How many here realize we are still operating under a Presidentially announced 'state of emergency'??

[Blackhatjack]

I heard it mentioned on the floor of the Senate or House last week, as a preamble to discussion of a student loan program.

So exactly what is the 'emergency' and how long can it last?

[Atman]

1. Anything Bush wants for as long as he wants

That is just one of the many shameful aspects of the Patriot Act, and why Democrats have failed us once again by not acting for an outright repeal of the PA and in it's place employ a new set of tough but solidly constitutional counter-terrorism tactics and methods.

But Dems won't do it. GOP sure won't do it. The 'Murkin People don't seem to give a shit about the constitution anymore. So Bush can just make shit up and we all go along with it.

We eat the plate of poo, hoping it will taste better next time.

.

[jojo54]

2. The emergency is that the guys in the white jackets

haven't made it to 1600 PA. Ave yet.

Seriously though, a preamble to a student loan program discussion????? :wtf:

[moggie]

3. Wikipedia is your friend

Apparently, the US is currently in more than one state of emergency, including one initiated by Clinton in executive order 12947. They expire in two years, but can be extended.

[RB TexLa]

4. It's lasted since the late 1930's

[liberal N proud]

5. The emergency is that we have an imbecile in the white house

and this emergency will last for another year and a half unless impeachment proceedings prove otherwise.

[onenote]

6. actually several emergency declarations are in effect

One dates back to 1995: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/07-267.htm

Another is the one announced after 9/11
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070912-2.html

Under the National Emergencies Act, these declarations generally expire after one year unless renewed.