This is what I found on signing statements:

 "A signing statement is a written pronouncement issued by the President of the United States upon the signing of a bill into law. They are usually printed along with the bill in United States Code Congressional and Administrative News (USCCAN)."

From Wikipedia, and the article's pretty well documented.

Libs got pissed about Bush's signing statements because he did them for just about every piece of legislation the Dems passed in Congress from 2006-2008, at least when he wasn't vetoing them. 

The president CAN'T order DOJ or JAG to do whatever they want because of checks and balances.  Or, he could order it, but it wouldn't stand in the Supreme Court and/or Congress has the right to investigate and take action.

The Founding Fathers were smart.  Checks and balances.  The Executive is not the most powerful branch of our government.

by wyotransplnt on 07/02/2009 05:32:07 PM EST

[ Parent ]
But its done all the time - if you don't believe me, just ask anyone who has workes for any of the Executive departments or military justice - happens all the time - word comes down from on high, and laws are passed over and ignored at the will of the chief executive... :)

by bobo1 on 07/02/2009 06:13:31 PM EST

[ Parent ]

I'll take your word for it.

Still - Congress needs to repeal DADT, and soon!

by wyotransplnt on 07/02/2009 06:51:35 PM EST

[ Parent ]
But they better have something solid to replace it or the whole problem will be doomed to replay itself in the coming decades... :)

by bobo1 on 07/02/2009 07:06:27 PM EST

[ Parent ]