President for a day: A QOD response

 

First – thanks to Ric for a great post and consideration.

 

I have posted below the full text of article II of the US Constitution so that bloggers know exactly what their responsibilities are as 'President for a Day.'

 

I have often noted that some Americans, confuse the terms and titles of the President. They may call him the President; they may also call him commander-in-chief. Both terms are correct but are wholly dependent upon the determination by congress. Please note carefully that our Constitution provides absolutely NO powers, lest they be granted by congress, or are co-equal with the advice and CONSENT of Congress.

 

In modern history dating back to the Truman and Eisenhower era, and throughout the cold war, Presidents have increasingly laid claim to almost extra constitutional authority for the title of Commander-in-chief. A number of legal findings and Supreme Court decisions have also served the functional purpose of blurring the lines of Presidential Authority and Congressional Powers.

 

We must also place on the table the fact that our Constitution has provided for the ability and the process for amendment.

 

We do not select the electors for the Electoral College, to vote into office a Dictator, "The DECIDER", or Supreme Leader. The Constitution states plainly that we elect the Executive. So before all of you would be Presidential Bloggers continue too far down the path of 'omnipotent one' keep these facts in mind.

 

Myths and Presidential Politics

A favorite political game occurs every 4 years. One candidate or another says that they will do this or that, the opponent rails against such policies and promises that he or she would do that and this instead. Partisans from both sides rally behind the ideological wrestling match that often resembles s the WWF championship match. Cheers, boos, catcalls and rallies for the candidates reinforce the circus atmosphere. Complete with body slams, neck holds and below the belt slugs – the show continues all the way to Election Day.

Then – on taking office in January – the new President raises his or her right hand and promises to uphold the office, defend the Constitution and...So help me god. They walk into the office – "on day one" - and reality comes home to roost. They are not the GREAT DECIDER, they are not puppet masters for some economic revolution, and they are not much more than the chief Executive. Oh for certain they send budgets to congress, they appoint cabinet members, ambassadors and judges – but they must ask nicely, otherwise you and I through our Congressmen and Senators may not approve the Presidents Plans.

 

In fact they may reject the Presidents Platform and appointments – and that is it – done. The President of course may veto any bill that is sent to him by congress. They on the other hand get a "do-over." With a 2/3 majority they can override a Presidential veto and the measure becomes law. So now we have a clearer picture of being president for a day, and the meaning of the rule of law, Constitutional Government, and the powers enumerated to government and to the people. Let's look at some issues and solution s and responsibilities.

 

Foreign Policy:

I must admit that foreign affairs interest me more than domestic policy relative to the office of President simply because it is here that a President may have the greatest effect, for better or for worse. This is especially true with respect to international relations as the president appoints ambassadors and with leadership sets the tone for America's dealings with other nations.

Too much hot air and bloviating blog space has been wasted slamming the current administrations foreign policy. An equal amount of blind faith flag waving and opining about h evils of liberalism has been offered in copious amounts as a counter balance.

 

GulfScotsman: President for a day

Step 1 – Strategic assessment: A space shuttle view of the world.

First thing that I notice is that this planet is fairly large and the vast majority of it is "blue." Vast oceans surround continents separated by thousand sand thousands of miles.

 

I do not see any people from up here. Only one or two signs of human activity can be seen during daylight. Cities at night appear expansive, but few and far between.

Thus as I land back in the united States on The North American Continent I come to this realization – The only way threats may reach our country are by air, by sea or across our two major land borders. I have at my disposal if called upon to assume the role of commander –in-chief, the undisputed control of the skies with our superior air forces, and I have the world most powerful Navy.

Step 2 – Strategic Objectives: Secure our borders – secure space.

1. Borders
   

Back here on earth I realize that you can walk down to our southern border and see people. Just simple folks in migration. I reflect on our history as a nation of immigrants, and the generations before us who built this nation. I see in the faces of today s immigrants – the future greatness of our country. I also see and exposed flank for drug lords, violent criminals, and terrorists.

Now interestingly enough one of the only man made features visible from space is the Great Wall of China. Built to protect the Middle Kingdom from the invading hordes, it served that purpose, but what is also important is that it did NOT isolate China. The wealth of a nation is based upon trade and good relations with other lands and peoples. And certainly China prospered.

The policy then would be to construct a physical barrier to control movements and secure our nation from criminal or terrorist threats. This would also serve to slow the mass of immigration allowing for increased but secure assimilation of migrant peoples to contribute to our nation and its future.

I would ask congress for funding to build a border security fence with both physical construction materials as well as using technological methods.

 

 

1. Secure Space
   

Ballistic missile technology and proliferation coupled with the development of nuclear weapons is the next significant policy challenge.

