None Dare Call It Dictatorship

Fountain of Truth ^ | March 18, 2002 | Douglas F. Newman

[Bogey78O]

As President it's well within his right to regulate trade between the US and nations. The article falls back on the emotional argument that it's not fair and dictatorial.

[lawgirl]

Charged with discrimination? What kind? Last I checked there's no constitutionally-protected right to shack up.

[neutrino]

Charged with discrimination? What kind? Last I checked there's no constitutionally-protected right to shack up.

Housing discrimination. You can't discriminate regarding who you rent or sell to. Thus you won't see any ads that read "House for rent to White Christian couple."

[hellonewman]

What constitution are you reading? The Constitution that I support and defend gives this power to Congress, not the President.

[alphadog]

Such was my reaction this past week when President Bush announced a decision to impose a 30 percent tariff on imported steel. Did anyone notice how president simply imposed a tariff without a vote by Congress?

This EO is well within the bounds of the executive's branch powers, as the president is chief magistrate for enforcing the constitution...In fact tarriff's are one of the only forms of taxes that are constitutional...

[kezekiel]

None Dare Call It Dictatorship

...Unless they don't mind looking like a tinfoil-hatted, hyperbolic Chicken Little.

Josef Stalin = Dictator
George W. Bush = President of a consitutional republic

[TheDon]

LOL! Yup, this guy is nutty. The President is acting within the authority given him by the Congress. The author would be better received if he didn't resort to the emotionalism of the liberals, but rather stated facts or opinion, not confusing the two.

[Bogey78O]

He's not taxing US citizens. He's taxing imports coming into the US. It's well within the power of the president.

[Capitalist Eric]

Josef Stalin = Dictator
George W. Bush = President of a consitutional republic

Actually, it's a representative republic. But other than that, I concur.

FReegards,

[Lizavetta]

He's not taxing US citizens. He's taxing imports coming into the US.

Do you think that tariff is going to make steel more expensive? Do you think that expensive steel is going to make your next car, or anything else you buy with steel, more expensive?

Of course you do, and there's your "tax".

[ladyinred]

Yet when George W. Bush tyrannizes this country to a greater degree than Bill Clinton did, they are strangely silent.

Oh Pleeze! Get real!

[Acolyte]

The Constitution clearly grants the power to lay taxes, tariffs and excises to Congress, not to the President. This is an unconstitutional action by the executive branch UNLESS the President is merely asking Congress to ratify it.

[Bogey78O]

That's lame. No different than saying the gov't taxes Cocaine because of vigorous law enforcement efforts. Tariffs go on the seller. Sure it'll trickle down to the consumer but we're talking direct action not a 6th degree reaction.

[Mitchell]

As President it's well within his right to regulate trade between the US and nations.

Where in the Constitution does it say that the President has the power to impose tariffs or otherwise regulate trade, without the approval of Congress?

What is the legal justification for Pres. Bush's tariff imposition? Has Congress passed a blanket bill allowing the President to do this at any time he chooses? (Can Congress really abrogate its Constitutional prerogatives in such a fashion?)

[Orion]

Josef Stalin = Dictator
George W. Bush = President of a consitutional republic feel-good democracy

Tell me, how is two thirds of the Federal Budget constitutional?

When was the last time a state stuck its thumb in the eye of the Fedgov under the protection of the Tenth Amendment?

Our "republic" states that Congress declares war and then the Administration goes about the business of waging war. When did Congress declare war on Al-Quida? They generated some feel-good "support," but no declaration.

We poll, we poll, and we poll...

The Patriot Act is a good law because:
A) It is constitutionally mandated
B) It serves the purpose of limited government
C) Its sponsors enjoy an 80%+ approval rating

Food for thought...

[altair]

And yet the conservative establishment never questions the institution of state education. They simply think that if they put Bill Bennett or someone like that in charge everything will be fine.

Bill Bennett should be scrutinized. He's responsible for Goals 2000.

[Bogey78O]

I posted too fast. Congress is the originator of all tariffs and taxes. Of course with this paarticular case it's hardly Bush dictating the Steel Tariff. As President Bush can't unilaterally declare a tariff. Authorization has to come from Congress. Apparently Congress is authorizing Bush to do so.

[Bogey78O]

'When did Congress declare war on Al-Quida?'

The Congress voted to authorize Bush to take whatever action is neccesary to eliminate those responsible for 9-11. That's what made the libs upset....being a blank check and all.

[altair]

Just because it's a trickle down, indirect effect does not make it any less real. For example, who pays the corporate income tax? Ultimately, it's the purchaser of the company's products. The lost revenues don't come out of thin air.