KING FOR A DAY

Over the weekend, we have had a demonstration of how Presidential power is limited by the US Constitution. My biggest worry was that Homeland Security would NOT obey judicial orders. However, the judicial orders were obeyed.

Therefore, I can be secure in my belief that I live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The country of the US has THREE branches of government.*

The EXECUTIVE branch, headed by the President, is tasked with running the day to day business of the government.

The legislative branch consists of the House of Representatives, elected every two years from districts of substantially equal populations; and the Senate, elected every six years, with two senators per state.** The legislature passes laws and approves funding.

The JUDICIAL branch decides the outcome of lawsuits and has the authority to find that a law or proclamation is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Federal judges are appointed for life. Federal judges can void a law passed by congress or find an action by the President to be unconstitutional. SUCH JUDICIAL ORDERS ARE OBEYED.

It is important to note that ALL court decisions on unconstitutionality require that the law, order, regulation, be unambiguous. One is actually not allowed to say, "Well, I meant this to apply to green cards, but I have changed my mind." People who have to obey the laws, etc. must be supplied with a written manifestation of the law, regulation, etc.

People are giving money to the ACLU. Excellent.

But if immigration is your key issue, please consider giving to the National Immigration Law Center and the International Refugee Assistance Project. 

Do NOT protest at airports. Demonstrations at airports are an excellent excuse for Homeland Security to deny attorneys access to clients being held at airports. These immigrants need attorneys way more than they need protesters. If you must protest, do not protest at airports.

THIS IS ALSO A RED HERRING, AFFECTING ONLY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE.

WHO GETS APPOINTED TO THE US SUPREME COURT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THIS NATION.

* Each state also has a government with three branches. Counties, cities, and towns, have governments. Many regional areas form governments for very special purposes like running regional transit.

** Currently, there are 50 US states, so there are 100 senators. There are 435 representatives.