The Economist's Election Overview

Interesting article on the election and what it means for Dems and Repubs (also, it's written in British - colour!)

I tend to dissagree that there is a "Democratic civil war", and that this "civil war" will give the Republicans a chance to reunite under one candidate. The Republicans don't need the Democratic Party's continuting primary race to unite the Republicans. They would have done that anyway.

As to the Civil War analogy, I think having two strong condidates is nothing but good for Democracy and the country. Having said that, I do see stronger fractures possibly materialising during the convention in Denver if the Democrats can't come together behind one candidate. We'll see. It's not over...

via Economist.com

What Hasn't Been Talked About

The issues discussed during this primary race are the usual, economy, Iraq, health care. But issue that has not been talked, but, for me, is one the the most important issues of our time is the theory and practice of Presidential authority. In other words, the Unitary Executive.

For those that may not know what the theory of the unitary executive is, it is the idea that the President of United States is not bound by the law of the Constitution. That the President, in order to fulfill his duties is not beholden to the laws past by Congress, or the laws written in the Constitution.

George Bush has taken this theory and ran with it. He has actually said he does not have to follow the laws passed by Congress.

My feeling is this is anti democratic and completely counter to what the founders of this nation had in mind. Essentially, Bush is calling himself a monarch.

mon·arch /ˈmɒnərk, -ɑrk/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[mon-erk, -ahrk] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a hereditary sovereign, as a king, queen, or emperor.
2. a sole and absolute ruler of a state or nation.

What I wonder is, why hasn't anyone asked the candidates their feelings on the theory of the Unitary Executive?

Beyond the economy, Iraq and health care, as I said, I feel this is the most pressing issue of our time. It goes to the very heart of what this nation is supposed to stand for. Simply put, the theory and practice the Unitary Executive has very real and damaging costs to the very survival of our democracy.

So. Why isn't anyone asking the question?