Once the stuff of "Star Wars" hyperbole, endless handwringing by naysayers and a political football, strategic defense against ballistic missiles must become a reality.

Policy: Seek funding and develop a land, sea and air based missile defense system for targeted application. We are not going to stop 300 missiles from Russia – that is not the point. The point is to so significantly erode the confidence of any rouge power to effectively be able to attack the United States – that they would not. The absolute imperative of a Strategic Defense is to prevent the need to use force, by preventing potential adversaries from achieving a first strike success. The ultimate cost of an effective missle defense system is vastly lower both in terms of national treasure, but also in the blood of our young men and women.        

 

 

Diplomacy:

"Walk softly but carry a big stick"

I assume the role of President secure with this knowledge: WE are a continent apart – we have secured our borders – we have secured the heavens. We own the skies and open waters. I have over 5000 of the most destructive weapons ever built by man at my command. I have the most technologically capable military, and the largest economy on the face of the globe. I am quite secure in the knowledge that the people of the Unites States are a peaceful and patient lot of human beings. I have nothing to fear – but fear itself.

Let us now then sit down with both friend and foe alike at the table of diplomacy – let us play our hands.

Many cultures on earth derive the legitimacy for life itself, from the respect shown for family or the tribe. Above hatred, and above fear – they place honor first.

 

Dialog is not appeasement. Allowing for honor and showing respect for other nations and cultures is not an act of cowardice. A leader of a nation comes to the table with a hand of cards – since both we, and they are fully understand g of the Royal Flush that we hold – there is no need for false bravado, thumping our chests, or lifting our leg.

 

Policy:

Unless a nation is engaged in acts of war against us, unless they are under a declaration of war by congress, unless they have refused to talk with us – It is both the responsibly and the duty of the President to engage in dialog for the hope of peace.

There are three strategic partners that together with eth Unites States form the basis for global stability – Our allies in Europe, Russia and China. These geopolitical players constitute the only possibility of an existential threat to our nation, should our relationships fail. Europe because of its historic instability, Russia because of their nuclear arsenal, ad China by the sea mass of human population that could be place under arms. All other foreign policy consideration must be formulated in the context of these overarching relationships.

 

Military Power:

Prudence mandates that while we continue to foster these strategic friendships, that we also position our nation in this process in a position of absolute not only as a matter of our own national security – but as deterrence to the adversarial forces in other nations from seeking advantage internally or externally.

Central to this foreign policy position is a superior conventional force. Our large ground capability and our logistics command structure to move it anywhere in the world - coupled with our ownership of the seas and sky – are the STRATEGIC mandates any President must keep in mind.

 

Policy:

Reposition our strategic land forces – gearing them toward large strategic defense capability. This means rebuilding a much larger army and Marine Corps on the order of 250,000 additional troops. Enhance small tactical capabilities with advance d Special Forces and technology to fight asymmetrical threats – symmetrically.

 

Disengage from the failed policy initiatives of occupation and nation building. Discontinue all Strategic Arms sales to foreign powers. Today's ally may b tomorrows enemy where unstable elements abound. Propping up regimes – either friend or foe - with military hardware is a false panacea and breeds the worst kind of threat potential in the future. Concurrently go on a global arms buy back spree. Give us your tired and worn out weapons – wand we will give you CASH.

 

I am sorry that this has been somewhat long winded. And I have no illusions about changing the mind of many bloviating bloggers with delusions of sainthood. I do challenge those who rarely formulate an original complete sentence to at least read with some consideration, my opining as – 'President for a day.'

 

US embassy in Belgrade attacked

BBC NEWS:     US embassy in Belgrade attacked
Police were not guarding the embassy at the time Several hundred protesters have attacked and broken into the US embassy in the Serbian capital Belgrade, setting fire to part of it. The embassy was closed and unprotected at the time. Reports say the Croatian embassy was also attacked. The incidents came as at least 150,000 people rallied in protest at Kosovo's declaration of independence. Protesters with flags and flares filled the main square. PM Vojislav Kostunica said Kosovo would always be Serbian. Earlier, on Serbia's de facto border with Kosovo, Serb army reservists attacked Kosovan police with stones and set fire to tyres.

A little something about “Words”

As a writer and a poet I must admit that I am a little biased when it comes to those little strokes of the pen on the parchment. And yes when lifted from the pages with eloquence and oratory justice - that I am in fact moved with some degree of satisfaction.

How boring indeed, the simple rolling up of sleeves, the routine of pitching the bales of hay in endless toil and labor for meager wages. The common man at night, lighting the bedside stand may in fact pick up the "Good Book." Therein he may read of The Word become flesh. Or perhaps he may frolic in a novel to chase away the doldrums of simplicity and escape in a world beyond his own.

