The job of the president

[Malice]

I was reading the stories about the Bush-NSA controversy, talk of impeachment, etc.

On this board and in my daily life, when people discuss these things, it is often claimd that Bush was just doing his job to protect Americans. This is highly stressed by Republicans, Democrats, everyone. The president needs to protect Americans. He needs to make sure we are safe.

But who here thinks this is really the presidents job? His oath goes as follows:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

It says in there to protect, but not protect people. It is his job to protect the Constitution, before all else. The people, sure, but it seems that is certainly secondary.

So how is it validating to say, when any president does somthing like this, "it was necessary to protect Americans from terrorists/communists/boogeyman."

It seems that priorities are mixed up here. Thoughts?

 

[Old Dog]

But who here thinks this is really the presidents job?

Judge for yourself ...

Article II, Section 2, Constitution of the United States of America:
"The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United State, and of the Militia of the several States ..."

Section 3: " He shall from time to time give the Congress Information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expendient ... he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed ... "