Op Ed: 'Imperial' Presidency The Greatest Danger To Our Democracy NOW

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Foreseen in depth and detail by such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and others --in the Federalist Papers first and then in the Constitution itself-- the “unitary executive” theory for governance has now become the greatest current danger our democracy has ever faced.

The honest/open name-for-it is, very simply: “The Imperial Presidency”, long ago recognized and studied in depth and excruciating detail ever since Constitutional-declaration itself.

Recent continuing politics-derived pandering and potential other promised-actions by the McCain campaign --despite repeated and conflicting denials by his own words-- make that longtime-danger one of the striking choices now forced upon us all in this raucous pre-Presidential/election action.

There is little doubt-left in the minds of many that McCain --for whatever “reasons” and in reaction to whatever forces, political or otherwise-- is now “simply best and most honestly seen as an open-and-shut continuance of the Bush dynasty”.

Far more than simple-theory/for-governance, the “unitary executive” has, in effect, been put into practice --with appalling results-- ever since initiation in the formative early-days of the Reagan era.

But equally appalling historical reference exists all the way back to early-days, immediately after our Constitution itself was first established in place as the solid foundation it has proven to be, ever since. (See Wikipedia under several heads, for pages-on-pages of excruciating painful detail.)

The struggle has continued against strong trends through the entire 230-plus years of our Constitutional regime; building pressures to abandon Constitutional separate of powers, originally carefully set forth by the Founders; NOT for governance efficiency, but for best-possible protection against human frailties and power-seeking by malign men and their associates.

The choice of Bush the Elder to become V-P -- even after his truly/insightful evaluation of “supply-side Reaganomics” as “voodoo stuff !!”-- demonstrates the ascendancy for imperial control to which that Presidency then committed itself --with full Bush-compliance, please note.

That in itself demonstrates indelibly the depth of conscience surrendered by political-pandering.

The continuance of both theory-and-action is further demonstrated by the undeniable presence of some leading-figures/then, deeply embedded into power and prominence within the Bush-II administration now.

This goes deeper-and-more diversely than the Cheney presence, with consequential shaping-impacts only now becoming completely clear and understood; such as “Scooter” Libby and the Plame-name spy-ring/smashing disclosure, with other roving figures half-hidden in the shadows still existing.

Yet, surely, Watergate-and-Nixon --much earlier/on-- should have taught us all everything we ever need to know about that approach; and its unavoidable consequences as the beginnings-of-fascism, resurrected again by some of the same forces.

The following Reagan-years --and then the Lesser Bush-cabal mirror/image for ANOTHER eight!-- surely painfully demonstrate the inevitable consequences always-following wherever found elsewhere in history.

Most reading-here are well acquainted with the full depth, distressing detail, and extremely damaging impacts on every aspect of our economy, culture and American society --only now being fully understood in deadly impacts and desperate costs-- now arrived from this latest such searing experience, this time in our own democracy, once a republic.

It has been written, authoritatively, that “The American political persona is notably slow-learning, perhaps for good reasons implicit to any democracy”; but surely, with any assistance at all from our noted “free press” --and despite its conservative-interest ownership/influence-- we should have learned what inevitably follows when the “unitary executive” myth is allowed to prevail and shape any Presidency.

It is impossible to have both slashing attacks on all social-progress aspects of our society AND massively-funded further dollars for death and destruction via the Armed Forces, managed and manipulated through the Pentagon --which is what many now see as the “crowning achievement” of the Reagan years. (No pun-intended via “crowning years” !! --despite unmissable reflection of royal-prerogative/established.)

That fortress of conservative-interest --well-recognized by one-of-its own named Eisenhower-- how purports to “manage’ funding surpassing that of all other national armed forces in the entire world --and is reaching out into cuber-space to nail down its interests --and, if possible, its control of further funds so spent.

Worst-actions within Reagan-days are disputable since there are so many. But most historians now agree that Iran/Contra, with its inescapable end-point of the Iraq “wasting war” via preemptive choice of an overweening “unitary executive” example-action, is by far the most-documented dangerous-end on record.

The only fully-competing other-consequence is what has happened to our working Americans -at all levels--due to the defining death of the union movement, seen clearly as a consequence of the Reagan-determined policies and programs, despite his ostensible role as a union-action advocate.

