Gore noted that “fear drives out reason” as one justification for lack of congressional action. He pointed out that “The founders of our country faced dire threats. If they failed in their endeavors, they would have been hung as traitors.” He noted that even with British troops on the march, the founders stood steadfast in defense of the cherished goal of a rule by laws rather than men, the Constitution rather than tyranny.. He posed two more rhetorical questions. Are we in more danger now than the threats we faced from fascism? Are we in more danger now than the world-ending threats posed by Soviet power?
This was a clear indictment of Congress for failing to check relentless Executive power grabs and abuses and a call to arms a real opposition movement, not just of Democrats but of all who value the Constitution and American ideals.
One of the boldest political speeches in decades.
Today’s speech was no ordinary political event. It represented one of the boldest political attacks on the President by a major leader since the Civil War. A former Vice President, Senator, member of the House of Representatives, has just accused the President of the United States of willfully lying to the people of the United States in order to accumulate unconstitutional powers, subvert the Constitution, and change the face of American democracy from a government that seeks the rule of law to one that relies on the rule of men, in this case President George W. Bush. Lincoln was attacked for trying to ruin a way of life and accused of destroying the fabric of the constitution. Roosevelt was charged with trying to create a welfare state. Nixon was accused of specific crimes which violated his oath of office. But no President since the Civil War has been accused by a former Vice President or President of deliberately trying to end Constitutional rule through the unlawful accumulation of power; trying to impose tyranny on the people of the United States.
It was a remarkable speech that will send shockwaves across the political spectrum for years to come.
**** END ****
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
