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36 comments on McCain wants a gas tax "holiday." It's a no-brainer, right?
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I think it shows some of the weaknesses of the US political system where the legislative and executive branch are separated. Both branches claim credit when things go right but are quick to point the finger when it goes wrong. Ultimately it leads to wedge politics which is what McCain is engaging in.
John Howard in Australia was a master of this sort of sneaky politics. McCains job is made easier by the Democratic party tearing itself apart over Clinton and Obama and it shows weak leadsership as the best that the American system can produce.
The most important thing that any US government can do today is to balance the budget (and then aim for substantial surpluses). It seems that neither of the parties really have any interest in that. The American public doesn't seem that interested either so I guess you will get the government you deserve.
The mixing of executive and legislative powers is characteristic of Absolutisitc regimes. In Europe the US is regarded has not possessing a strong enough power separation, with the nation's leader holding executive and some legislative powers.
Luis,
The entire Westminster system is built on the mixing of legislative and executive power.If by Absolutistic you mean that they can actually get things doen then I agree. Governments should not just be about popularity contests and sometimes hard decisions need to be made and implemented by governments. My point about McCains ludicrous idea is that he can only get away with it because he will never have to implement it. A Prime Minister in any Westminster Parliament, or even the alternative gaovernment simply couldn't float such stupid ideas without being blasted in parliament. The crazy US system elects the most popular personality who then hand picks an unelected cabinet. I can see merit in both systems but the parlous state of the Federal budget is a disaster that neither branch wants to own. McCAins comments show he just doesn't really get the program either. The rest of the world doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at America when the best they can throw up is clowns like McCain to be the next president.