The single most-significant characteristic from our past history is the inescapable signature of “the Imperial Presidency” on our foreign policy.

It is the resulting “wasting-wars” that provide the inescapable public record to which historians now turn.

Those costly-dreadful conflicts are, far too often in our history, forced by actions resulting from the manipulations and malignities forced upon Congress by the chief executive.

This is always done under the guise of his recognized Constitutional role as “Commander in Chief” of Army, Navy and our other forces, since, also always, there has been a small, determined group of true lovers of Constitutional governance to capsulize and then lead the strong opposition --which, also always, has developed on every such situation.

Nobody argues the necessity for rapid action on the President’s part, when faced with “present danger of attack or invasion”; but those phrases, wherever found, are open to ultimate distortion/perversion by those seeking undue influence; and often also private profit in terms other-than-political power.

We’ll do well --for both ourselves and our tattered and somewhat now-torn Constitution-- to keep the concept of “continuance” closely in focus and right up front in our citizen-contemplation prior to any vote.

The power of the people, depend on it, still hangs solely from the purity of the vote. That is your responsibility, since it is your nation, and your choice --and your future, too.

Reader’s Note: Quotes are condensed, combined, and excerpted for space reasons here; complete verbatim record available on request with ID to Editor Tim. See Wikipedia-via-Internet for many pages of fully detailed documentation, under a comprehensive group of headings.

For an early, famed and highly-detailed account of comprehensive history, see “The Imperial Presidency”; Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.; ISBN 0-393-17713-8

For the Schlesinger tour de force, be prepared for an eerily prescient presentation which will “curl your hair” and tighten your chest-around-the heart as you read, fantastically aware of what we may have barely escaped as the Bush-debacle descends into its well-earned shadows of darkening history.

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Henry Ruark June 17, 2008 7:11 am (Pacific time)

To all: Reagan biography is, of course, DUTCH --not Butch. No coffee yet - or perhaps unconscious summary of the Reagan regime, now being revealed in bloody detail, with Iran/C. seen as beginnings of Iraq and neocon betrayal of American Dream, Constitutional freedoms and economic mastery via "supply-side", deregulation, privatization, globalization, union-busting, irresponsible tax-cuts heavily favoring rich-and-corporate, huge military monies despite tax-cuts, and many other areas. Must say Dutch played role of President well on surface, or so many suckers would not have bought neocon nonsense he peddled, setting up ongoing debacle of Bush I, then Bush II, now easily observable by all and deeply documented in the McClellan book WHAT HAPPENED. Where were YOU ? What did you DO THEN ? WHY did we allow this to happen to US ?

Henry Ruark June 17, 2008 6:55 am (Pacific time)

To all: Re Steev's about Oliver North, facts from many sources place him firmly as military toady for Reagan, deeply involved in Iran/Contra, which includes atrocities in several S. American countries. For solid documentation, see Reagan-authorized biography BUTCH, cited here before; or ID self to Editor Tim for direct data in depth from me.

Observer June 13, 2008 8:10 am (Pacific time)

Steev June 12, 2008 5:57 pm (Pacific time)

My father served with Oliver North in Vietnam and has nothing but great admiration for him, saying that he was a Marine's Marine and would always put his country before anything else. I have heard many negative things about him, but those are miniscule compared to the positive, and what he does now for our active duty warriors. God bless him. Regardless of the court actions, he still was not convicted of anything and he receives full military benefits. Methinks some are jealous of this retired American hero. It does seem apparent that his detractors have no averse impact on him, so I guess fire away at him at your leisure.

Thi s individual has written comments under many names in recent days and generally claims to have "served in Vietnam" and now its his father? This individual always takes a sharp tone toward anything liberal and is typically not kind toward our staff in his right wing attacks. Just so everyone knows, the other problem this individual seems to have is schizophrenia as in recent days, he/she has claimed to be these people, all very supportive of right wing politics and trying as it appears, to sound like other people agree. So here we go: Steev, Gomer, Carlson, Casse, Jason Burbach, Kevin, Ben Jamin', JB, Kilroy, Carol Ann, Abdul Farqua, Sgt. Rock, Wally, Change, Micro/Macro, Booker T Washington, Stewart, Kyle, Pragmatic, Teacher Veteran, EX- Government employee, Fido, Ayers Weatherman, Real Combat Vet, Mary Stennis, Proud Schwab Investor, Bullfrog, Lurker, mediocrity X and Ted. The last one referenced from "Ted" is from May 14th. So, all of this antagonistic material from this individual tells me that they have a screw loose, seriously, and that they don't even represent one single gender. Mr. Mean Conservative comment poster, can you start being one person, or maybe a little nicer? I know if we ban your IP you just reemerge with a different one but now that I have run your IP through our system again I see that you are one of the only people with your viewpoint out there, and that makes you one unpopular dude or chick or whatever the hell you are.

