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
