TBT: Rule of Law

I've decided to start doing Throw Back Thursday, and today's first ever feature is (drum roll, please): Rule of Law!

I'm prompted today to respond to Our Dear Leader's recent comments. But before I get to that, let's back up and set up the situation.

Last November we had an election. Prior to that election our President said on 22 different occasions that making that changing immigration policy himself would be unconstitutional. He's not a king, after all!

After that election, he went ahead and created what is now commonly called his executive amnesty. Predictably, many are now arguing that he's violated the US Constitution. He's even been taken to court, where one federal Judge has ruled that Yes, it is indeed an unconstitutional act. That same judge put a stay on the implementation of this policy (pending further litigation) because once this cat gets out of the bag, you can't put it back in.

In this context, the President is asked about deportation, and the possibility of ICE officials following current law, as opposed to his new policy. His response: "...there's going to be consequences."  See below.

Obama threatens ICE

There should be. Not for those brave souls who obey the law, but for the President. He has violated his Oath of Office by creating law, by acting contrary to the will of Congress expressed through current law, and now he is in contempt of court. He should be impeached, but he won't be because our Congress is infested with statists, corporatists, and cowards. There are a few brave souls attempting to stand against it, but too few.

So today I bid farewell to the Rule of Law. Good bye. We will miss you.

It's Time to Change.

Dear Senator,

Before last November, I was an aware voter. After our President promulgated his new immigration policy, contrary to the will of Congress and with no Constitutional authority of his own... I am an angry and concerned citizen. I will oppose actively, in the next campaign, any senator or representative who allows this lawlessness to go unchecked.

Right now there is an effort in the Senate to defund the President's actions. You are both aware of it. I am also sure that you're aware that DHS can not be shut down. Even if funding were to run out those 83% of employees classified as "essential" personnel will show up and work. Will it be disruptive to them personally? Sure. Does it constitute a national security risk? In no way!

Those who block, vote against, or split away from this effort to defend the Constitution will earn my active opposition in the next campaign. I will actively work for that person's replacement.

But I don't want you to vote a certain way merely because of the threats of a citizen. I hope that you will think it through for yourself, and will stand by the oath you took when entering your office. It is time to close ranks and hold the line. Defend your honor: Defend the Constitution.

We are watching.

 This is the email I sent to my Senators this morning. Based on today's announcement from Senator McConnell, I may have to hold up my promise and be more involved in the next campaign season that I've ever wanted to be. That's fine. As you can guess from the email, I'm motivated.

 I never expected that I'd live to see a President admit that an action was unconstitutional (22 times!) and then go ahead and do it. I also never expected to see a Congress so willing to roll over and let it happen. I've been watching supposedly opposition party Senators looking for opportunities and excuses to jump ship and admit defeat. Their next election and their donors' wills appear to be a higher priority even than preserving the powers of their own offices.

So this is what I'm doing. It's time to do more than share links and post exasperated responses on Facebook. It's time to get serious about gathering my thoughts and putting in a real effort to convince others to act. It's time for things to change.