The Management

Henry Ruark June 11, 2008 3:43 pm (Pacific time)

JB et al: Where's all that refined, restored, remedied history you were gonna send ? Did you check out pay scale for North in-service and in-slavery to Murdoch and Fox? If either, why not share here so we can learn truth, if you can provide it ? Time's a-wasting and so is the ongoing Iraq war.

Vic June 11, 2008 6:56 am (Pacific time)

If Oliver North is a hero..then so is Al Capone, John Dillinger and any other thug that breaks the ;aw for personal profit. North should have been arrested and turned ober to the Nicaraguans.

Batamahu June 10, 2008 9:52 pm (Pacific time)

I have noticed that everyone below has been bouncing around different interpretations of historical events. Do you see some of the strong parallels between now and 40 years ago? I feel it was far more intense back then. Let me remind you that 40 years ago during the final year of President Lyndon Johnson's second term... Dr. King was killed (he was a Republican by the way), Bobby Kennedy was killed, we had the Chicago riots, 16,000 people were killed in Vietnam that year... the Kerner Commission said we are two societies — one white, one black. Have you noticed that racial idenity politics is here in a big way now? The 1968 election was as contentious an election as we've ever had. Historical events can always be cherry-picked, but certain patterns emerge when specific ideologies gain power, and that's when you need to be objective. How many of you know about the racial policies of Woodrow Wilson and FDR? If you do know, then maybe that would explain why Rev. King was a republican. As an African-American male, and a veteran, I have got to a point in my life where I insist that facts trump emotionalism, for the latter just keeps my people back-sliding.

Henry Ruark June 10, 2008 3:25 pm (Pacific time)

JB et al: Here's one which may lead you to think, albeit I doubt that possibility: "The first step in a fascist movement is the combination under an energetic leader of a number of men who possess more than the average share of leisure, brutality, and stupidity. The next step is to fascinate fools and muzzle the intelligent, by emotional excitement on the one hand and terrorism on the other." Bertrand Russell: Freedom, Harcourt Brace, 1940

Henry Ruark June 10, 2008 2:07 pm (Pacific time)

J-B: Additional check-point, if you dare: Seek out paylevel for North at highest military level, then contrast with cut he collects from dead-fish operation ("War Stories") on Murdoch-Fox channel. You may be amazed, but I doubt it, knowing usual neocon level of "work for me" monies, often invested in such as Fox, vs the squeezed-lemon limits so common-now among us many commonweal-dedicated folks. Fact is that Iran.C. itself was then closely allied with remorseless search for oil control and thus profits, from which we now feeling desperate consequences every time we turn ignition key.

Henry Ruark June 10, 2008 11:48 am (Pacific time)

J-B et al: North defied Congressional directive, broke law(s), was tried and convicted, appealed on technicality; has bloody hands from So.American misadventures et al via Iran/Contra, has high guilt quotient re initiating of current Iraq disaster via I/C --and was military toady for Reagan. Now he glorifies "war stories" et al via Fox, noted as Murdoch-corrupted manipulator of "news" by Ailes-planned operations and Murdoch-dollars from entire media empire built on money first, last and always, with truth-distorted and trivialized (and sexed-up) as side-issue part of product. That should give you some real targets to shoot at, if you have fact, quotes, citation from historians, anything else..."see with own eyes" for each fact-above on request to Tim with ID. To honor others=usage here, require that professional courtesy for direct contact so we can then prove up or provide apology for what we wrote...otherwise go cut yourself another slice of dead,corrupt, rotting fish. You might find some in what North now offers via Fox...

Jason Burbach June 10, 2008 6:50 am (Pacific time)

North is a great American hero and everyday he is involved in actively supporting our military and putting out empirical facts which just irritates the propagandists. By he way your interpretation of history is remarkably off the mark.

