Again, it’s time to write to our congressional leaders. Sadly, I didn’t get a reply from my first letter that was sent on Veteran’s Day. But, I did get numerous responses from you, my readers, and I thank you for your support.
But, now, here is my second letter. It continues with my original theme of Congress asserting itself as the writer of our federal laws and policies. It does so by showing what the consequences of its failure to exert its Constitutional authorities: Congress becoming increasingly irrelevant and a drift towards an imperial presidency. Unless we want to become another in a long, stale line of autocratic dictatorships, this dangerous trend must be stopped now while there is still time to do so. Thus, I am urging all of my readers to send a copy of this letter to Speaker Pelosi.
P.O. Box 171
Ft. Loudon, PA 17224-0171
July 10, 2019
Dear Madam Speaker,
This is my second letter about what should be done within the legislative branch of the US Government. Essentially, after further consideration of my original thoughts, I believe that while you’re engaged in a rightful battle with the President, your real battle is directly within the House of Representatives and Senate. President Trump will eventually leave, but his influence will linger. That is, he has been expanding the precedents set by his predecessors and thereby making the legislative branch increasingly irrelevant. Let me give you a few examples.
President George W. Bush unilaterally changed a long established policy of withholding nuclear actions until we are directly attacked with such weapons. Now, presidents can operate under a pre-emptory policy. That is, attack without direct provocation. Why didn’t the Congress not demand a review of this change considering that the lives of tens of millions are at stake?
Our nuclear deal with Iran was negotiated as a treaty. Yet, President Obama declined to submit it to the Senate for fear that it would be disapproved. So, he enforced it as an executive order, which his successor has since repudiated. This certainly doesn’t enhance our reputation as a reliable world leader. Why didn’t the Senate demand a review decision as is its right under the Constitution?
Two of President Trump’s cabinet members are “acting secretaries.” The Constitution does allow for temporary appointments during Congressional recesses, but now, the entire process is being entirely bypassed. The Senate’s lawful role of giving consent to appointments is being entirely negated.
The House has subpoenaed several of President Trump’s staff members, and he has been “thumbing his nose” at those orders. I know this issue is going through the courts, but his impunity is astounding. The House is being rendered irrelevant, and the American public is being kept in the dark on important issues…
These examples being the case, it becomes critically important that you and Senator McConnell lay your respective differences aside enough to create a united front against an imperial presidency and reassert Congress’s role as the law and policy maker of the United States. Your two offices must demand that the rule of Constitutional law be upheld by any and all occupants of the president’s office. Without this united front, I am deeply afraid of an imperial rule that puts ancient Rome to shame. When that happens, the liberties Americans cherish will fade away leaving us no different than the Chinese government. Do we want the DC Mall to be our Tiananmen Square?
Please don’t misunderstand me. Democrats and Republicans can and should have disagreements. That is the competitive nature of our government. Good ideas arise from the heat of conflict. But, above such disputes should be recognition by all concerned that the legislative branch is the voice of the people where their concerns are debated. Then, once resolved, the President can go about enforcing the laws and policies given to that office.
I look forward to hearing a reply from you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lloyd H. Muller, Col, USAF (Ret)