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NanceGreggs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 06:00 PM
Original message
Presidential Precedent
I can’t help but wonder whether you Republicans who have supported the illegal, immoral, and downright insane behavior of your president, G.W. Bush, have come to grips with the fact that come January 2009, the proverbial shoe will be on the other foot.

Precedents, however outrageous they are, have now been set by this administration. And should the new Democratic president wish to follow suit, believe me, you won’t like it. But then, you’ve had seven years to speak up for your country, and chose not to – because as long as it was your president, everything he did was okay with you.

So before you start whining about what you will undoubtedly deem to be the unlawful behavior of the new president if he starts acting like the current one, please keep the following in mind:

Should the new Democratic president choose to spy on any or all of you without cause, warrant or legal authority, he can do so because your president did it, so it must be okay.

If the Democratic president wants to start a war, he can simply fabricate ‘intelligence’ to justify its necessity because your president did it, so it must be okay.

If the Democratic president chooses to ‘out’ an undercover CIA agent for reasons of personal revenge, he can do so because your president did it, so it must be okay.

If the Democratic president appoints cronies whose incompetence could cause massive casualties in the aftermath of a disaster, he is within his rights to do so because your president did it, so it must be okay.

When the Democratic president allows his Attorney General to fire anyone he deems to be politically opposed to his views, he can do so without restraint because your president did it, so it must be okay.

If billions of taxpayers’ dollars ‘go missing’, the Democratic president will be free to quash any investigation into where the funds went because your president did it, so it must be okay.

The Democratic president can funnel billions of dollars to corporations owned by family members and friends via no-bid contracts because your president did it, so it must be okay.

Should the Democratic president run up the national debt and stick future taxpayers with the bill, he need not feel fettered by any notion of ‘fiscal responsibility’ because your president did it, so it must be okay.

The Democratic president is free to act like a buffoon in public, and prattle on incessantly in words that make absolutely no sense whatsoever, because your president did it, so it must be okay.

If the Democratic president chooses not to follow the law, he can simply execute a ‘signing statement’ and be excused from any accountability whatsoever because your president did it, so it must be okay.

If the Democratic president chooses to steadfastly rely on advisors who have been proven wrong time and again with disastrous results to the nation, he is free to do so because your president did it, so it must be okay.

If the Democratic president decides to ignore the Constitution and just do as he damn well pleases without restraint, he can do so without hesitation, because your president did it, so it must be okay.

Should the Democratic president be asked to account for any lies, deceit, corruption or wrongdoing perpetrated by himself or his administration, he can end the discussion by claiming executive privilege, or simply by saying “I don’t recall”, because your president did it, so it must be okay.

The Democratic president will not have to follow lawful procedures for the retention of emails, correspondence, discussion notes, et cetera, and can shred documents, delete computer data, and destroy any 'evidence' he wishes with abandon, because your president did it, so it must be okay.

The Democratic president will be free to hand sweetheart deals to any corporation or industry he wishes, even though it will cost the taxpayers billions, because your president did it, so it must be okay.

Should there be any investigations as a result of alleged wrongdoing, the Democratic president can refuse to answer any questions on-the-record and under oath, along with anyone in his administration or on his staff, because your president did it, so it must be okay.

Yessiree, it’s going to be fun to sit back and watch all of you trying to spin reasons why the Democratic president is not entitled to do anything and everything he chooses to do, whether you’re in agreement with it or not – because your president did it, so it must be okay.

But you won’t have to worry yourselves into a frenzy over it – you see, we simply don’t have anyone as corrupt, self-serving, idiotic and incompetent as your president among our candidates.

I guess a president who follows the law, upholds the Constitution, and governs all citizens with honesty and integrity will be something you’ll just have to used to.
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JohnnyLib2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 06:17 PM
Response to Original message
1. I like the piece and all points, BUT (ahem)...
That "he" pronoun referring to the next president, ummmmmmm, not yet.
LOL. recommended.

:hi:
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NanceGreggs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 06:25 PM
Response to Reply #1
2. I KNEW that would come up ...
... but I used 'he' because 'he/she' interfered with the flow of the piece.