Henry Ruark June 9, 2008 9:35 pm (Pacific time)

JB et al: Must assume you meant Manuel Noriega, of Panama fame, noted for contention re U.S. policy impacts on nation where we stole by force access for Canal, and finally gave it back when conscientious U.S.leaders took over here, and were forced to do so by public opinion from those who wished to uphold U.S. principles in f-affairs. Soviet ties to him, clearly historic and then openly acknowledged, must be point of his name by you, here. What he did or did not do is on the historic record, and most unbiased historians credit him with acting in good faith for the interests of Panama, as he saw them. Do you question that record ? Do you contend he was paid Soviet agent ? Some misguided or misinformed persons using this ploy do so, which is why I ask YOU NOW. Castro of Cuba, of course, tied tightly into all feelings re Soviet-missiles threat there, in also-historic Bay of Pigs et al situations, with some involvement for Kennedy. What K. did was as he read situation in OUR interests; and again, unbiased historians give Castro the same motivation. Again, do you contend he, too, is paid Soviet agent ? Given our historic role in Cuba, there might well be true national interest motivation for him, despite that belief; many feel that is the case, and NATION recently had special issue devoted in full to examination of that view. Did you see it ? Used here by you for same reason, obviously. Then there's Chavez --latest in series of S.American leader types easily associated with Soviet-stuff, good-or-bad, right or otherwise, depending on one's political beliefs --but still used if possible to apply Cold War fears as manipulative ploy. Thus your usage here clearly to question my "patriotism", by coded-word implication, without vulnerability of any direct-attack --very familiar neocon dirtily-contaminated manipulation. IF you wish direct answer, can cover all three neatly for you: In each case, each one has proven his leadership abilities for his nation. How he did so, as tyrant or otherwise, is really the problem of those in that nation, in this Century. Our role need not be savior of every possible emerging new country, perhaps now a bit too much in this modern world --or hadn't you noticed, yet ?? Whether those are correct and acceptable views depends entirely on how tightly one is tied, without any possible question, to our so-called "national interests" vs those of other nations such as theirs. In the 21st Century, the Monroe Doctrine, written in 18th Century, may need some serious further consideration, especially in light of such situations as Iraq, brought on by our own preemptive action, which --for many millions around the world-- presents the possibility that U.S. does not own the whole world, and may just now, in this Century, have to adapt and adopt to that reality. In effect you using Cold War fears to attempt embarrassment for me in a dialog meant to enrich and share with others, which in itself is, for me at least, an UN-American,surely ethically questionable, and very ineffective action on your part, in any case. My answer, no matter how considered, cannot really test my "patriotism" --but your action does much to reveal your obvious intent and its political purpose. SO, in all fair turnabout as fairplay, when will you answer the same type of query I have already propounded for YOU ? Repeat: in deference to all others, whose share of space and time and attention we are stealing here, ID self to Tim for direct contact --if you dare.

Henry Ruark June 9, 2008 7:33 pm (Pacific time)

JB: Your silly catch-question "kicker" misses the mark entirely and is self-defeating without the slightest response required, on format and obvious intent, alone. IF you have guts-enough, ID self to Editor Tim and we can exchange dialog direct, via common-courtesy of no-tree to hide-behind...at which time I will be happy to explain to you why your ethics are holistic, your attitudes pernicious, your facts badly distorted and your behaviour here --as reflected in cutey-pie catch-question to avoid honest confrontation on issues and information-- extremely revealing of usual resort relied upon from your ilk. Question for you: Do you consider Oliver North a hero ? Another: Was Bush aggressive action vs Iraq "preemptive" or justified ? Still another: Why does Rove continue to evade each and every Congressional demand to tell his story under oath, with criminal indictment sure to follow ?? Last but certainly not least, do you believe George W. Bush should be impeached ? If not, suggest you take time and send text here in answer to all 35 charges read in Congress this evening by Dennis Kucinich. That should be simple, easy, and rapid to do for anyone with your inimitable sources and resources for "information". Honest, open dialog here is no simple, silly political game, with those of us acting in good faith, but a definite attempt to emulate what built the truth-and-consequences on which the Constitution and the Bill of Rights was founded. Yours simply slashes, slices, cuts and dices any attempt to share and learn together on major problems, and issues, and your comments miss the opportunity and the responsibilities so involved. IF you can, send any "see with own eyes" material you can scrape, steal, copy or otherwise obtain, and we can then evaluate it properly and openly here, after we check it out. You will have noticed that we DO that here, or did you miss that demonstrated fact, too ?? I await your response to my questions above, and promise then to answer yours not only in detail but, if you send ID, with document copies, references in depth, and perhaps, say, 20 pages or so of text for you to peruse, if your attention span lasts that long.

