National Emergency

[Starlight]

This is interesting because historically clones of the US system of government in other countries collapsed due to ongoing governmental gridlock being eventually broken by the Executive branch seizing authoritarian power (generally with the support of the populace who was sick of the gridlock). However Trump is not popular and his goal of funding the wall isn't all that popular either. And he and his team aren't competent enough to pull off any sort of dictatorial coup. A more likely consequence in this case of serious executive authoritarianism would probably just be fast-track impeachment.

[NorrinRadd]

This is interesting because historically clones of the US system of government in other countries collapsed due to ongoing governmental gridlock being eventually broken by the Executive branch seizing authoritarian power (generally with the support of the populace who was sick of the gridlock). However Trump is not popular and his goal of funding the wall isn't all that popular either. And he and his team aren't competent enough to pull off any sort of dictatorial coup. A more likely consequence in this case of serious executive authoritarianism would probably just be fast-track impeachment.

Still would not get the needed 2/3 of the Senate, so pffft.

[One Bad Pig]

Yours is a rare point of view around here, Cath. I have to admit I find it somewhat refreshing.

You're so transparent, carpe.

[KingsGambit]

When the barbarians are literally at the gate, it's a lot easier to make the case for a national emergency than it is for a persistent social issue that his been a part of society since almost the beginning of human history.

Illegal immigration is also a persistent issue throughout American history as opposed to a recent development. The term "national emergency" generally implies an urgency that just isn't present here. In any event, it's not clear whether the courts would even allow such an action. The closest precedent I can think of was Truman's attempt to seize control of the steel mills during the Korean War, which was struck down. Needless to say, a protracted court battle would be a lose-lose situation all around.

[lilpixieofterror]

This is interesting because historically clones of the US system of government in other countries collapsed due to ongoing governmental gridlock being eventually broken by the Executive branch seizing authoritarian power (generally with the support of the populace who was sick of the gridlock). However Trump is not popular and his goal of funding the wall isn't all that popular either. And he and his team aren't competent enough to pull off any sort of dictatorial coup. A more likely consequence in this case of serious executive authoritarianism would probably just be fast-track impeachment.

[carpedm9587]

Let's first see if he actually "does an Obama" before we start criticizing him for doing so. That's fair wouldn't you say?

My post was more to see what the response from those on the right here would be if he moved in that direction. Trump appears to be swayed strongly by criticism from his media favorites.

[carpedm9587]

You're so transparent, carpe.

I'm not certain how to interpret this. I've never been shy about voicing my opposition to the travesty currently occupying the White House. It is rare to hear someone that is from the right (I think) reject him - so it is refreshing to see that there are still some who have the integrity to do so.

[Tassman]

It sets a worrying precedent as "national emergency" would begin to evolve into anything and everything, though it would probably just be the logical next step in the gradual increase of power of the executive branch over the last half century.

The immigration/drug system is a problem, but if you're fine with declaring this as a national emergency to allocate resources over Congress"s heads, what about another president declaring, say, poverty, a national emergency and dramatically ramping up welfare?

Yes exactly, what emergency? 69% of Americans don't think Trump's Border Wall is a priority according to polls.

[Starlight]

The US isn't unique in what its political system has to do. Don't be an idiot.

I'm reminded of Sarah Hucksterbee's crazed claim that made international news today: Valuing life is 'what sets America apart from every other country'. I don't know if Americans fully understand that people in other countries get the news and so can see the moronic things said by Americans in public, and the extent to which this sort of crazy brings the US into disrepute internationally.

[Tassman]

When the barbarians are literally at the gate, it's a lot easier to make the case for a national emergency than it is for a persistent social issue that his been a part of society since almost the beginning of human history.

Some emergency! If these people who illegally cross the Southern Border are so dangerous why does Donald Trump hire them at his golf resorts???

[rogue06]

Look at how the left viciously tore into Mitt Romney, who is probably the most milquetoast candidate for president we've seen in the past couple of decades. When it comes to politics, nice guys always finish last.

The same with both Bushs. After the elder one died in late November they acted like he was someone they respected and admired and grumbled why couldn't Trump be more like him but when he was in office they savaged him day in and day out.

[Tassman]

The same with both Bushs. After the elder one died in late November they acted like he was someone they respected and admired and grumbled why couldn't Trump be more like him but when he was in office they savaged him day in and day out.

diddums! It's so unfair, everyone is so mean to poor little Donny.

[lilpixieofterror]

The US isn't unique in what its political system has to do. Don't be an idiot.

I'm reminded of Sarah Hucksterbee's crazed claim that made international news today: Valuing life is 'what sets America apart from every other country'. I don't know if Americans fully understand that people in other countries get the news and so can see the moronic things said by Americans in public, and the extent to which this sort of crazy brings the US into disrepute internationally.

[Sparko]

When you find yourself with pests in your homes (insects, rodents, etc.), you don't solve the problem simply by putting up barriers. Amazingly, the barriers are almost always breached. You also solve the problem by making sure that food and garbage is not left laying around, and doing everything else you can to reduce the attraction. You can also help the problem by putting those "attractants" far away from the house.

A barrier is one tool. It is not the solution.

So if we ruin our economy and make the USA less attractive to the Mexicans then they won't come here!

[mossrose]

So if we ruin our economy and make the USA less attractive to the Mexicans then they won't come here!

That's what I said. But carpe said that's not what he said.