Does Bush have authority to postpone the elections, in case of terrorist

[flamingpie2500]

threats, or whatever?

[metisnation]

1. that would be it

that would guarantee a revolution.

[flamingpie2500]

7. you are right, and this president is just the man to start one. What an

opportunity for him to declare his own citizens terrorists.

[DuctapeFatwa]

2. The same authority he has to order you seized and detained without

charges in a cage in Gitmo.

[goobergunch]

3. No.

But then he doesn't have any authority to detain people without charge, either.

[punpirate]

4. Ronald Reagan signed...

... a National Security Directive in the `80s which allows the Executive Branch near-unlimited powers in times of national emergency--martial law, lots of additional powers for FEMA, and suspension of the Constitution.

I imagine that directive is still in force. Thank Ollie North for helping to write it....

[zulchzulu]

18. It's called "Rex Alpha"

Code name for the secret gubmint run by NSA...

[Walt Starr]

5. Yes, he does

All he must do is declare martial law.

The Legislative branch has largely ceded their authority to the executive branch over the past fifty or so years and in doing so, have brought us to this pass.

[flamingpie2500]

6. I do know that Bush extended the state of emergency in the country

this year (much to the ignorance of the public) he declared this after 9/11. Much the same thing then I suppose.

[charliebrown]

8. Hannity asked Ted Koppel this earlier this week

Ted said that the parties should discuss now if this happened should they hold off maybe a month to let things get a little more normal. But that it would have to be discussed and decided NOW. I gather so that in the case of a 3 day before attack as happened in Spain. It wouldnt be made in haste or anger and wouldnt keep those affected from being able to vote.

[lastknowngood]

9. Yes in case of national emergency he can declare

martial law and suspend the government. Just like Hitler did.

[madrchsod]

10. that really worked well

for hitler ,didn`t it?

[BiggJawn]

12. For about 12 years. Isn't that enough?

Reichstag burned in '33, the Third Reich came crashing down in May of '45.

And dont forget, Hitler had only 12 years because we were the GOOD guys then...

[DenverDem]

11. And The People have the authority to change the administration

by any means necessary.


WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.

You know the rest.

[BiggJawn]

13. If the People start getting rstless...

Mikey Powell will just see to it that the nets have a Jenna Jameson/Jeff Stryker film festival, and they'll forget all about that Martial Law stuff....

[Leilani]

14. We've had plenty of wars in our history

& elections have never been interrupted.

Bush could probably do it legally, but there would be hell to pay.

I could understand a weeks delay, in case of a severe situation, like communications systems disrupted. But it would have to be really, really serious.

If he tries any cute tricks, it will backfire!

[tuckdogg]

15. Nope

Terrorist Threats? No way. I would HIGHLY doubt that any court in the country or even Congress would ever claim that Bush would have the power to move/postpone/whatever the elections because of a simple threat.

An actual attack? Yes. If it was bad enough, I don't doubt that he would have the power to declare martial law and suspend the elections. And I think, deep down, we would want it that way. Sure, I certainly don't trust Bush at the reigns, but if we're at war on our home turf and quick, decisive action is called for, the President should take the reigns. Of course, he'd have to give them back as soon as the threat had passed, which might be a problem with this administration...

[serryjw]

17. Suspend the elections? Try the Constitution!!

My worse night mare. IF he declares Martial Law....the Constitution is gone and the Congress for 6 MONTHS!.......And there is NOTHING written into FEMA to give the Country BACK to the people.....It's ALL OVER!!!...and if you think not...you are living under a rock!-----quote------
FEMA was created in a series of Executive Orders. A Presidential Executive Order, whether Constitutional or not, becomes law simply by its publication in the Federal Registry. Congress is by-passed. Executive Order Number 12148 created the Federal Emergency Management Agency that is to interface with the Department of Defense for civil defense planning and funding. An "emergency czar" was appointed.
FEMA's enormous powers can be triggered easily. In any form of domestic or foreign problem, perceived and not always actual, emergency powers can be enacted. The President of the United States now has broader powers to declare martial law, which activates FEMA's extraordinary powers. Martial law can be declared during time of increased tension overseas, economic problems within the United States, such as a depression, civil unrest, such as demonstrations or scenes like the Los Angeles riots, and in a drug crisis.Three times since 1984, FEMA stood on the threshold of taking control of the nation. Once under President Reagan in 1984, and twice under President Bush in 1990 and 1992.

Under the FEMA plan, there is no contingency by which Constitutional power is restored..........SLEEP WELL TONIGHT!!:P

http://www.sonic.net/sentinel/gvcon6.html

[newyawker99]

19. Hi tuckdogg!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[John_H]

16. Why don't we all vote for Nader and find out for sure? n/t