The Constitution: Checking a Would-Be King - by Ray McGovern

The Constitution: Checking a Would-Be King - by Ray McGovern: "August 19, 2006 | by Ray McGovern

Who can forget the chutzpah of President George W. Bush as he bragged to Bob Woodward, 'I'm commander in chief.... That's the interesting thing about being president ... I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation.'

Wrong, Mr. President. You and Vice President Cheney seem to have missed 'Constitution 101.'" ...
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Mr. President, you can't just keep making things up – things like "unitary executive," and "unlawful combatant," and "military tribunals" and "enhanced interrogation techniques." You cannot make-believe them into law. These quasi-legal constructs are bound to come back to roost. The US Constitution is not just another piece of paper. Indeed, it seems to be getting a new lease on life these days. Now you and your lawyers have run into a tough judge who takes the Constitution very seriously indeed and shows no sign of bending with the prevailing winds. ...