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• Monday, January 12, 2009 10:40 AM

  Almost correct for a change, NotOrbitBoy.

  So I will ask once again, why is William Perry worried? Why did he say what he said? (please do not provide a moronic conspiracy theory).

  Because he's smart enough to recognize there's a danger. He said nothing of a likelihood of such an attack (which is really at the low-end of probability).

  Learn to distinguish between the two concepts and you'll avoid unnecessary embarrassment.

  Obama's got to deal with the same nasty world that Bush faced. Until I see otherwise, I trust he will be prudent and do what he needs to do to maintain security (job number 1 for a US President).

  Except it isn't. The Oath of Office reads:

  "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

  Article II of the US Constitution provides the office of the President the following powers:

  1. "Be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States;"

  2. Grant pardons (except in cases of impeachment).

  3. Make treaties with the concurrence of 2/3rds of the Senate.

  4. Nominate and appoint (with the advice and consent of the Senate) ambassadors, other public ministers/consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States.

  5. The power to fill vacancies during recess of the Senate.

  That's it. And before you get too excited about #1, keep in mind Article I.8.14 empowers the Congress to make all rules concerning the conduct and use of the Army and Navy. All the President does there, going by the letter of the Constitution, is execute the directives of Congress.

  The fact Congress has abdicated its responsibilities there is more a reflection upon them than a reason to grant greater faith to the President. I don't dispute the world is an unstable and hostile place to US interests, but then again its always been so. Carrying on with policies that have prove counterproductive (to be polite about it) isn't that smart in such an environment.

  Then again, given its you, I shouldn't be surprised you want ot stick with what doesn't work.

  —Iokannan in the Well Read Iokannan in the Well's other letters
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