An Appeal for Dictatorship Comes Out of the Closet at the New York Times

American Thinker ^ | 01/04/2013 | Daniel Downes

[SeekAndFind]

True to form, the New York Times saw out 2012 by publishing another apology for dictatorship. In his op-ed, Louis Michael Seidman -- Professor of Constitutional Law at Georgetown University - argues that the Constitution should be abandoned.  The suggestion is so preposterous that it is tempting to dismiss the article altogether, but to do so would be to miss some very revealing implications.  The article is not so much a suggestion of constitutional reform as an open call for dictatorship.

Seidman begins by blaming the current governmental crisis, incredibly, on "obedience to the Constitution," which he describes as containing "archaic, idiosyncratic and downright evil provisions." He does, however, lament that when some wise government official reaches a decision on what will benefit the country, he is likely to be stymied by this document. Seidman expresses doubt about the rationality of letting our wise official be dissuaded by the views of "a group of white propertied men who have been dead for two centuries, knew nothing of our present situation, acted illegally under existing law and thought it was fine to own slaves."

It is amusing to note Seidman's hypocrisy as he takes the authority of this hypothetical 'government official' for granted while he sneers at the authority and smears the characters of men like Madison. Don't dwell on that double standard for too long, however, else you'll miss the real sleight of hand: the insinuation that belief in constitutional government amounts to faith in the personal authority of the founders -- that constitutional government has nothing to do with individual liberty. By launching into this ad hominem abuse of the Founding Fathers,

[SkyDancer]

In reading history didn’t FDR try that? Wasn’t he heading for being a dictator. Even to the point of adding two more judges to the Supreme Court (from 7 to 9) hoping he’d get his legislation passed?

[Joe Bfstplk]

When Obama finally crashes the economy, chaos will require martial law followed by strong man rule.

It is the left’s plan as I see it.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

If ever there was proof that colleges today are completely and utterly bankrupt in every single area/subject/topic, you need look no further than this. If I was 18 today I would rather drink lye and wash it down with Drano than go to college. Get into massive debt to have a bunch of radical commie leftist psychopaths lecture me? F that!

[PowderMonkey]

"He does, however, lament that when some wise government official reaches a decision on what will benefit the country, he is likely to be stymied by this document."

Funny how that works out, Doc. I can think of more than a few not so wise government officials that, thankfully, were indeed stymied by that document. Specifically: one that wanted to see photos of the U.S. flag on Mars. Another who believes islands float upon the sea like Lilly pads. Another who believes the three branches of the U.S. government are "the House, Senate, and the President." All led by a President who believes there are 57 states. Enough said?

[G Larry]

It won’t be the economy that drives the chaos, it will be gov’t overreach.

The gov’t will not prevail in the ensuing chaos....

[Chickensoup]

I agree. Leftist and Soros plan to subject all free peoples.

[JewishRighter]

I see Seidman on Obama’s short list for Supreme Court appointment. Who could be more qualified than someone who wants to abolish the Constitution? Wish I was joking.

[KC_Lion]

You all are a little behind the times.

The New York Times have been pushing Tyranny since 1932

[oldbrowser]

As the administration garners more power the marxists are coming out of the woodwork and the discussions are moving from the left to the radical.

[saleman]

He's just further planting the seed. The left has been doing it for decades. They love the Constitution when it serves their needs. And they will twist it's words, if they can, to mean whatever they want it to mean. But when it doesn't suit their needs then it is “archaic” written by racist lawbreakers.

I have a brother who works and teaches at a college. Does a lot of writing and fancies himself and his colleagues as “academics”. Was at his house and he had a lot of friends over. I made some slight remark and the whole place came to a stop. He looked at me and said “Oh. You're one of those states rights people.” They were looking at me like I had three heads.

[concerned about politics]

“Oh. You're one of those states rights people.” They were looking at me like I had three heads.

If the Republicans suddenly took the house, senate, and presidency, I'll bet he'd be protesting in the streets in defense of states rights.
The left likes it both ways. Federal rights when they're in charge, states rights when they're not. Armed when they're in danger, unarmed when they're not.

[paratrooper82]

This idiot is a “Professor” with Georgetown? Does he not understand the US Constitution created the federal government and eliminating it eliminates the federal government?

