Saturday, February 03, 2007

This story is a few days old but worth repeating:
President George W. Bush has signed a directive that gives the White House much greater control over the rules and policy statements that the government develops regarding public health, safety, the environment, civil rights and privacy.

In an executive order published last week in the Federal Register, Bush said that each agency must have a regulatory policy office run by a political appointee, to supervise the development of rules and documents providing guidance to regulated industries. The White House will thus have a gatekeeper in each agency to analyze the costs and the benefits of new rules and to make sure the agencies carry out the president's priorities.

This strengthens the hand of the White House in shaping rules that have, in the past, often been generated by civil servants and scientific experts. It suggests that the administration still has ways to exert its power after the takeover of Congress by the Democrats.
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Representative Henry Waxman, Democrat of California and chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said: "The executive order allows the political staff at the White House to dictate decisions on health and safety issues, even if the government's own impartial experts disagree. This is a terrible way to govern, but great news for special interests."
In short, the King reasserts his power over his people. In response to voters changing the balance of power in Congress, King George simply decides to decree a new directive, one that affords him greater scope and discretion to shape public policy and the establishment of regulations. He has appointed one of his cronies to all governmental agencies to insure that they enforce the will of the King, and his many wealthy backers.

It's no wonder 6 out of 10 Americans wished this presidency would end today. What's perplexing is that other 40%, those willing to play the role of hapless servant or compliant peasant to this emperor. Must be mainly the same brain-dead 30% who still, amazingly, approve of Bush's performance.

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