Regulation nation: Obama expands the regulatory state - The Hill's RegWatch

President Obama has overseen a dramatic expansion of the regulatory state that will outlast his time in the White House.

The reach of the executive branch has advanced steadily on his watch, further solidifying the power of bureaucrats who churn out regulations that touch nearly every aspect of American life and business.

Experts debate whether federal rulemaking has accelerated under Obama, but few dispute that Washington — for better or worse — is reaching deeper than ever before into the workings of society.

“It would be difficult for anyone to pretend that this isn’t a high water mark in terms of regulation,” said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office who now heads the American Action Forum.

Obama famously signaled his intent to use the machinery of government to further his policy goals after the 2010 elections, declaring: “Where Congress won’t act, I will.” 

Since then, the administration has pressed ahead unilaterally on several fronts, including immigration, gun control, cyber security and sentencing guidelines for drug offenses.

Meanwhile, new federal rules are accumulating faster than outdated ones are removed, resulting in a steady increase in the number of federal mandates.
 
Data collected by researchers at George Mason University’s Mercatus Center shows that the Code of Federal Regulations, where all rules and regulations are detailed, has ballooned from 71,224 pages in 1975 to 174,545 pages last year.
 
“All incentives are to regulate more,” said Susan Dudley, the director of George Washington University’s Regulatory Studies Center.
 
The fight over executive power is increasingly pitting the three branches of government against each other, with Congress and the judiciary struggling to assert power over officials with broad discretion to issue rules.
 
While Republican lawmakers have scored victories in the messaging battle over regulations, they say proponents of a more activist government are winning the war.

“We sit back and watch this erosion and watch, really, an executive branch that has, I think, arrogant powers of overseeing things,” Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) told The Hill.

Taken separately, the public tends to support individual regulations. 
 
A Gallup poll earlier this year found that 82 percent of Americans either believe the government is doing the right amount or needs to do more to protect the environment, while two-thirds say they would support stricter standards for food sold in public schools.
 
But critics, including industry groups and congressional Republicans, charge that the cumulative affect of the mounting red tape is crushing businesses. 
 
“All the kinds of things we say we want: an expanding economy, more opportunity, more jobs — all of them are stifled by the regulatory oppression that’s occurred,” said Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.). 


Obama has responded to business’s concerns with a regulatory “look-back” aimed at scrapping old rules on the books. Howard Shelanski, the administration’s regulatory chief, told Congress last month that the effort had turned up hundreds of regulatory reform proposals, just a few of which could save up to $10 billion.
 
But the process of getting rid of regulations is easier said than done, experts say.

CONTINUED:  Regulation nation: Obama expands the regulatory state - The Hill's RegWatch

Congressman Lt. Col. Allen West on Obama Amnesty Policy

June 15, 2012

Dear Patriot,


Greetings to our Constituents, fellow Floridians, and all Americans.

As I am writing this today, I really cannot believe that President Barack Obama and his administration have failed to grasp the three fundamental premises of our Constitutional Republic: representative democracy, limited government, and separation of powers (recognizing the maxim of co-equality of branches of the Federal Government).

I say that because Friday we received another surprise from the Obama Administration. At around 9:30 am, my BlackBerry buzzed as I was wrapping up speaking to the Palm Beach business forum. Once outside, I checked my messages to find, to my absolute amazement, that Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, would be announcing, effective immediately, that certain young people who were brought to the United States as young children (who do not present a risk to national security or public safety and meet several key criteria) will be considered for relief from removal from the country or from entering into removal proceedings.

There were five criteria given:

1) Came to the United States under the age of 16;
2) Have continuously resided in the United States for at least five years;

3) Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; (I find this rather confusing as one cannot join and have an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard or Armed Services as an illegal immigrant)
4) Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;
5) Are not above the age of thirty.

This is yet another example of Executive Branch overreach. We have a legislative process that ensures representative governance by the consent of the American people. This action should be crafted into legislation, debated in committee and brought before the United States House of Representatives and U.S. Senate for vote, in accordance with the process in our Constitutional Republic. Secretary Napolitano is an unelected administrative bureaucrat who does not have the right to make governing decisions for this country.

It is apparent that the goal of the Obama Administration is not to govern, but to rule by edict, or executive order, particularly as November draws near.

I do find it ironic that Secretary Napolitano would not assist our State of Florida with ensuring the integrity of the voting process, but is happy to implement a decision about who can reside in America.

Furthermore, where are the details about how the American economy is going to handle this influx of people? There are currently more than 23 million Americans who are unemployed, underemployed, or just discouraged and no longer accounted for. How will this affect the employment situation in our country, as this policy introduces new competition with Americans for jobs? Will there be any analysis of the economic impact for the American taxpayers who will have to carry this burden? What are the increased demands on additional guaranteed services and will they be guaranteed government benefits? These are the kinds of details that are to be hammered out during the legislative process, and appear to be completely overlooked by the Obama Administration.