No offense meant, Hil ...

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Plucketeer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 06:45 PM
Response to Reply #2
3. So.........
I can refer to Chimpy as Precedent Bush? :dunce: (giggle) I've actually called him that in some of my commentary in the past.
I agree with all you've said, and I personally didn't take offense to the "he" Hee-hee!:blush:
Good post!
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Trucker Bob Donating Member (28 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 06:34 AM
Response to Reply #2
19. Hi Nance
Since you used 'he' generically, can I just say 'You da man'? 'You da ma'am' just doesn't convey how I feel about your work.

Great stuff as always!
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blondie58 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 06:56 PM
Response to Original message
4. Bravo, Nance
another one- out of the ballpark! If I didn't know better, I might think that you were on steroids- well, brain steroids, anyway! You're amazing- thank you.
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DeanDem10 Donating Member (128 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 07:25 PM
Response to Reply #4
5. Shoe on the other foot test
When deciding which positions to endorse, we should all use the shoe-on-the-other-foot test.
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madamesilverspurs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 07:39 PM
Response to Original message
6. Limbo.
You know, that fun party game where the bar keeps getting lower and lower... If our presidents were required to follow the example of their immediate predecessor, that would mean that our next chief executive would have to be immature, ignorant, inarticulate, criminally inclined, petulant, under the influence, totally self-absorbed, unhousebroken and (just to be different from what we have now) in a coma.

At least none of the current Democratic presidential wannabes meet that qualification.
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David Diderot Donating Member (27 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 08:20 PM
Response to Original message
7. Outstanding Article
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NanceGreggs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 08:21 PM
Response to Reply #7
8. Welcome aboard ...
... the Good Ship DU, Matey!

:hi:
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abq e streeter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 08:41 PM
Response to Reply #7
10. welcome also...I highly recommend going back and reading Nance Greggs'
other "rants" too... her ideas and her writing are all of the same quality as this one. I wish she were nationally syndicated in newspapers; she deserves to be heard by millions...I think my all-time favorite might be "Brian vs. Vinny" (or something like that), but haven't been able to find that particular one when I've looked for it recently. Again, welcome to DU ( I'm relatively new myself).
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Catsbrains Donating Member (352 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 08:58 AM
Response to Reply #10
21. I'm new to DU as well and will definitely be checking out NanceGreggs rants. Great stuff!
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Trucker Bob Donating Member (28 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 09:04 AM
Response to Reply #21
22. As a fellow newbie..
Welcome! :hi:
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kentuck Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 08:35 PM
Response to Original message
9. The only difference...
pardon my language, is that the Republicans will have the balls to impeach the Democratic President that would commit the crimes and misdemeanors that this President has committed. And the media will support them 100%. And the Democratic majority will run scared to get in with the Republican minority.
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NBachers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 09:50 PM
Response to Reply #9
11. I Agree- They'll Scream to Holy Hell
Constantly and incessantly. They won't shut the F up, and they'll be belligerent and aggressive. They won't be "bipartisan" and they won't roll over and expose their genitals for abuse. They won't be Stockholm Syndromed. They'll make such a gawdawful baby screeching fuss that they'll get their way just so they'll shut up - and then they'll get louder. They'll do choreographed contortionist backflips of livid antagonistic sanctimonious indignant rage. It will be a spectacle to behold.

Meanwhile, in other news, the MIA Democrats are considering a strongly-worded post-it note, and they may decide on an actual target to unleash it upon. IF they can reach an accommodating bipartisan consensus.
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rasputin1952 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 01:10 AM
Response to Reply #11
16. They are already in Whine mode...they are breaking their backs
trying to block anything the D Congress is trying to accomplish...when they get into a serious minority next election, they will screech all the louder, hanging from the ceiling w/prehensile tails, tossing poop and waiting for the zookeeper to toss them apples and bananas. The R's soiled their own cage, and now expect everyone else to come in and sit down...never gonna happen.

