In 1952, President Truman nationalized the steel industry to avoid a strike by the United Steel Workers. The steel companies sued to regain control of their facilities and the case was brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. On June 2, 1952, in a landmark decision, the court ruled that the president lacked the authority to seize the mills.
Prior to the decision, Truman was asked by the press if he thought the court had the authority to decide if the act was constitutional. He replied “Of course I do.” He was then asked if he would abide by their decision if it ruled against him. He again replied “Of course,” and added, “I am not a dictator.”
What a difference we have seen in President Obama. First, he rebuked the Supreme Court in his 2011 State of Union address for its Citizens United decision, which allowed corporations, as well as unions, to spend as much as they want to support political candidates. Now he is questioning the “unelected group’s” authority to determine the constitutionality of the individual mandate in “Obamacare,” saying it would be “an unprecedented, extraordinary step to overturn a law that was passed by a strong majority of a democratically elected Congress.”
False, all of it! He was either deliberately misleading the public, trying to intimidate the court, or doesn’t know the Constitution. If it is the latter, it is understandable why he won’t release his college and university records. Truman knew the limitations of his power. Obama acts as if he is a ruler, not a president.
Robert Johnston
Camano Island
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