He should have gotten an Opinion from the Attorney General that the bill was unconstitutional. Then he should have signed the bill into law, but also instructed the Solicitor General to go into court that day, seeking an injuction against ANY use of or application of that law, pending Supreme Court review.
(The President directs the position taken by the Solicitor General, At least five times the SG has been directed not to defend a federal law, but to attack it instead, because the President believed it to be unconstitutional.)
Never, however, has any President both signed a law and directed the Solicitor General to attack it in court on the same day. This could have resulted in a Supreme Court decision striking the law BEFORE the November Election, which would have defanged the Democrats and vindicated the (mostly) Republicans who condemned this bill.
My colleagues and I will now seek to have this entire law declared unconstitutional. We will do that not for the sake of the dishonest President, but on behalf of the Constitution that is under attack.
I SAID THIS BEFORE, AND REPEAT IT NOW. IF WE DO NOT GET THIS LAW DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL, I WILL RESIGN FROM THE BAR OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND NEVER ENTER ITS BUILDING AGAIN.
Congressman Billybob
Actually this bill goes into effect 1 day after the November 2002 election doesn't it?
It's all up to guys like you and the courts. Next time the GOP calls for money I'll tell them my money now goes to organizations that will actually FIGHT for the Constitution.
It's a sad day, but I will sleep better knowing there are people like you lined up to send this piece of garbage to the dumpster of unconstitutional laws.
If we don't fight the good fight for ourselves, no one else will fight for us. I would be honored to be able to contribute in any way. Does your legal team need donations?
Washington looks out for Washington.....I don't want to jump on the Bush-basher wagon, I keep hoping he will pull yet one more rabbit out of his hat. However, I am doubtful.
Do you have a second job??
Why are you so upset Billy? The President said he will sign this bill, so he CAN still send Ted Olson to attack it the same day. Sounds to me like your plan is still on track.
What makes you think that isn't what he is up to. Day one was yesterday. He needs to come accross as being for most of the bill just not the constitutional parts if he is to maintain credibility. He also has until the effective date Nov 6, before it goes into effect. He can still do what you say, just under a longer time frame.