Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Obama turning to executive power to get what he wants

He’s done it with a package of tools, some of which date to George Washington and some invented in the modern era of an increasingly powerful presidency. - Anita Kumar/McClatchy Newspapers

And he’s done it with a frequency that belies his original campaign criticisms of predecessor George W. Bush, invites criticisms that he’s bypassing the checks and balances of Congress and the courts, and whets the appetite of liberal activists who want him to do even more to advance their goals.

While his decision to send drones to kill U.S. citizens suspected of terrorism has garnered a torrent of criticism, his use of executive orders and other powers at home is deeper and wider.