Civil liberties Quote by Jack Cashill
““If this new breed of activist urged Obama to hammer away at the Constitution, old-school civil libertarians lamented its demolition. The longtime Village Voice columnist Nat Hentoff had fought many a battle for civil liberties and had scars enough to speak his mind. “Apparently he doesn’t give one damn about the separation of powers.” said Hentoff of Obama after the president’s “pen and phone” remarks. “Never before in our history has a president done these things.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The New American Revolution by Jack Cashill, 2012
The quote warns that activist pressure on a president can erode constitutional checks, as seen in criticism of Obama’s perceived disregard for separation of powers.
In simple terms: Activists may push leaders to ignore constitutional limits.
Key Takeaway
Guard constitutional balances.
Themes
politics
civil liberties
activism
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
commentary
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- media commentary
- legal challenges
- public protests
Key Concepts
separation of powers
executive overreach
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance activism with constitutional safeguards?
- When is executive action justified?
A Different Perspective
Critics may overstate threats, ignoring legitimate reforms.
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
