Bush On Shaky Legal Ground

Monday the ABA announced that President Bush was "flouting the Constitution and undermining the rule of law by claiming the power to disregard selected provisions of bills that he signed". For awhile now Democrats and some Republicans have voiced concern over a lack of checks and balances. This Administration feels that can pick and chose what laws to follow and what laws not to follow.

(NY Times)The bar association panel said the use of signing statements in this way was “contrary to the rule of law and our constitutional system of separation of powers.” From the dawn of the Republic, it said, presidents have generally understood that, in the words of George Washington, a president "must approve all the parts of a bill, or reject it in toto.”

As a result of this information, Sen. Spector has said

(AP)We will submit legislation to the United States Senate which will...authorize the Congress to undertake judicial review of those signing statements with the view to having the president's acts declared unconstitutional,"

While I appreciate Sen. Spector's efforts, I just question his motives. Is he just trying to jump on the bandwagon, or is he seriously concerned about the constitution and rule of law?