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Sunday, January 22, 2012

Giving The President's Process Its Due

By Janet Lewison


The interactions and dynamics in an ecological system were considerably explored by Charles Darwin. His prime concern was the development of creatures based on the environmental forces that exerted influence upon both individual organisms as well as a community of the same. In his study, Darwin came up with his theory of evolution. He asserted that organisms due to its experiences coupled with the rigors of their environment attained a unique brand of development - evolution. This kind of change significantly alters an organism so that it can better survive. Evolution is all about survival through the advancement of an individual's physiological attributes. For sentient beings like humans and those with brains that are in close proximity to man the development also transpires on the psychological level.

Congress is now the unworthy party in the president's eyes. At least he chooses to portray it as the unworthy party for the all-important purpose of his re-election later this year. So Obama acted completely in character when he unilaterally asserted Congress was in "recess" and made four controversial recess appointments last week. The fact that neither house of Congress had actually recessed was not enough to deter the president, who treated this impediment as immaterial. Obama's breezy approach to formalities is a little difficult to square with his comment at a 2007 campaign fundraiser: "I was a constitutional law professor, which means unlike the current president I actually respect the Constitution." But it is easy to reconcile with the view that, when it comes to his re-election, the current president is not the sort of guy to stand on ceremony.

However, the dynamics of Darwinian thought still hold true in the realm of politics. This may be a human experience and within the context of human civilization. However, the mechanics that are involved in it is no different from those found in nature. The players and considerations might be different but the goal and purpose remain the same. Survival and dominance pursued by non-sentient organisms are the same as those that humans pursue.

In the realm of politics evolution is a prime attribute for an individual or a group to survive and thrive. Human history yields many examples as to individuals changing to survive. They shift allegiances when faced with the defeat of their current ally. The reality of power and influence today, be they in the frame of government or not, is about adapting to the constantly shifting dimensions of human relationships.

In this case, the House reinforced the Senate's claim that it was not really away. The Constitution stipulates that each house must obtain the other's permission before taking a recess of more than three days. Usually, this permission is granted by a concurrent resolution passed by both houses. By not introducing or passing such a resolution, the House makes it legally impossible for the Senate to totally shut down for more than three days, and therefore makes it difficult for a president to claim the Senate is in recess. Congress first employed this practice last summer and implemented it again this winter. The White House has argued that, because the Senate is unavailable to offer "advice and consent" while holding only pro forma sessions, recess appointments ought to be permissible. That's debatable. And "ought to be permissible" is a very different matter from "are permissible."

Family Values Dr. Paul is pro-life, having delivered over 4,000 babies during his medical career. On the issue of marriage, Congressman Paul does not think that the government should be able to dictate who can and cannot wed. He feels that this is a duty of the Church. He does not support homosexual marriage, but he does not believe that the government has any right to tell two people whether they can be married.

Drug Prohibition Congressman Paul does not condone drug use. However, as a realist, he understands that the government can never win the "War on Drugs," and he feels that the government has no business telling someone what they can and cannot do in the privacy of their own home. He does believe that if drugs and alcohol are used irresponsibly, and a person puts someone else's life in danger, that person should be punished. In addition, Congressman Paul is opposed to the current drug prohibition because it violates the Constitution of the United States.




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