No great act in history where men together raised a higher standard came about without inspired leadership extolling the common man to reach beyond his own station in life. And no greater example of this is there than the teachings of the great masters of the world's religions, or the foundational documents – words crafted on the pages of history – that founded a nation called America.

It is with some irony that we now have politicians, the supreme champions among us who bloviate and opine endlessly in speeches of things oratory and such, actually critical of the skills of rhetoric. When can you remember a politician who did criticize an opponent for simply speaking? How does one in fact delineate the differences of political ideas – without words? Does not the articulation of solutions necessitate the use of words? Do you not need to cajole, persuade and rationalize those solutions so as to move men to act? My God – isn't that the whole point of politics?

We may find that in times when words themselves are the issue, that it is desperation to either dismiss them, or to challenge them with demagoguery and distortion. And so we witness words as weapons, to attempt to derail the articulation of higher notions such as cooperation, communication, consultation and hope.

But alas, the common man is not deceived by the forked tongue, or the tongue in cheek. A simple honest man knows the difference between a breath of fresh air, and a windbag. After so many politicians lying, cheating, exaggerating and creating the illusion of ordination – with just words – it is refreshing to listen to oratory that lifts the common man from his station in life, if just for a season.

Now, words without action are fleeting. They are lost in time, like tears in rain (yes I did borrow that from Blade Runner). But inspirations of words that lift the soul require action on our part. It is in fact the hearer, the one who listens that is charged with the necessity of action. We the people in order to form a more perfect union must ordain and establish a new political dialog. One that allows for both the left and right, and the broad middle of America to come together to find the solutions as a nation to the challenges of our time. And so these simple words on the page written by a simple man are an outstretched hand. Come let us talk with one another, let us share our words, and let us accomplish great things.

Solutions? But no one is buying:

At the core of the debate on the Democratic side of the Presidential campaign are very similar themes and rather typical Democratic solutions. There are differences that can be read clearly on the respective candidates websites and in position papers. They essentially amount to nuance on the standard barer issues of jobs, economic policy and how they would be different than the current administration.

The interesting and fun side of the contest has come in the rhetorical side of running for President. All candidates running for high office customarily avoid specifics at campaign appearances, leaving those details to websites, position papers, and to a lesser degree debates.

So what is really interesting is that Barack Obama is utilizing eloquent rhetoric to draw huge numbers of people to take a serious look at him for President - and Hillary? - what is her response? - attack words, attack speeches, attack eloquence ... but with what?

Solutions that no one is buying. Why?

Not all of us are that slow off the draw Mrs. Clinton. Words and speeches about the word solutions, words and speeches attacking form with nothing more than words, a campaign slogan that is merely a bunch of talk itself - is neither a solution - or a strategy to win the hearts and minds of voters. The transparent rhetoric of solutions - thus becomes nothing more than attacking your opponent because he is a more effective communicator than you.

President Hillary R. Clinton - as "commander in chief" ready on day one - will have absolutely no power whatsoever to enact a single piece of legislation without good communications skills and the ability to reach consensus. President Clinton will not be able to appoint one judge, one cabinet member, or approve any other action unless it is with the advice and consent of the congress. For all of the "solutions offered"??? - and all of the ready on day one rhetoric - the obvious escapes her.

All powers of the President of the United States are derived from the legislative branch. It takes great oratory skill and genuine communication skills aimed at lifting up the debate, framing the issues worthy of action, persuading opposition forces, willingness to compromise and reach out, and above all - inspire the American People to support the objectives.

Without this skill. A President is not only NOT ready on day one - but unlikely to have any accomplishments other than division and continued grid lock.

Change is not about change for the sake of change, it is about the future of politics in America. About someone who has not only spoken about reaching out to all Americans - but has apparently been effective and will demonstrate the kind of quiet, patient leadership a nation needs in critical times. A leader who is willing to share the responsibility of the highest office with members of the opposite party, and in consultation with the American People. So that not only is he ready on day one, but that together we make the RIGHT decisions on day one.

No. I think it will take more than solutions. I think it will take the skill, and the demeanor to bring the American People along to believe in those solutions. It will take Hope that our President will at long last restore the high office as a builder of hope, a negotiator in good faith, a character of honesty, and a willingness to admit that without ALL Americans - solutions are nothing more than rhetoric, empty, and without hope.

