Robert Reich: Obama's Options on 2013's Big Issues

[babylonsister]

http://prospect.org/article/obamas-options-2013s-big-issues

Obama's Options on 2013's Big Issues

Robert Reich
January 10, 2013
It’s a fair argument that when the nation is jeopardized—whether in danger of defaulting on its debts or succumbing to mass violence—a president is justified in using his authority to the fullest.



Anyone who thinks congressional Republicans will roll over on the debt ceiling or gun control or other pending hot-button issues hasn’t been paying attention.

But the President can use certain tools that come with his office—responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution and in his capacity as the nation’s chief law-enforcer—to achieve some of his objectives.

snip//

But it’s a fair argument that when the nation is jeopardized—whether in danger of defaulting on its debts or succumbing to mass violence—a president is justified in using his authority to the fullest.

The mere threat of taking such actions—using the President’s executive authority to pay the nation’s bills or broadly interpret gun laws already on the books—could be useful in pending negotiations with congressional Republicans.

They have not shied away from using whatever means available to them to get their way. The President should not be reluctant to play hardball, either.

[brew987]

1. I hate to burst your bubble, but his powers are limited

[patrice]

2. Did you read the article? I believe Robert Reich recognizes the limitations & is proposing strength

within those terms.