"Obama's first steps".
Obama's first steps
On one level, it's not remarkable that President Obama began his term with a flurry of executive orders and directives. That's typical, as a new chief executive underscores that there's a new sheriff in town and moves to assure core supporters that he's pursuing the agenda they embraced.
Still, Mr. Obama's early moves had a different feel.
First, they mark a significant break with his predecessor on matters of substantive policy.
In particular, there is nothing mechanical about the President's orders to close the detention camp at Guantánamo Bay, suspend judicial proceedings against its inmates pending a review of each case, end torture by placing interrogation of prisoners under the rules outlined in the Army Field Manual and shut down the CIA's secret overseas prisons.
Indeed, the mechanics will prove difficult, as new procedures are developed.
What is dramatic, however, is the framework Mr. Obama offered for his actions: that terrorism can be combated successfully, and best, by relying on American values and constitutional principles.
That breaks fundamentally with the thinking of George W. Bush's administration: that fighting terrorists requires sweeping assertions of presidential authority to act outside the bounds even of the law and the Constitution.
The Bush practices led to shameful abuse, lack of accountability and dishonor to the country. The Obama changes are to be applauded.
Second, the President emphasized that transparency will be a hallmark of his administration. Mr. Bush's tenure, of course, was among the most secretive in the nation's history.
Mr. Obama, pledging that "this administration stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information, but those who seek to make it known," reversed Bush policies making it easier for federal agencies to deny public records requests and allowing former presidents or their heirs to keep records secret.
He also laid down tough new rules governing executive branch ethics and relationships with lobbyists.
Like journeys, new administrations begin with first steps. Reaffirming the rule of law, shining light on government's dark corners and holding special interests at arm's length are good places for a new presidency to start.
On one level, it's not remarkable that President Obama began his term with a flurry of executive orders and directives. That's typical, as a new chief executive underscores that there's a new sheriff in town and moves to assure core supporters that he's pursuing the agenda they embraced.
Still, Mr. Obama's early moves had a different feel.
First, they mark a significant break with his predecessor on matters of substantive policy.
In particular, there is nothing mechanical about the President's orders to close the detention camp at Guantánamo Bay, suspend judicial proceedings against its inmates pending a review of each case, end torture by placing interrogation of prisoners under the rules outlined in the Army Field Manual and shut down the CIA's secret overseas prisons.
Indeed, the mechanics will prove difficult, as new procedures are developed.
What is dramatic, however, is the framework Mr. Obama offered for his actions: that terrorism can be combated successfully, and best, by relying on American values and constitutional principles.
That breaks fundamentally with the thinking of George W. Bush's administration: that fighting terrorists requires sweeping assertions of presidential authority to act outside the bounds even of the law and the Constitution.
The Bush practices led to shameful abuse, lack of accountability and dishonor to the country. The Obama changes are to be applauded.
Second, the President emphasized that transparency will be a hallmark of his administration. Mr. Bush's tenure, of course, was among the most secretive in the nation's history.
Mr. Obama, pledging that "this administration stands on the side not of those who seek to withhold information, but those who seek to make it known," reversed Bush policies making it easier for federal agencies to deny public records requests and allowing former presidents or their heirs to keep records secret.
He also laid down tough new rules governing executive branch ethics and relationships with lobbyists.
Like journeys, new administrations begin with first steps. Reaffirming the rule of law, shining light on government's dark corners and holding special interests at arm's length are good places for a new presidency to start.
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posted by KYJurisDoctor at 5:29 PM
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