JB June 9, 2008 2:40 pm (Pacific time)

So Henry are you a fan of people like Castro, Chavez and Norieaega?

Henry Clay Ruark June 9, 2008 2:23 pm (Pacific time)

C., Vic et al: Agree we escaped, barely, so far...but greatest danger is, I agree with Vic, public apathy and resignation to ignominy without recognition or appreciation of dangerous dilemma thus created. WHAT HAPPENED, for me, from same position,painful at times at even much lower levels, is telling it precisely as it really is...demanding strong dissent, critical opposition, and unrelenting surveillance to prevent early arrival of Middle Ages fascism, even if in somewhat new garb. Neocon agenda drives all in precisely that direction, as we may well yet find out...

Curmudgeon June 9, 2008 11:08 am (Pacific time)

They greatest danger for an "Imperial Presidency" was Hillary Clinton. Fortunately, that danger has passed. . . for the time being. But we're not out of the woods yet.

Henry Ruark June 8, 2008 11:21 am (Pacific time)

Vic et al: Surely appreciate your strong insights, this time "positive" --and especially re S-N, for which we owe thanks to Tim/Bon for courage and continuance. Re "essential and valuable", watch for next-one, which AIN'T a "book review" !!

Henry Ruark June 8, 2008 11:18 am (Pacific time)

Kilroy et al: Reason-why re Op Ed points explicit in and of itself, so yours irrelevant to that. Re your distorted image of history,that's your problem, too. Never was any possibility of "victory" in Vietnam, nor is there in Iraq, despite your flat-out/disinformation re any disposition via attacked-country leaders then OR now. Appreciate yours re ongoing propaganda and spin,since your comment is prime example, even after bloody-painful history lesson in reality. Yr implication of treason in Congress et al then is itself proof of intent here now. Your contribution "richly appreciated", not only by me but by many others without blinder-specs/worn.

Kilroy June 8, 2008 8:34 am (Pacific time)

LBJ sure manufactured a situation that ended up killing approximately 15 times the number killed in Iraq by using SEATO for cover. I noticed you did not mention that, why? Thanks. In addition as this conflict was beginning to go in our favor (see interviews with North Vietnamese military and other leaders), the congress cut funding, and we all know (informed people that is) the bloodbath that followed, and still is by the way. I am no future seer, but the current Iraq situation looks quite similar to what happened in Vietnam, with many of the same players still in congress. Actually the media is still remarkably similar in that they did not report the success that was happening in Vietnam, just as they have not been reporting the successful changes happening in Iraq. Propaganda is alive and well from my observations over the years.

This individual constantly posts under different names and much of the time it appears to be pure propaganda.

The Management

Vic June 8, 2008 7:35 am (Pacific time)

Once again..great article, Henry! I would add that an apathetic populace is an equal threat to our liberty because it enables those who would abuse power. The press, which in a perfect world, would be like the farm watchdog, has been bought and paid for by the foxes,and has failed us (with the exception of sites like this one). Democracy can only work if people are informed..not fed political pablum and fear to shape their opinions. Sites like S-N are true bastions of democracy and something our founding fathers would see as essential and invaluable I am sure !

Henry Ruark June 8, 2008 6:46 am (Pacific time)

Glen et al: Re "history not taught", we need now to examine-why in some detail...might tackle later Re "Aurora". had gottten trace some years ago, now will follow your link. Thanks, and watch for next one, which is NOT "a book review" !

Glen June 7, 2008 4:50 pm (Pacific time)

Great article, Hank. If you haven't looked into the history of Benjamin Franklin Bache (grandson of THE Ben Franklin), his newspaper the Aurora vs. the imperially-minded President John Adams, you might want to check it out. Do a search at thomhartmann.com. Fascinating. History I was never taught in school.

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Op Ed: 'Imperial' Presidency
The Greatest Danger
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