Israel Matzav

What a great idea: Let Obama run for a third term

I should warn you that the title of this post is not sarcastic, for reasons I will explain later in this post.

One of the first bills introduced in the new Congress calls for the repeal of the 22nd amendment - the one that would prevent President Obama from running for a third term. 

Introduced on the very first day of this 113rd congress by Liberal Democrat House Rep. Jose Serrano:

 H.J.Res. 15: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second article of amendment, of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as President.
Introduced:   Jan 04, 2013 (113th Congress, 2013–2015)
Sponsor:   Rep. José Serrano [D-NY15]
Status:   Referred to Committee

Before you take up arms against the government, keep in mind this has been proposed before in 2011 and died in committee. It would have to get two-thirds support in both houses, including our radical right-wing hostage House of Representatives, and after that, three-quarters of the states would have to ratify it, or 38 states, which is nearly impossible.

It might bear pointing out that the 22nd amendment was originally introduced because the Republicans were afraid that another Roosevelt would come along and remain President forever. It specifically exempted Harry Truman, who was President at the time it was passed. Truman declined to run for a third term.

I would be willing to see the 22nd amendment appealed. Given Obama's egomania, the only thing that has any hope of keeping him in line is the prospect that he could run for a third term if he doesn't mess things up too badly. As it is, he is effectively a lame duck for the next four years, accountable to no one. If he loses control of the Senate as well in 2014, he won't care and he will continue to rule by executive fiat. Personally, very little scares me more than that. 

I'm all in favor of Serrano's bill. I would name it the Obama Accountability Act.

Labels: Barack Hussein Obama, US presidential campaign 2016

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:45 AM