Obama and “Respect for the Rule of Law”

Personal Freedom and Prosperity 110: The Rule of Law

Obama and "Respect for the Rule of Law”

When addressing the United Nations, President Obama praised America for resolving its religious and racial differences, which he said was achieved “with respect for the Rule of Law.” In Mr. Obama words,

“… we address our differences in the open space of democracy with respect for the rule of law, with a place for people of every race and every religion.”

Incredibly, President Obama brags to the world about America’s “respect for the Rule of Law” as he orders airstrikes on Syria. This act of war made by the President is in violation of Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution which commands, “Congress shall have Power … To declare War.” The clear intent of the Constitution was best stated by James Wilson at the Constitutional Convention:

It will not be in the power of a single man, or a single body of men, to involve us in such distress.

Mr. Obama appreciates the primacy of the rule of law as essential to superior governance, but intentionally violates its principle. The definition of the rule:

A government with moral and legal authority promulgates written rules and universally, impartially and uniformly enforces the rules, which provides a predictable and stable legal order on which to base economic and personal decisions. The law prevails, not the proclamation or arbitrary decision of a ruler, government bureaucrat, the enforcer (e.g., policeman) or judge.

Harmfully, Mr. Obama has consistently violated the intent and purpose of our Rule of Law. The promulgation and arbitrary repeals and delays of ObamaCare violate the Rule of Law. Obama’s unilateral order to bomb Libya violated the rule. Recess appointments violated the rule, and Obama’s EPA exceeded its authority. Even the Supreme Court, which loathes to reverse a President’s decision, has ruled that the Obama administration has exceeded its authority.

Of course, these presidential excesses negatively impact nearly every American. Unilateral mandates impact the cost and quality of health care, the cost of energy, the costs of wars, the opportunity to start and expand businesses, employment, job creation and more. Mr. Obama knows this, but continues to violate the rule of law by his arbitrary decrees on America and the world. Harmfully, and regrettably, Americans and the world have been severely hurt – economically, morally and politically.

An excellent article by Doug Bandow aptly explains the debate and intent of our Founders.