Asa Jay's weblog

If I were elected President of the United States of America, I pledge to not make promises that Congress can’t keep.

This really goes back to the entire premise of not making promises in the first place.  Promises are too often broken.  If I pledge to do something, and then become unable to do it, at least I’ve not broken a promise.  The President can influence Congress but in the end it’s the members of Congress who propose the bills on behalf of the American public.  I may pledge to lobby Congress, but will not make promises to do things the President has no direct control over.  Breaking promises betrays a trust and defaces a person’s integrity.

Too many times in recent years we’ve seen Presidential candidates debate on their promises.  In most all cases the promises are things the public would like to see fixed and they see that candidate as the one to fix it.  Unfortunately the public is not voting for a “king” who can make these changes at the stroke of a pen without Congress.  The President must rely on Congress to pass any laws to uphold the promises he or she makes.  When C0ngress doesn’t take up the issues which the candidate promised, it makes that President lose integrity.

I’d rather not lose that integrity.  As a President I would remind the public that Congress is the lawmaking body and the President is the last signatory on any proposed law.  If they wish for change, they must lobby their representatives in Congress, and I will do the same.  I will, in as much as it’s within my power to do so and I have the time, I will sit with the Senate and the House of Representatives at least once a month to observe and critique the legislative process on behalf of the people.   Have you taken the time to see what happens on Capital Hill? Read the rest of this entry »