We need to limit president’s reach

So often lately I am wondering if I am naive in clinging to the principles that I was taught as a child, such as: “no one is above the law,” and “Americans don’t torture.” Nowadays the argument seems to be about whether torture is effective or not. I always thought we didn’t torture because there are just some things that are not done because they are inhuman, cruel, just plain wrong.

I was taught that effectiveness isn’t always the bottom line of why a civilized or moral or human being, chooses to do or not do something. Unless a bill such as HR 104, to establish a national commission on presidential war powers and civil liberties, is passed, presidential powers will continue to trump the constitution, the powers of Congress, and the will of the American people.

Mary-Alice Strom

Marysville