[quote=FlyerInHi]it’s true that the federal government has been accumulating powers over the last few decades.
it’s institutional momentum on the part of the executive. But it’s up to the Congress to do its job to limit executive power.
If people keep on using “weak on crime” and “weak on terrorism” charges, doesn’t it follow that law enforcement at all levels of government will argue “give us stronger powers if you want to be tougher on crime/terrorism.”[/quote]
Your third paragraph is essentially a tautology.
I agree that the last decades have seen a movement towards an imperial presidency, but would argue that, in addition to Congress, the judiciary needs to be more active in pushing back. Congress has been either complicit or compliant, depending on the situation. As egregious as certain examples of executive power have been, Patriot I/II, AUMF, NDAA, etc, have emerged from the legislative, not the executive.
A lapdog media, combined with an ill-informed and largely disinterested populace, have aided and abetted the problem.
