The More Things Change

Well, that's it - George W. Bush has completely ignored the Congress and sent the thug John Bolton to the United Nations on a recess appointment. (He's the one on the right, you know.)

It's not the first time this president has used a sneaky method of getting his way despite the clear intent of the Constitution that his power be limited. This example, however, is particularly disheartening; the UN's express purpose is to provide the world's nations with a forum to reach consensus and effective compromise, and this president has done an end-run around Congress to send a man who has explicitly stated that the UN's function is to implement the will of the United States.


Today is the anniversary of the death of Francis Gary Powers, who was shot down over Russia in 1960 while taking spy pictures in his U2. There were some who thought he should have destroyed his plane and/or taken his cyanide before letting the Soviets get him, but a Congressional committee that included George W. Bush's grandaddy Prescott cleared him.

Say what you like about Powers' mission to spy on the Soviets, it was at least within the letter and spirit of American law, which permits espionage in the service of American security. I can't believe that the spirit of American law permits the President to blithely ignore Congressional input when making appointments.

Benshlomo says, Did someone say "Your Imperial Presidency"?