The naivete of the author is stunning. When I was teaching introductory American government to undergraduates, it was common to encounter students who held similarly simplistic views.
Congress can pass laws and courts can render decisions. But both branches rely on the executive branch to implement and enforce those decisions. If the executive branch chooses not to implement or enforce those decisions, Congress and the judiciary are rendered powerless. The incoming president has repeatedly demonstrated that he neither understands the Constitution and its amendments nor respects the substance of those documents. Nor does he grasp or respect the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances. As long as the laws and court decisions conform to his reactionary agenda, he will undoubtedly go along. But do not think for a moment that he recognizes and accepts the limitations of his authority as president. There will be no "guardrails."
James Dolian
SaddleBrooke
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.