Finally, will these young people be allowed to petition for immunity for their illegal immigrant parents as well?


Our constitutional republic was created so one branch of government could not run roughshod over another. If President Obama does not like a certain policy, he must bring the debate to the United States Congress, not attempt to impose it on the country unilaterally. If the American people, through their representative government, reject the DREAM Act, it is not within the enumerated rights of the President to then enact the policy by Executive Order. If that becomes the case, then why have a House of Representatives and a U.S. Senate? There would no longer be any separation of powers, and certainly the Executive Branch would not have any limit in exerting its power.

This decision is not just about relaxing rules or laws for young illegal immigrants, it is about the respect of the foundational principles and values of America, a Constitutional Republic. The precedent established is dangerous and the overreach threatens the fabric of our Nation.

This policy is wrong. If this Administration continues to make decisions without the consent of the governed, the governed always have the ability to rescind their consent.

Steadfast and Loyal,
Allen B. West

How Obama disintegrated(s) the Constitution: The power of the President you never knew existed

14 May 2012



From the Blog: Uncle Sam Is Crying

“There is no more dangerous a citizen than a person with a gift of gab, a crusading complex, and a determination to pass law as the antidote for human ills.”

Since Andrew Jackson, every President viewed the power wielded by the Executive Branch in their unique way. The Office and the President dictate the success or failure during his four-year term. Success of the President is inherent to his management style, people skills, and WHOM he appoints to lead each Department. Accomplishments are superior for those without long-term Congressional experience; ability to organize or RE-organize; and courage to manipulate the unrecognized power of the office. Until you comprehend Presidential basics, you cannot fully grasp the Marxist tactics employed by Obama or the constitutional implications thereof.

The founding fathers established The United States as a “REPUBLIC” with an exceedingly effective system of checks and balances specifically to avoid consolidation of power by any individual. Because we just declared independence from an abusive despot and they wanted to prevent any future dictator from emerging. If a president creates law by fiat, our representative gov’t is precluded and the concept of check and balance is not involved in the process. The Presidential Executive Order was formerly an exercise of power founded on existing law. Regrettably, it now unfairly programmed to be an instrument for “criminal” creation law, treason. Of course, “Where one stands depends on where one sits. “ This act violates the spirit and letter of our Constitution. We tolerate this criminal practice and so does Congress. Worse yet, it often times is concealed or kept secret from you and me in the name of expediency. Unfortunately, this and other unconstitutional scenario’s enabled Obama to devastate and cripple our nation.

Hoover once said, “There is no more dangerous a citizen than a person with a gift of gab, a crusading complex, and a determination to pass law as the antidote for human ills.” So let’s step back to move forward.

Campaigns speak of reform and reform translates into reorganization with implied transition to successful times ahead or progress. Reorganization is synonymous, if for no other reason, to claim he or she will rise above the bureaucratic dilemma and relieve the stagnation of the current elected official. Of course, the incumbent cries foul and privately blames the previous administration. Until the Obama administration, one never contemplated public blame or humiliation of the prior President. Why? It is understood, a new President/party would not be President if the prior administration were successful in by the partial public voting bloc. Such petty action (blaming) is pathetic beneath the stature of the Office.

CONTINUE READING: 
http://unclesamiscrying.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/how-obama-disintegrateds-the-constitution-the-power-of-the-president-you-never-knew-existed/

CANADA FREE PRESS: Separation of Powers: Responsibilities/Misuse of…

Open letter to our legislators…


By Online Bill Shimukonas, Sr. Wednesday, November 2, 2011


Dear Sirs, Mesdames,

Given the fact that many of you have not been upholding the promise you took when you were sworn into office, I thought I would remind you of your duties as a United States Congressman/woman and/or Senator. This country is going to the dogs and many of you, regardless of political party, are aiding and abetting that demise because you are not fulfilling your end of your work contract.

Because you, collectively, have conceded many of your sworn duties to the executive branch and therefore to a President who obviously and presumptuously misuses his executive privileges, and because you remain silent when he sanctions his perceived authority with pen and paper with no apparent regard for legitimacy of constitutional protocol, there are some among us who consider you guilty of conspiracy in what appears to be a blatant attempt to defraud this nation of its Constitutionally-bound sovereignty. This President and his administration have made it clear about where they wish to take this country. It does not include a destination where the Constitution is used as a road map. And for those representatives who are far too casual in their motives or otherwise own motives that are specific to the malicious intent of voiding America‘s bedrock foundation, our Constitution, the word conspiracy is just a little too mellow.

