When the founding fathers were setting down the framework for this experiment in Democracy called the United States, they had many issues to consider. But their primary concern was that the power of the leader of this country be kept in check. They were very aware of the lack of human rights that resulted from the almost omnipotent control that the sovereigns of Europe exercised in those days. They had just fought their way out from under the yoke of King George III, and they didn't want to put their newfound freedom in the hands of another despot. They realized that there were decisions that would have to be made by one man, so there was a need for a chief executive. But they also wanted this leader to have limits on his authority, so they needed elected representatives to have some powers that the president didn't. And, because this was going to be a nation of laws, there was a need for a third branch of government to make sure that the power of the executive and legislative branches would be limited by the codified rules of the Constitution, thus they created the judicial branch. This setup appears so logical to us now that we have to remember that this was all new. No country had ever done things this way before. It has worked so well for over two hundred years that it is now considered the ultimate model for a free country, and most nations that value freedom have adopted a similar system. Remember, the primary reason for the way the US government is setup is to limit the power of the President. It only works if the other two branches exercise their power of oversight. Unfortunately, in the last six years the legislature has not been doing that. This has happened in part because both houses of Congress are controlled by members of the President's political party, but that can't be the only reason. The country has been in that situation before, and the legislators did not rubberstamp every bill the President presented to them. It seems to me that what has brought about this abdication of power by Congress is the politics of fear. If anyone tries to dispute the President's will, they are branded as unpatriotic, as if only the executive branch can decide proper policy. The way President Bush looks at foreign relations, "You're either with us or against us,” is echoed in his approach to the supposedly co-equal other two branches. And the excuse that things have to be different in a time of war is a bogus one. Only Congress can make that declaration (remember the separation of power), and they haven't done that. What the President would have us believe is that he alone can determine proper action, and Congress is letting him get away with that. Fortunately, the Supreme Court is still one Bush appointee away from joining them. Just think about the following. (1) The Patriot Act - Who could vote against legislation with a name like that? But in reality, patriotism should mean defending the Constitution, while this misnamed law undermines that document. (2) A previous congress had created a way for the government to legally tap into phone conversations in the interest of national security, but the current version of that body let the President get away with ignoring the law. (3) When the Supreme Court struck down Mr. Bush's military tribunal system, congress turned around and wrote that same framework into law. I know, supposedly some Senators appeared to be standing up to him on this one, but in the end they caved in and gave the President everything he wanted. And anybody who voted against it, saying suspected terrorists should be tried in a more acceptable way, is being branded a friend to Al-Qaida. Don't let the Right mislead you. None of the congressional members who voted against these measures are saying that steps shouldn't be taken to make the country more secure. They are not saying that intelligence services shouldn't eavesdrop on Bin Laden and his ilk. And they're not saying that suspected terrorists shouldn't be detained and tried. The folks who oppose the President's plans are just saying that these things should be done without violating the traditional principles of this country. Opinion polls show that the majority of the American people do not think President Bush is doing a very good job, and they think Congress is doing even worse. Hopefully, in the upcoming election, they will follow these feelings to their logical conclusion and replace the rubber-stamping yes-men in both houses of Congress with backboned representatives, who will fulfill their constitutional duty of oversight, and return the authority of the chief executive to within the limits placed on it by the authors of our governing document. Liberals, you already know what I'm talking about. Conservatives, you are supposed to be the party of fiscal restraint and protecting the status quo. If you open your eyes (and minds) and look at the current administration, does Mr. Bush really govern by those principles? Freedom-lovers of all political persuasions, do you really want to live and have your kids grow up in the police state that the President and his congressional allies are creating? Everyone, do your constitutional duty and restore the proper balance of power in Washington. If your Senator or Congressman responds, "How high?" every time Mr. Bush says, "Jump", vote for someone else.

Very well stated, Bryan. Thank you!

right on bryan no matter whio wins this election or the next americans must step up to the plate and hold all politicians to account. if we dont we desreve what we get but i for one will not accept giving up my freedom and liberty to any dictator no matter what they call themselves..

Bryan, thank you for expressing your intelligent views without hysterical or hackneyed rhetoric. When all the flamboyancy is stripped away, people need to realize that the President has really steered this country in a wrong direction, and the current imbalance of power has not only done nothing to disallow it, but has encouraged it. People are creatures of habit. But, I hope MANY people rethink their voting habits this year and restore a balance of power.

...what he said.

I am sorry that the paragraph breaks didn't come through on this post. There is a much more reader friendly copy at my blog: http://blog.myspace.com/brybrad

Bryan that was fantastic. You said it all, wish it could be on the front page. sandra in Kansas

Excellent post. Thank you Bryan.

Amen! Bryan you were right on Republicans and Democrats are "both" responsible. People need to stop and think instead of voting the same way our political representatives have on all the issues you stated. First of all the "power brokers" need to be stopped by setting maximum terms of office (no more than two consecutive terms)for all representatives House, Senate, and Judgicial. We should put an end to all political contributions and even set limits on the amounts they can spend. We definitely don't need to pay for campaigns with our tax dollars. We need to push for a straight percentage tax on "all income" personal and business with "no deductions or exemptions". Government and the outrageous spending to support it have got to be reduced before we totally lose control.

Bryan, thank you for your excellent post. I hope that everyone who reads it will think seriously about it before they go vote next Tuesday. I am very afraid of what will happen in the next two years if there is not a change in our current government. What has happened to our representatives in the last six years? I feel that the majority of them have forgotten who put them in their current positions. They have forgotten the common good and follow blindly their leaders. They have forgoten that government is of the people, by the people and for the people, not all the special interest groups. The majority have forgotten how to think for themselves and have just rubber stamped everything the President says. I'm just afraid that if a change is not made soon, our country will not be able to get off the wrong road that we have been traveling down for the last few years and our country as we knew it, will be lost.

It amazing the two main parties get stuck on words!! President Bush said it was WMD in Iraqi and Senator Kerry said something about the President but was miss took by some people as talking about the soldiers in Iraqi!! Some people want him to apologize!! Who has apologize for the over 60,000 to 80,000's of people that was killed or wounded, whether it be Americans' or Iraqis'. The thing I hate is the people doing all the talking is not even a veterans or even a newperson that has been to Iraqi or any other war!! We are still fighting for the rich man interest!! Dow Jones up, who benefited, not the middle class, all of the jobs are in Korea, Mexico, Japan, India, and Chinese!! So the Dow Jones is still going to rise when they can charge the same price for the product when it was produced at a lower price!! So who care about the word game!! They do!!! That when they think they can confuse the issue!! They always just to a difference subject!! Thank you Fox News!!

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