The Imperial Presidency: The Sequel

Forget the approaching multi-million dollar film starring Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep. The real life, modern-day version of government shenanigans continues to provide summer entertainment that is, if not appreciated, at least much more riveting. At least admission is free!

Yes, the problem of trampling over the United States Constitution continues. If the Patriot Act hasn’t already demolished it, ongoing disregard for equal justice under the law is apparently trying to finish things up. All in a day’s work for extremists who haven’t felt obligated to represent the average American since their arrival in Washington.

They’re also fixated with reviving the 1970’s. And we're not talking disco dancing or fondue parties either. We're talking political philosophy: If you don’t think you would be able win through legitimate channels, go ahead and fix the political process so your people are able to win through any means necessary!

And while you're at it, go ahead and expand the government's authority to eavesdrop on the 'international' telephone calls and emails of American citizens, sans warrants. Given his track record, do we really think that Alberto Gonzales is giving Congress or the American people the truth on this issue? On anything? Congress is still skeptical.

It all sounds very familar, doesn't it? Lessons from Watergate continue to reverberate, and we must stop to fully absorb them for future reference and effective prevention. Public officials fail to perform their sworn jobs when they feel that they are above the public and thus unaccountable to the same laws which they sincerely expect others to abide by.

Revisiting the past isn't fun. It can remind us that this country has experienced some less-than-stellar times. But we've also survived and gone on when the governments of several other nations would have — and do — crumble into anarchy. Fighting against the Imperial Presidency II isn’t going to be anywhere as glamorous or star-studded as the Redford-directed picture. But it is infinitely more important for the future of our country.