, which the executive branch cannot do). And what about the courts? Have they forgotten their duty to interpret the Constitution?