What Exactly Are We Electing - President or King?

The Founding Fathers had a clear view of what the office of President was to be.

It begins with the title. They didn't select a title that sounded like royalty (Your Highness, Exalted One, etc). In fact, while today we ascribe something akin to religious reverence and awe at the phrase...

"The President of the United States"

... it wasn't that way in 1787 when the Constitution was being debated. President... literally came from the root ... "to preside". In fact, the book The American Presidency says that the presiding function was deemed to be so strong, it was "almost to the exclusion of any executive powers."

The Job of the President

The Founders saw a clear but limited role for The President:

• Veto Legislation when Congress overstepped its bounds
  
• Defend the country if we were attacked by a foreign country (NOT declare war... Congress alone does that)
  
• Enforce the laws that Congress enacts

"We Have Declared War On .... fill in the blank."

"... our liberties would be prey to the means of defending ourselves..."

The Federalist #8 by Alexander Hamilton

In the Federalist Papers, Hamilton argued that the one way the President can quickly gain power at the expense of the Congress is in a time of war. Presidents have understood this as they use the Bully Pulpit to sell the "war du jour"...

- The Korean War

- The Vietnam War

- The Iraq War

- The War on Drugs

- The War on Terror

- The War on Poverty

- Declare war on AIDS, cancer ... acne...

As you can see, this "war du jour" strategy isn't confined to any political party or ideology. It crosses all boundaries.

Anytime you hear the President evoke the phrase "the war on ...", beware! Liberties are at risk. The Constitution may be under attack. Your taxes are about to be raised. You are being asked to use your emotions, not your brain!

Sadly... This Isn't Confined To War

We now expect a whole list of responsibilities to be vested in the President. We don't just want a Commander-in Chief... we want a Nanny-in-Chief. And to get elected, that is how they run... promising to:

- Fix the economy

- Reduce the price of world oil

- Take care of you in retirement

- Forgive your home debt

- Tie your shoes

- Change your diaper

- Rock you to sleep...

I don't mind all the campaign promises (lies). But I am scared to death that they will actually try to do what they promise! The Road to Serfdom should be required reading for all candidates.

Who is Responsible?

We all are responsible for this unconstitutional mission creep of the roll of The President. Congress has abdicated its responsibility. The Supreme Court has been asleep as it happened. Liberals and Conservatives (especially NeoCons!) have allowed, or wanted, the "Imperial Presidency" to be created.

Do you really want King Obama? or His Highness McCain?

It is time to read the Constitution.

It is time to return The Presidency to its rightful role.

It is time to rediscover the wisdom of our Founding Fathers!