Great words are the stuff of history that have shaped generations of young people all around the world, and moved common folks to action, to achieve great things for a nation, a people, and the world. It is not plagiarism to use over and over again the Declaration of Independence, the constitution of the United States of America, or the articulation of a Dream once had and spoken aloud on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial - now, with hope, perhaps fulfilled. Great words, and those who deliver them are movers and shakers of history. Bureaucratic solutions, and rhetoric about rolling up your sleeves, or punching the clock,
swinging the hammer and sickle are worn out, neo-socialist, populist lyrics in a song we no longer care to sing.

This election IS about words, about hope, and about change and a new generation.

Welcome to the future.

If Kosovo - why not Vermont?

One could ask so many questions, why not Chechnya, why not Palestine, why not Taiwan.

Abraham Lincoln once answered those questions together with General William T. Sherman - the resounding answer was NO. From the bloodshed of the American War Between the States came the phrase total war - the wanton disregard for life and property of any civilians in the way of the greater Federal State.

Today, as the United States of America formally recognized the independence of Kosovo from the Serbian Republic many more questions than answers abound. While we do indeed recognize that in the course of human events it is sometimes necessary for one group of people to dissolve the political bonds that through time had bound them to another, it is noted in history that such dissolutions do not come without a price. Serbia has promised not to repress Kosovo's claim to independence by force of arms, yet history is replete with prior restraint giving way to open hostility if there is no other resolution to the conflict.

It is also not without note by this author that the seeds of the First World War were sown in the ethnic divisions of the Balkan region of Europe. And as recent as the 1990's these tensions spilled over into open conflict again. Whereas the latter episode was limited, it is important to understand that the underlying tension and the resulting claim by Kosovo are all tightly knit in a web of old East / West rivalry as well.

Surrounded by the context of other external tensions between the great powers - the Middle East being foremost - this issue is yet another minefield to navigate in a time when U.S. diplomacy is considerably less influential. Our strained military commitment in Iraq significantly weakens our position to hold back any large scale strategic challenges should they arise. And with this issue now having the potential for open warfare again in Europe - the days ahead will be fraught with great danger.

The Time of the First New Moon

Time stand still – freeze this moment
Our lives together now willingly shared
Let the words echo throughout the ages
We begin – anew – to write new pages.

The moon rises on the Caribbean
Gentle waves kiss the shore
We walk along the cooling sand
Lovers joining hand in hand.

A new light shines in your eyes
The First Moon of forever
Reflecting endless dreams through the night
Spirits rise on waves – of light.

Hold each moment of passion new
Like some ancient mystery - Charged with emotion
Look deep into my eyes – blue, like the color of the sea
And always know the heart of me.

The waters called to our hearts
Cascading with distant memories
We shared life long hope – in a dolphin’s song
Listened to drums – silent so long

And we uncovered so much more
And we discovered the ritual door.

In the shadows –
Of The First New Moon.
Of Forever.









Written by: Todd R. Burns
7/26/98

Dark Terror

The absence of color
Dark terror
Narrow corridors lined with
Somber faces
Gray outlines of
Images of death
A half a century on

Time stands still

A hundred thousand arms raised
To salute the bringer of death
“zeig heil” – the cry
Echoes of insanity
The black plague of the
20th century

Shout with silent screams
Horror – replacing dreams
Such unspeakable things were done
They must be told to everyone
Memorials and monuments
To impact the flesh
For the living - to remember – the dead

For in the shadow of places we know
Iraq, Bosnia, or Kosovo
“Zeig heil” echoes again and again

Once a whisper then a shout
Peace in our time – the resolution
Shattered lives – the final solution

And men decried – never again

Pray for peace
That starts in our own hearts
And shed the true enemy –
Hatred

Bind the dogs of war once more
Shutting at once the ancient cage
Of tribal feuds and insane rage

And remember the path
Where prejudice leads
And forget not
It’s unspeakable deeds

Remember


From a visit to the Holocaust Museum
Washington D.C.
December 30th 1998
Todd R. Burns

Through the tenth moon

Winter winds dissolve into warm breezes

Touched by the sunlight of approaching spring days

Dreams cascade into reality

Pounding in my heart

You are near - a breath away

You have been there, from the start

I pause once more with pen in hand

Verteris vestigia flammae

Tablets of memory

As TIMES ARROW passes through the TENTH MOON.

There are moments when I am overwhelmed

Cast against the jagged shores of my own emotions

When I need your gentle touch to calm the sea

And you have always been there for me

And there are times when words are not enough

No phrase can be spoken to convey

The strength that my soul draws from your love

A whisper of - thank you

Must be enough

For I remember the first time you said, "I love you"

And forever it will feel as true

So I look into tomorrow with deep serenity

And pledge you my love

Eternally

Thursday, February 26, 1998