Don't say, "That can't happen here." Remember how many times you said that over the past five years and how many times you've been wrong.
The groundwork has already been laid. Think of the reasoning given by the administration regarding the legality of torture and domestic spying. According to this administration, the Congress empowered the president to do whatever he deemed necessary when they authorized military action in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Constitution is that quaint document that has no meaning today. The administration does not have to follow the laws Congress passes even though the president signs them so long as a signing statement is added explaining the administration's interpretation. Other administrations have done it. And then, of course, there's that concept of the unitary president.
If Congress doesn't soon do something to curb this power grab, one morning we'll wake up and the following press release will be splashed across our television and computer screens.
For Immediate Release
Source: White House Press Office
After a series of intense discussions within the White House and with supporters such as Dr. Dobson, the president has determined that that our enemies will be emboldened if the homeland is distracted by an election. Also, the election of a new president means the appointment of new people to critical positions. It will take new staff too long to come up to speed and be effective in their new positions. This will leave the homeland vulnerable to attack. It is critical to the safety of the American people that the team that has been successfully waging the Global War on Terror since 9/11 remains intact.
Therefore, in keeping with the president's commitment to the safety of the American people and the homeland, the president has determined it is in the country's best interest that he remains in office until victory is declared. This will ensure the continuity of the leadership that has kept the American people and the homeland free of attack since 9/11. The president stated "Hey, when you have a winning team in place, you don't get off your horse in the middle of the stream. We'll get off this horse when we win. Things are going so well, that could be any day now. I'm looking forward to getting back to the ranch and clearing some brush but I was elected to do a job - to keep the American people safe and ensure the terrorists do not attack the homeland. That's what I intend to do."
It is not unprecedented for the president to serve more than two terms. During World War II, President Roosevelt ran for and won a third term because it was determined that the continuity of leadership was critical for victory. That of course, was a pre 9/11 world. The world has changed since 9/11 and our enemies are different. In the post 9/11 world, this a critical time and we cannot allow ourselves to be vulnerable due to the distraction of an election and a change in leadership.
Please refer all inquiries to the White House Press Office.
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