In a strange coincidence, there were two news stories today about presidents amassing more power. One was Bush. The other was his nemesis (OK, one of his nemeses), Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
I just thought it was interesting to see what we consider an expansion of power here:
The New York Times leads with a look at an executive order issued by President Bush last week that ultimately gives the White House more power to control the rules and guidance documents issued by government agencies. These rules are designed to protect such things as public health and the environment, and they have traditionally been the work of career civil servants and experts. But now, under the new order, a presidential appointee will run an office within each agency to supervise their development.
Versus in South America:
Now, (Chavez) is about to become even more powerful — the all-Chavista National Assembly is poised to approve a "mother law" as early as Wednesday enabling him to remake society by presidential decree. In its latest draft, the law would allow Chavez to dictate measures for 18 months in 11 broad areas, from the "economic and social sphere" to the "transformation of state institutions."
Man, that's how it's done! Bush, take a memo.
Oh hey, if you guys need any more ideas, you could try setting fire to your own legislature.
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