Signing Statements: What Happened To Our Constitution?

Hey, this January Congress passed a law with a section that said there should be no permanent bases in Iraq and the Iraqis should control the oil. Yes, they tucked this lovely section (1222*) into the defense appropriation bill. Maybe our senators and representatives noticed our “No Blood for Oil” signs.

So how’s this law doing? It’s not doing well, at all. As a matter of fact, it is in tatters, in shreds; it’s a wreck. President Bush signed the bill, but he issued a signing statement saying the “no permanent bases” part doesn’t count. Congress says no permanent bases and the president says no way.

But doesn’t the Constitution of the United States say that Congress writes the laws? If a president starts writing them, isn’t it time to call in the constitutional lawyers?

On January 30 the editors of the “New York Times” wrote about this signing statement attached to the defense appropriation bill:

It’s glaringly obvious why Mr. Bush rejected the fourth provision, which states that none of the money authorized for military purposes may be used to establish permanent military bases in Iraq.

It is more evidence, as if any were needed, that Mr. Bush never intended to end this war, and that he still views it as the prelude to an unceasing American military presence in Iraq.

It is time to send a message to the next president that we the people expect to get our Constitution back. Call your Representative and tell him/her to impeach Dick Cheney and George Bush. Toll free number for Congressional Offices (800) 828-0498.

– Eva-Lee Baird

*Section 1222 of the defense appropriation bill enacted this January: “No funds appropriated pursuant to an authorization of appropriations in this Act may be obligated or expended for a purpose as follows:
“(1) To establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing for the permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq.
“(2) To exercise United States control of the oil resources of Iraq.”

P.S. The Granny Peace Brigade joins the Raging Grannies (to sing) and Grandmothers Against the War (to vigil) and we welcome women and men of all ages to work with us for peace. Check the Granny Peace Brigade homepage for a calendar of events.