President George W. Bush has commuted Lewis "Scooter" Libby's jail sentence, claiming it "excessive." This is only the most recent step taken by this administration that shows they clearly think they are above the law. After revelations of warrantless wiretapping, refusing imprisoned persons in Guantanamo Bay due process, hundreds of signing statements - basically rewritten legislation passed by Congress - not to mention Vice President Dick Cheney's always-shady behavior, it seems that the law is only relevant when it suits the executive branch's purposes.
There have always been disputes over the limits of executive power - such a debate is necessary for a healthy democracy. But when an administration consistently refuses to comply with legislation passed by the people's branch, it establishes a dangerous precedent.
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