To the Point
The Imperial Presidency and the Rule of Law
President Bush has extended the powers of his office beyond what many believe the Constitution allows, with unauthorized spying, the treatment of prisoners and the denial of legal rights. Was it necessary and justified to protect the country or should there be high-level criminal trials to re-establish the rule of law? Also, the unemployment rate continues to climb, and same-sex marriage advocates take to the streets.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenPresident Bush has extended the powers of his office beyond what many believe the Constitution allows, with unauthorized spying, the treatment of prisoners and the denial of legal rights. Was it necessary and justified to protect the country or should there be high-level criminal trials to re-establish the rule of law? Also, the unemployment rate continues to climb. On Reporter's Notebook, is the effort to legalize same-sex marriage turning into a civil rights movement?
Banner image: President George W. Bush (R) speaks to his cabinet while Vice President Dick Cheney listens at the White House September 6, 2005. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesUnemployment Rises and Will Keep Climbing
Five hundred sixteen thousand Americans filed for unemploymen t last week, bringing the total to 3.8 million, about the size of the City of Los Angeles. The weekly total of lay-offs is the highest since the attacks of September 11, 2001. David Serchuk is Assistant Editor at the Intelligent Investing channel at Forbes.com.
Read the story6 minHas the Bush Administration Taken Presidential Power Too Far?
If Bill Clinton's impeachment was a curb on the excesses of the executive branch, it didn't last long. Even some Republicans concede that George W. Bush claimed unprecedented presidential authority, which may have led to violations of law.
Read the story35 minA Political Awakening as Gay-Marriage Advocates Take to the Streets?
In California last week, voters overturned a state Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage was a constitutional right. Since then, street demonstrations by opponents of Proposition 8 have grown larger. Yesterday, gay and lesbian couples exchanged marriage vows for the first time in Connecticut.
Read the story8 min