If there is one exceptionally bright side to the last 7+ years, it is that bush has almost single-handedly destroyed the GOP for at least a generation. He has accomplished what Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover took many more years to garner...the complete disdain of a nation for poor leadership.

bush's "legacy" will equate to dog crap on a shoe, never before has someone so incredibly inept been at the helm of this nation, he is probably the only person that could make Andrew Johnson look like a success.
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The Wizard Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 09:51 PM
Response to Original message
12. Wonderful great insightful
And edit the last sentence
"I guess a president who follows the law, upholds the Constitution, and governs all citizens with honesty and integrity will be something you’ll just have to get used to."
Sorry about the public posting of this, but the effects of emergency surgery have altered my thinking ability.
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JeffR Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 11:08 PM
Response to Original message
13. !!
:applause:

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Oldtimeralso Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Dec-09-07 11:24 PM
Response to Original message
14. Nothing will happen like that
The "liberal media" will not let any Democratic President get away with any of your points.
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badgerpup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 12:37 AM
Response to Original message
15. Precedent...a door you want to be VERY CAREFUL about opening...
...the first guy through door maybe ain't so bad, but it's the wild-eyed crazy opportunist bastards behind him that are gonna make your life miserable...

And claiming that "oh, this was ONLY for Chimpenfuhrer Emperor He Who Must Not Be Named ol' Farty McCodpiece in the Oval Office George Bush" just isn't gonna fly, boys.
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Steely_Dan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 01:13 AM
Response to Original message
17. Nance - You are the best!
Edited on Mon Dec-10-07 01:16 AM by Steely_Dan
I never miss your essays. They are so creative and well written. I strive to achieve your balance of facts, humor and insight.

-Paige
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emanymton Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 05:26 AM
Response to Original message
18. Yours Is My First Read In The Mornings.... Thank You.
.
It is funny. These points and your arguments have been made throughout the past years by many people.

The RW types have gamed the system and have not been willing to talk about this ever. They have not thought about the consequences. It is only now that they are realizing the folly of their ways.

It will be up to the liberal adults of the world to assure the Constitution is followed by the Democratic Party hacks who have enabled 'shrub and Co.' As bad as the GOP has been, does not mean I am willing to replace the greed, grief and graft of the Right with tyrants of the Left.
.
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nxylas Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 08:55 AM
Response to Original message
20. I sincerely hope nobody here would use the "Bush did it" defence
That would make us as bad as the Republans whose one trick to defend Bush is to wail "b-b-but Clinton!"
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proReality Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 09:05 AM
Response to Original message
23. This needs to be where they can find it...
K&R
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FloridaJudy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 09:32 AM
Response to Original message
24. Spot on, as usual, Nance
I never regret clicking on a Nance Rant!
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Wizard777 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 11:46 AM
Response to Original message
25. The Republicans will want to Impeach the next Democrat President for taking the Oath of Office. n/t
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Demeter Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 12:55 PM
Response to Original message
26. AND We AreGoing To Write Instructions To Prevent Such Crimes
and make sure that people are empowered to disempower any fool who tries to follow W's crime spree.
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hayu_lol Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 02:11 PM
Response to Reply #26
27. Nance, your rants are absolutely priceless...
So many things to say, but you say it so well in so few well-chosen words. :^)

I seriously wonder if the 'Pugs' have really given any of this any thought at all?
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niceypoo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 07:15 PM
Response to Original message
28. BINGO
When a democrat wins, suddenly, these, 'measures,' wont be necessary any longer.
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Mythsaje Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 08:33 PM
Response to Original message
29. And, unlike most Republicans, I'd protest a President
from my own party for doing this stuff JUST as loudly as I would a Republican.

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f the letter Donating Member (402 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Dec-10-07 09:29 PM
Response to Original message
30. Amen n/t
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AZgirl7 Donating Member (85 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Dec-11-07 12:24 AM
Response to Original message
31. forget impeaching the next prez
On a more sadly serious note, I'm afraid that ANY president that gets in and actually cares about us and our country, and does something about it, will be assassinated, again.
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