The WH Communications Director claims appointment of czars is common practice. But even some Dems are questioning the constitutionality. It is true that Bill Clinton and Bush had 'czars", but not as many as the O admin.
W.H. responds to 'czar' critiques By Jordan Fabian - 09/16/09 05:08 PM ET
The White House on Wednesday fired back at critics of appointed policy "czars" in the Obama administration, calling much of the opposition "ridiculous." The "czars" have come under fire recently because they have not been confirmed by the Senate. The appointed advisers gained increased scrutiny following resignation of former green jobs czar Van Jones after his signature was found on a petition implying the Bush administration played a role in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and making other controversial statements. "The bulk of the noise you hear began first with partisan commentators, suggesting that this is somehow a new and sinister development that threatens our democracy. This is, of course, ridiculous," White House Communications Director Anita Dunn wrote in a blog post. "Just to be clear, the job title 'czar' doesn’t exist in the Obama Administration," Dunn added, referring to the informal term used for the advisers. Dunn noted that former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush used "czars" in their administration. The administration specifically targeted a letter from Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Lamar Smith's (R-Tex.) requesting White House counsel Greg Craig provide information regarding the "czars'" vetting information, pay grade, and responsibilities. "But of course, it’s really the hypocrisy here that is noteworthy," wrote Dunn, echoing the DNC's line-of-attack against Issa. "Just earlier today, Darrell Issa...had to admit to Fox News that he had never raised any objections to the Bush Administration’s use of 'czars.'" "Many of these members who now decry the practice have called on Presidents in the past to appoint 'czars' to coordinate activities within the government to address immediate challenges." The White House also claimed that some of the czars under fire from conservative pundits have been approved by the Senate. Republicans, however, have not been the only ones to question Obama's use of the now-controversial advisers. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) also sent a letter to the president requesting his legal advisers justify the constitutionality of the "czars." Source:
It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less. ~Susan B. Anthony
The "czars" represent a shadow government that is being put into place. There is a shifting of power to the Executive Branch of Government . . . it is growing more powerful and larger. Eventually Congress will no longer have power. Already, someone is writing the bills for them (i.e., the Stimulus Bill was written by the Apollo Alliance). Their power is being slowly being usurped and most of them probably do not even realize it yet, as Obama is slowly concentrating all of the power within the Executive Branch.
Each of these czars hold radical, way-out-there in the "loon bin" views. Obama is surrounding himself with socialists/communist thinking people. And, many do not have to pass any type of confirmation.
