TomPaine: A New Bush Power-Grab

A New Bush Power-Grab
Frank O'Donnell
February 22, 2007


Frank O'Donnell is president of Clean Air Watch, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization aimed at educating the public about clean air and the need for an effective Clean Air Act.

Though the Senate stumbled in its effort to rein in President Bush’s war plans, at least the issue was thoroughly debated in the House and in the media. Now it’s time for Congress to directly confront the President again—this time on domestic policy.

I am referring specifically to a new executive order from the White House that collects more power in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in a bid to exert a chokehold on federal agencies. At one level, it’s a move that could undermine efforts to achieve such things as clean air and water, safe food and safer cars. But members of the House and Senate need to realize this is also an attempt to wrest power away from Congress. It’s reminiscent the Emperor Augustus’ move to neuter the Roman Senate by eroding its ability to control taxes. Congress needs to push back now—and hard.

At first glance, the changes seem esoteric and abstract: OMB gets to review not only federal rules but “guidance documents.” Agencies must identify a “specific market failure” to justify a new rule. And a “regulatory policy officer” must be installed in every federal agency.

Translation: The executive order not only sharply curbs the power of executive agencies—to the benefit of big businesses—but also requires a White House-appointed commissar in every agency to make sure the bureaucrats toe the line. Critics warn this is a direct shot at congressional authority.......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2007/02/22/a_new_bush_powergrab.php

He obviously doesn't give a crap how he's viewed, nor does he care what the majority think of him.

A meglamaniacal asshole with mommy and daddy issues who desperately wants to use a nuke and doesn't give a damn about his fellow "Amurkans" = Yikes! :scared: :scared: :scared:

turns out to be a seriously dangerous combo. Why can't anyone recognize that and do something about him? Very scary.