Remember, too, that we are still a Republic. Until we become something else, and we are obviously on the way to doing so, the mathematical formula for our basic form of democracy is still based on the concept of one person, one vote. That mathematical equation has changed dramatically, most particularly over the past number of decades. The electorate is now being subsidized more by the influence of lobby and, of course, profligate legislators who cater to self-serving interests rather than submitting to the favor of continuing liberty and underlying freedoms for all Americans. It’s time to get back to the basic dynamics of rule as fostered in our Constitution. Forget the political correctness crap. Put the special interests in their rightful place. Some issues of those groups are legitimate and do indeed deserve consideration in the appropriate forum; most, I submit, belong in the trash bin. Bottom line: Deal with reality head-on. And for those of you with conscience, keep in mind that there are legislators without conscience among you who will continue in their attempts to deflect the course of our history. I encourage you to Stand To. For those of you who legislate with forbearance and intellectual curiosity within the context of our form of Constitutional governance, no offense intended. I wish you well.

However, insofar as the warm bodies who simply take up space in the halls of Congress for reasons other than those that command allegiance to our Constitution, and then raise their hands to affirm linkage to issues that directly countermand the weight of traditional America’s historical sense of individualism or for personal gain, yes, I do hope you are offended. Thus, for you, for those committed to desecrating the vehicle through which so many American Dreams have been born, there is but one way to put it. You are undeserving of occupying chairs where once so many men and women dedicated to the preservation of our truly unique American identity once sat. The stink of your vicious, hateful anti traditional American values diatribes and your votes that endorse a Socialist agenda cling to you as does the pungent, hold-your-breath-as-you-pee, overused, sloppy, wet, paper-strewn floored outhouse. Your lack of respect for and your obvious ignorance of our history scream for redress. Were those of you who I collectively accuse of disrespect, disloyalty and, let us not forget incompetence, were you officers of the state in the Dumas of Josif Djugashvili’s Soviet Russia, you would be sent to Siberia for re-education…if he liked you. And you complain about water boarding. Give us a break.

However, since you live in this once great country where such things as the First Amendment still apply, paid for in blood lest you had forgotten, you are given a pass regardless of the venial rhetoric and your disaffected voting records. And, for whatever it may be worth, every time you do so, you spit on the graves of all the men and women who passed onto us a gift, one already paid for, bundled, packaged and delivered. For the uninformed or in the case of so many of our belligerent so-called leaders in Washington as well as others who occupy lesser seats at the state and local levels of government, it’s called freedom. Imagine that? Yes, comrades of Alinsky/Lenin doctrinal values, and it implies a form of governance that was founded on (wow, now get this), free will. And we don’t have to do squat other than manage it. That’s why you were elected. That is your job.

I urge you, all of you, to review the tasks that clearly define your responsibilities as noted at the end of this text. That is just a small part of the package, our gift from Americans past. Don’t throw it away for convivial concepts of often false ceremonious writs of mutated doctrine that history without exception defines, at best, as mediocre governance that suppresses, in the words of Thomas Wolfe, “the spirit of man.” It really is quite simple. It’s all about the Constitution, the root of our laws, and your oath to preserve that document. You need only follow the guidelines and then stand up vigorously, angrily if you must, to those who violate the same. You do that and a whole bunch of us will, as we say in the military, watch your back. It’s an honor thing. We’ve also taken the oath. But, I daresay, unlike many who simply put voice to the words, that oath is coded in our blood; and for many throughout the entirety of our short history, it was left on the battlefield. Therein lay the true worth of that document. No treasure, no intrusive or insidious argument contrary to the stated intent of those words in our Constitution can justify the cost of prohibitive change. And your oath, your conviction as to its worth, as is ours, is the key to preserving that treasure for all who follow.

Congress has General Powers of Legislation:

•To provide for the raising and disbursement of revenue.
•To borrow money; to coin money and to regulate its value; and to fix the standard of weights and measures.
•To regulate foreign and interstate commerce.
•To declare war, and to maintain an army and a navy.
•To establish post offices and post roads.
•To enact patent and copyright laws.
•To enact uniform naturalization and bankruptcy laws.
•To provide for the punishment of crimes against the United States.
•To establish courts inferior to the Supreme Court.
•To provide for organizing and calling out the militia.
•To admit new States into the Union.
•To provide for the government of the Territories.
•To exercise exclusive jurisdiction over the District of Columbia, public lands, public buildings, forts and navy yards. (Granted, some legitimate amendments here).
•To enact all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution all the powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States.

Powers and Duties of the President:

•Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy.
•Communicates with Congress by message.
•Approves or disapproves Acts of Congress.
•Makes treaties with advice and consent of the Senate.
•Commissions Public Officers of the United States.
•Grants reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States.

Spes sibi quisque . . . Let each man’s hope be in himself; let him trust to his own resources.

Have a nice day,
Bill Shimukonas, Sr.
De oppresso liber

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