Online Bookstore: Huntington House Pub Government by Decree: From President to Dictator Through Executive Orders Book

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According to Hirsen, Clinton relied on them to circumvent the legislative process when scandals torpedoed his chances of passing his programs in Congress. Two orders from the Clinton regime are reprinted in the booklet. One deals with the issue of Federalism, the other with international treaties. Hirsen believes that the order on Federalism was an attempt by Clinton to override the 10th amendment of the Bill of Rights. Hirsen believes this order would (or could) be used by the government to take away powers traditionally awarded to the states. This order also revoked two previous orders under Reagan's watch, although Hirsen is somewhat vague on what these orders were (one required a cost-benefit analysis to be performed for federal "rules," the other is referred to as only "protecting the family."). Hirsen sees the other order as a means for the United Nations and environmentalist organizations to sink their meat hooks into American sovereignty. A short conclusion makes several suggestions to curb the use of Executive Orders.

Hirsen certainly has an agenda, but he does make points. Executive Orders can be dangerous and should only be used to change rules within the Executive branch. Hirsen's concern about the United Nations seems to be on par with that of the John Birch Society and other ultraconservative organizations. His references to Helen Chenoweth and Ron Paul would certainly endear him to those groups as well. Still, for those concerned with the increasingly autocratic stance of the government, this is a good read. At the very least, it will give some even more to worry about at night!