A few weeks ago I wrote an article called “Sieve.” It was about how a word can grow and grow in volume until it became impossible to ignore. Newt Gingrich used the word impeachment with regard to Obama’s decision to declare the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. Obama not only disregarded the will of congress in making that decision, but he also took upon himself sole authority with regard to what is and what is not constitutional. We don’t need a Supreme Court when we have Obama. I did not expect Gingrich to start proposing the impeachment of Obama, but the word had been mentioned, and it had been mentioned by someone too prominent to ignore.
Now the word has been used again, only this time from members of both parties and with considerably more emphasis. Dennis Kucinich, possibly for the first time in his life, is starting to sound coherent. He pointed out that the issue was not whether or not Obama was doing the right thing, but rather whether what he did was constitutional. Several key legislators in both parties have echoed this opinion. Kucinich has unusual support for his opinion. He referred to a quote from Barrack Obama in 2007:
“The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation which does not involve stopping an actual or imminent attack on the nation.”
Did anyone hear Obama mention an actual or imminent attack on the nation? I didn’t think so. Since he dithered over this decision for more than a month, it is hard to argue that this was an unforeseeable emergency.
Perhaps Congressman Tom Rooney said it best:
“The President sought approval from the United Nations and the Arab League before taking any action in Libya, but he never consulted the United State Congress,” Rooney said. “That sets a terrible precedent. By seeking only U.N. approval, the President is transferring authority that should rest in the people of the United States through their Congress to an international community.
Virtually every President has taken a position that the War Power Act is unconstitutional. But, they have also gone to great lengths to avoid a constitutional crisis over the issue. For example, Bush took the position that he did not need congressional approval to invade Iraq, but he got that approval anyway. At a minimum, this puts a President in a position where he can argue that, in his opinion, he believed he did have the authority. Even if the courts ultimately find that the War Powers Act is constitutional, the President can argue that he acted in good faith. But Obama has a much harder time making that argument because he is on record saying that he KNOWS that what he did is unconstitutional. What’s his defense? That he didn’t really understand the constitution after all?
This does not mean that I am predicting impeachment proceedings any time soon. But it does mean that Obama is as isolated as a President can be. He is rapidly losing support from both parties. Perhaps our military will score a quick and decisive victory in Libya, Gadhafi will be removed from power and peace and love will prevail. That would be great for everyone. If that happens, Obama will come out smelling like a rose.
However, the odds of this turning out much worse than expected is much higher than of it turning out better than expected. Today we shot up a bunch of “friendly” civilians trying to help our downed pilots. Nice!
Obama was thrilled to have the support of the Arab League. Except that the Arab League is back tracking on their support big time.
To top it off, Obama is promising to transfer the command from the U.S to someone else at the first opportunity. Rumors are that this will be a French admiral. Brilliant! Perhaps Obama is unaware that it was the French who led the world into World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War. In every case the French got slaughtered and the United States had to ride in on a rescue mission. In every case the French originally demanded that our troops report to a French commander. Fortunately, for our troops, neither Woodrow Wilson nor FDR were that stupid. In Vietnam, the French were already gone before we got involved. Only in Korea did we manage to get into a messy war without French help.
Just remember this: in 18 months we will have elected the next President of the United States. Odds are really high that won’t be Barack Obama. If things continue to deteriorate he may have difficulty getting the Democratic nomination. Contrary to her public statements, a lot of experts are claiming that Hillary Clinton is seriously considering a run at the White House. In her public statement on Libya, which was far more impressive than Obama’s, she referred to Sarkozy and Cameron as her “colleagues.” Remarkable language for a Secretary of State to use with regard to the President of France and the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Obama’s performance has deteriorated to the point of embarrassment. If recent news reports are any indication, his Libya adventure may be the most embarrassing U.S. foreign policy fiasco since the Bay of Pigs. A lot of canaries are biting the dust. Democrats would be wise to take seriously. The way things are going Democrats may be more anxious to get rid of Obama than Republicans.
TDM
Deteriorated is hardly the word for Obama’s performance! Every time he has gone abroad or opened his mouth he does or says something that is a great embarrassment to our nation!