Royal Presidency Changes Hands
This past week’s inauguration ceremonies felt like a coronation. All that’s missing is a crown and scepter. American presidents have managed to consolidate so much authority into the Oval Office that we may as well call Barack Obama King of the United States.
The founders staged a bloody rebellion against their King and never intended to create a monarchy in America. According to the Constitution, the president doesn’t pass laws, doesn’t decide when the country goes to war and doesn’t sit in judgment of anyone.
Romance Novel Presidents
Americans are infatuated with fairy tales. We expect Mr. Obama to use his celebrity cachet and persuasive charm to “change” Washington, so that the world will never look at us the same way ever again. Good luck with that Mr. President.
Congress Takes a Holiday
Partisanship is the Tao of Congress. Every initiative plays out as us vs. them, with one side using the office of the presidency for strategic advantage. And since presidents know that the veto pen magnifies their vote, the chief executive sets the legislative agenda and Congress follows along.
None of this will change under President Obama. He is already touting his economic recovery plan on the White House website. I guess if Congress won’t lead, someone has to.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.