An Executive's Executive

Once again our government has failed the basic test of common sense. Admirably and on schedule, President Bush requires all members of the executive branch to provide all documents - including classified documents to his office for his perusal. This typical act that usually takes place in presidential administrations tends to go on without a news story. However, in a post 9/11 world these types of routine acts get scrutinized - and I'm glad it is!

Our Vice President Cheny - the man most believe actually runs 1600 Pennsylvania Ave - has decided not to provide the documents claiming he is not a member of the executive branch! I guess he's a judge now, or maybe a senator? Maybe he forget about his two presidential campaigns?!?!? At any rate, instead of giving the documents in an era that reeks of the aftermath of the Libbey trial and conviction - his former chief of staff, Cheney decides to recommend that the office that requests the documents be abolished.

As bad as this looks for Cheney, the real issue is the fact that this is an executive order from Bush that can only be enforced by Bush. So, it is a repeated cycle of . . . . well. . . . nothing. Once again, the public feels insecure, our leaders feel above the law, and the public and Congress (deadlocked because the public decided to vote a narrow Democratic majority) can do nothing.

Even as a political scientist in training, I can understand why people would disaffect from politics altogether. If this is what they cite as reasons, who could blame them?