Posted by
Gary Winebarger on Friday, July 03, 2009 3:32:00 PM
I was quite astonished at President Obama’s position regarding the ousting of Honduran President Zelaya. It completely blows my mind that the president of the nation of individual liberty, in the course of a month, has turned his back to legitimate protests of the people in Iran and the constitutional authority of the nation of Honduras. In each case, he took the side of tyranny.
Zelaya had been freely elected by the people as are the Honduran Congress and other government level officials. Just as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had done several months ago, Zelaya moved to repeal term limits on his office. His suggesting the repeal is not of issue. When he couldn’t gain political support for the motion, he chose to import counterfeit ballots to be used in the upcoming election. The Congress and military thus removed Zelaya from office, installed a temporary President and intend on holding elections earlier than scheduled. Fortunately for Zelaya, he was flown to Costa Rica instead of being arrested. However, if he returns to Honduras, arrest is eminent.
Within hours Obama offered the same position as Castro, Ortega and Chavez; Zelaya should be restored to power and such a coup is illegal. So much for not wanting to meddle in democratic uprisings. Maybe Obama has plans regarding his term-limit.
In 1967, the many States ratified the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution. In essence the amendment details presidential disability and succession including a procedure with which the president can be removed from power. Yes, just like Denzel Washington’s character in “Crimson Tide” took down Gene Hackman from the con.
Here’s how it goes: The vice-president and majority of principal officers of executive departments inform both houses of congress, in writing, that the president is unable to meet his duties. The vice-president assumes power.
If the president informs both houses, in writing, that no inability exists, the opposing faction has four days to counter whereas congress will decide the issue. The congress is to convene within 48 hours but should they refuse to convene within 21 days or agree within 21 days by two-thirds vote of the president’s inability, the vice-president will assume power. In other words, for the president to save his job congress must convene and decide within 21 days; and within congress the president would need one-third support plus one.
This amendment is intended to backstop medical, mental, and personal issues with which the president may be faced. Could it be used for ideological differences? Would that be constitutional? Yes and yes.
I would never insinuate that Joe Biden would exercise the 25th amendment to assume power…only Hillary has this kind of influence. Wasn’t the potential for a Biden resignation a campaign rumor? We would be so lucky if these dots get connected.