here at CC, we took notice of this extra-constitutional czar apparatus that obama has been constructing since about his third or fourth czar or czarina. it is an unworkable management structure, it will absolutely lead to friction, turf wars, and backstairs machinations. AND it really is an obvious power grab on the part of the obamaites.
if a republican had done this, they would be be screaming about the creation of a dictatorship and, I swear, they would be talking about whether or not this is an impeachable offense. relatively speaking, this is a puff piece that wrings its hands about whether obama's desire to do good may overstep the bounds of propriety.
but mostly, I just like it when we beat the MSM to the story.
President Obama's czar system concerns some
He has 'super aides' for healthcare, the economy, energy and urban issues, with more to come -- prompting some lawmakers and groups to worry that he may be concentrating power and bypassing Congress.
Reporting from Washington — As President Obama names more policy czars to his White House team -- high-level staff members who will help oversee the administration's top initiatives -- some lawmakers and Washington interest groups are raising concerns that he may be subverting the authority of Congress and concentrating too much power in the presidency.
The idea of these "super aides," who will work across agency lines to push the president's agenda, is not a new one. President Nixon may have named the first "czar" with his appointment of William E. Simon to handle the 1970s energy crisis. Other presidents have followed suit.
But none has embraced the concept, presidential scholars say, to the extent that Obama has.
He has appointed special advisors who will work from inside the White House on healthcare, the economy, energy and urban issues, with more to come.
"The challenges coming at us are bigger than anything we've seen since the Depression," said Jim Messina, deputy White House chief of staff. "It's crucial to have people in these positions who can help us meet them head-on."
But some lawmakers and outside experts fear that Obama is setting up a system that is not subject to congressional oversight and creates the potential for conflict among his many advisors.
Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) became concerned enough to send a cautionary letter to Obama last week. At times, he said, past White House staffers have assumed duties that should be the responsibility of officials cleared through the Senate confirmation process. He cited President Bush's naming of homeland security czar Tom Ridge as an example.
"They rarely testify before congressional committees and often shield the information and decision-making process behind the assertion of executive privilege," Byrd wrote of past czars and White House staffers in similar positions. At times, he said, one outcome has been to "inhibit openness and transparency, and reduce accountability."
"The rapid and easy accumulation of power by White House staff can threaten the constitutional system of checks and balances," Byrd said.
It's far too early to tell whether Obama's quest for efficiency will lead to overstepping the bounds of presidential authority, but the latest appointment announcement could offer a few clues.
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