What an ass hat. These elitist should be very careful what they wish for, they just might get it!

[RJS1950]

You are correct. FDR and his fascist buddies pushed for exactly the same thing. They wanted to throw out the Constitution and establish a “benevolent” democratic dictatorship. They almost achieved that goal by way of WWII during which they controlled almost every aspect of every citizens life down to what they could eat, what they could wear and even how womens stockings were designed. One of the reasons this was somewhat prevented was that FDR and one of his chief advisors, Harry Hopkins, died.

History is repeating itself.

[Max in Utah]

Excellent point. Any legitimacy they pretend to have would evaporate.

[Jacquerie]

A high school era buddy of mine, Naval Academy grad from the 70s, now aerospace engineer, told me that government should be approached from an engineering standpoint. Identify the product/goal and take the measures necessary to reach it. No joke. Despite the quiet social setting, we ended up hollering at one another. I can’t stand people expounding on that which they know little or nothing. May God save us from Mark Levin’s Masterminds.

[mjp]

The article is not so much a suggestion of constitutional reform as an open call for dictatorship.

It is difficult to say which is the most evil or disturbing of this idea: 1) the triviality and indifference with which it takes the matter of natural rights or 2) the speed with which it is prepared to accept the anarchic concept of freedom and violate them.

[saleman]

I believe Obama thinks like that. Those pesky checks and balances just get in the way.

I’m thinking after Biden gets his head out of his ass and comes up with the brilliant idea of banning assault weapons Obama will just issue an executive order implementing Bidens suggestions.

And then be ready for TSTHTF

[geologist]

“History is repeating itself”
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Exactly. Satan is the god of this world and will be until the coming of Jesus Christ. God allows us to have what kind of government we say we want.

The same Satan, the same problems and results. Easy to see. Abortions, same sex marriage, moral perversion, suppressing and removing religion and prayers from schools, offices, public squares, ignoring the Constitution.

We have lived in the most successful prosperous and free society ever. It is bit by bit being destroyed. And we sit and watch! What is the matter with us? Why are we not voting and standing up against evil? We have become so politically correct we are paralyzed! We must control and systematize immigration to a reasonable rate. Allow a number of Europeans to enter yearly as well. Establish numbers that can be reasonably absorbed and some time for this to occur. Limit the numbers, Islamic as well. We are literally being overrun!!!

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The tea part split. Dick Armey left with a huge buy out. IE
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{”A confidential contract obtained by The Associated Press shows that Armey agreed in September to resign from his role as chairman of Washington-based FreedomWorks in exchange for $8 million in consulting fees paid in annual $400,000 installments. Dated Sept. 24, the contract specifies that Armey would resign his position at both FreedomWorks and its sister organization, the FreedomWorks Foundation, by the end of November.”}
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We literally are destroying our self, our future and America. God we pray for thy help in this day. We ask for insight, understanding and direction for America to return to our former Christian values. Forgive us our offenses, our foolish selfish, prideful, sins ... show mercy on America. We thank thee with grateful hearts, for thy grace, goodness, love, righteousness, plan and purpose, and blessing. We praise, worship and seek to know thee and in truth love thee day by day, in Jesus name, amen.

[Gandalf_The_Gray]

When Obama finally crashes the economy, chaos will require martial law followed by strong man rule.

It is the left’s plan as I see it.

Since he's done his damnedest to denigrate the military how is this "strong man" going to build a power base? I expect the military to largely hold to their oath to the Constitution (yes the oath is to the document, not the person sitting in the WHite House). I also see a big role for National Guard units directed by State Governors (& dare I say it? Perhaps even some civilian militia volunteers.)

If he's still planning on building a " civilian security force" to rival the military...Pray tell, where is he going to borrow the money? If he does proceed, it won't happen overnight giving the existing military the chance to arrest him for MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, HIGH CRIMES, & MISDEMEANORS, than frog march him from the white hut in irons & take him to GITMO!

Regards,
GtG

PS Myself, I'd hold back on that "volunteer stuff" until it becomes clear who's in charge. It wouldn't due to appear suddenly, looking like a rowdy mob and wind up in an internment camp! Prudence dictates a more subtle approach...