28 Dec 09: We are witnessing a breakdown in the Constitution’s system of “checks and balances.” When President Obama wants, for example, a “health care bill,” then Congress does whatever is necessary to get something passed that has “health” in its name. Representatives and Senators are voting for bills that they have not even had time to read.
Our Founding Fathers created three separate government branches – Executive, Legislative and Judicial – each with its own functions, yet each mutually dependent on the other. Under the Constitution, when one branch overreaches its powers, another has power to reign the first in. If the branches work in tandem, without checking on the consequences of the actions taken by others, then a dangerous situation arises.
President George Washington in his Farewell Address stated “It is important … [for] those entrusted with … administration [of the government] to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one and thus to create … a real despotism.”
The current Executive and Legislative branches are collaborating with each other; the powers of these departments are being consolidated. As President Washington warned, this encroachment is creating “a real despotism.” Our liberties are in danger of being lost because the Constitution is not being followed.
When I am in Congress, I will make decisions based on the Constitution, the will of the people, and my principles. I will not collaborate with those outside of the legislature to consolidate power in violation of the Constitution.