I have written before about the dangers created when Congress abdicates its duties and responsibilities under the Constitution to the executive branch. Article I of the Constitution gives “pride of place” to the structure and authorities of Congress, reflecting what I believe was the Founders’ clear intent to give priority to that branch of government closest to and most responsive to the citizenry. Yet Congress continues to prioritize its actions solely on the basis of supporting either pro- or anti-administration positions, regardless of who occupies the White House. From the 1930s to the present, partisan politics have raised the power of the presidency far beyond what I believe was intended. The current administration is the end product of such a progression, with its emphasis on the theory of unitary executive power.
Neither party has the desire or political will necessary to enforce the basic tenets of the Constitution. Consider two current examples. The President has enacted a whirlwind of tariffs that yo-yo up and down, with no congressional objection, apparently because a so-called 50-year emergency exists. Fifty years is a condition, not an emergency, yet Congress ignores Article I, Section 8. A bipartisan bill was signed into law in April 2024 requiring the sale of TikTok before January 19, 2025 on the basis that it is a national security threat due to Chinese ownership. But during the last presidential campaign, both candidates used this app. As recently as January 17, 2025, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law requiring the sale of TikTok. Now we find the White House has an official TikTok account… and TikTok is still owned by the same Chinese company.
I don’t know if a trade emergency exists (but I doubt it), and I don’t know if TikTok is a national security threat (but it is owned by a Chinese company). What I do know, and what should concern all of us, is that when Congress plays dead and the Supreme Court is ignored, we are all sleepwalking toward political disaster.
If you find yourself complaining that civics isn’t being taught in your local schools, I suggest you also complain that it isn’t being practiced by our elected officials in Washington.
Tom Wilson is a U.S. Navy veteran, retiring as a Rear Admiral. After moving to a farm in Butler township in 2012 he has been active in the local community, currently serving on the boards of WellSpan Hospital Foundation, Adams County Community Foundation and the Susquehanna Regional Transit Authority (Rabbittransit). He is a past two term member of the UASD school board. He was board president for five of the eight years on the board.