Overthrow the czars

President Obama has appointed three dozen czars in the executive branch.

Where is the constitutional role of the United States Senate to advise the president and to consent to such positions? It appears that President Obama is expanding executive powers at the expense of the Senate.

Such appointments violate the checks and balances of the Constitution in providing separation of powers between the executive and the legislative branches. The appointment of czars further evades congressional oversight of their functions in managing national policy.

Lastly, who vets these presidential appointments? The Senate has no role in exploring their qualifications. Do their backgrounds reveal sound citizens to handle vital matters of security and policy? Does their involvement in American life anticipate constructive contributions to the well-being of the United States? Do they receive FBI background checks?

Some of these people appear to have radical backgrounds. Do their ideas and behaviors generate trust in the federal government? Can they withstand full disclosure within the American political system? Should they, their ideas and the people they appear to represent be advising the president in setting direction for this nation?

Let Congress and the rest of the American public in on such discussions.

David M. Wallace

Spokane