Obama and no Checks & Balances

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2003
Obama and no Checks & Balances
69
Tue, 10-28-2008 - 12:53pm

Is anyone else worried that Obama probably will win the presidency, the Democrats very likely will have control over both houses of Congress, and there might be enough votes to break the filibuster? I would be OK if one or two of these factors happened, but not all three. We will have no Checks & Balances. I would feel this way whether the Republicans or the Democrats had power. No party ever should be this dominant and have this much power. Is anyone else worried about the potential loss of our Checks & Balances?

~Amy

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Community Leader
Registered: 09-14-1997
Wed, 10-29-2008 - 5:08pm

Checks and balances was an Enlightenment idea of Le Baron de Montesquieu that was put into the Constitution. Its purpose was, ostensibly, to keep any branch from becoming too powerful, but in reality was to keep the executive from assuming more powers than giving him by the Constitution. That baby has long since been tossed out with the bathwater!


The greatest danger to checks and balances actually occurred in 1937, when FDR asked Congress, which was predominantly Democrat, as was he, to add 6 new justices to the Supreme Court. This move would have allowed him to put 6 New Dealers on the court, which had been routinely shooting down the legislation that had been passed. Congress, specifically the Senate Democrats, were among the first to shout 'Foul' and the measure never was passed. (Yes, at the same time, the Supreme Court did say that Social Security and the Wagner Act were constitutional, which mollified FDR.)


This historical anecdote does serve to say that, when push comes to shove, the concept of checks and balances supercedes the idea of party unity.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-25-2008
Wed, 10-29-2008 - 8:22pm

thank you for that remarkably condescending post.


I'm sure I'll survive... poorer from the expected tax increases, but I'll survive.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-10-2008
Wed, 10-29-2008 - 10:09pm

"Too bad, so sad"?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2008
Wed, 10-29-2008 - 10:27pm

"Just remember, what ever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. After surviving Bush and his cronies for the last 8 years I am feeling pretty darn strong by golly!"

Phot
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-2008
Wed, 10-29-2008 - 11:53pm
I could have typed the same thing you just did (expect my dh is still in). My husband competely different then he was 5 years ago.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2008
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 9:19am

OK, that one made me cry a little.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2008
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 9:21am

I don't even let myself think Obama has it in the bag.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2008
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 9:25am
Not at all worried.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2008
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 9:25am
I don't think any of them are. How can they be? It will be interesting to see how many more problems are diagnosed as time goes on. I fear we don't yet have any true understanding of the lasting effects of this war on those who have fought it.

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Phot
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2008
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 9:28am
I agree that he should be in jail, but I would settle for a simple "I'm sorry." I won't hold my breath though.

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Phot

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