While we have been accosted by calls for constitutional amendments on flag burning and marriage that are based on fear and loathing, one of the most important amendments that should be included in the US Constitution is buried consistently - the line item veto.
Most all states have given their governors line item veto powers. Even the Consitution of the Confederate States had it written directly into it. The CSA Constitution was written and adopted in 1861!
What is the problem here? Why is it feared? Why has Mr. Bush never vetoed a congressional bill? Not even a *pocket veto?
The case for the line item veto: remove quasi-legal additions to bills; remove frivolous additions to bills; cut waste from budgetary bills; streamline bills; increase the working relationship between the executive and legislative branches; control the use of portions of bills that have nothing to do with the intent of the bill. There are many, many more reasons.
The reasons it hasn't been enacted: politics! loss of pork! don't step on my toes congressmen; did I mention loss of pork?
Pork is great as long it is done as a roast loin or butterfly chop. It's the other white meat...
*"President Bush attempted to pocket veto two bills during intrasession recess periods. Congress considered the two bills enacted into law because of the president's failure to return the legislation. The bills are not counted as pocket vetoes in this table." Presidential Vetoes, 1789–2005 at infoplease.com
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