Every time there is a discussion about Executive orders, it is pointed out that the four previous President's issued more than this President. To date, it is true that Obama hasn't issued as many as other Presidents.
The National Archives, Federal Registry lists all the orders, by President. So it is an easy search to look at the types of orders each President signed.
People get confused with official executive orders and simply changing the rules without benefit of any supporting law.
A search of the site shows only one executive order regarding the "Affordable Care Act". That means that all but one of the changes made to the law were not even done by Executive Order.
In general, those orders are used to create council's and advisory groups, establish days recognizing different groups, clean up ambiguities in a law, and other such housekeeping chores. In doing this, the Congress isn't tied up in knots with every small tweak and relatively insignificant or symbolic act.
When this President, or any President, starts to expand or abuse the use of Executive orders, it is up to Congress to rein them in. In the absence of Congressional control, we should look to the courts to determine the lawfulness of the Order. Using the excuse that "Bush did it, too" is beneath us as a country.
It is distressing that the powers are being abused and that no one has the moral integrity or intestinal fortitude to challenge them.
Bill Hamilton
North Port, FL
