Trump signs more executive orders. (Keystone Pipeline)

[JohnnyRingo]

In a move that consolidates more power to the Oval Office, Donald Trump signed an executive order that spreads blanket approval for the Keystone Pipeline to go ahead despite court stays that have frozen construction for now. The administration claims it is no longer subject to judicial review.

A separate XO signed the same day grants the president ― and only the president ― approval or denial of all permits for cross border energy projects. According to many scholars he will likely get away with it, one calling it "a clever approach that may well work".

Well this sucks.

One thing that seems overlooked is that these power grabs are strategic moves that assume Donald Trump or a like minded republican will remain in the White House forever. While I visibly shudder at the former, the likelihood that we've seen the end of democratic administrations is absurd. There's a blue freight train on a collision course with GOP ideology and it's sizing up to be a red smear. Any democrat who moves into office will inherit every one of those power grabs instituted by DJT, and Mitch McConnell's senate for that matter.

That's why Mitch has been cautious not to change rules that will bite his party in the ass down the road. Trump is just acting like he knows something about 2020 that we don't. Let's hope not.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trump-signs-orders-advancing-keystone-dakota-pipelines/

[procon]

1. "The administration claims it is no longer subject to judicial review"

Trump sets himself above the law. With no checks and balances from Congress or the courts, who will stop him?

Why bother with elections when Trump can write a new XO that declares his unchallenged rule as dictator for life.

[BigmanPigman]

2. We can't wait for 2020 and hope we win...

We have to somehow get rid of him before that. Impeachment, a third order of extra crispy chicken, choking on his dentures while trying to pronounce "origins", etc.

[Blue_true]

5. You may want to add impeachment or delete the post you just made.

I believe 1000% that you referred to legal removal from office, but you need to be clear.

[Blue_true]

3. Jill Stein is not showing up to protest.

That craven bastard. Any socalled progressive that voted for her should fucking bury his or her face in the sand.

[bluestarone]

4. I really hope this

IS NOT the last word on this!!

[Blue_true]

6. If the Supreme Court does not stop this, then democracy as we know it is gone.

Trump loyalist need to think long and hard. History ALWAYS corrects. Trump and anyone like him won't live forever, at some point a viewpoint directly opposite Trump's will be in charge, with the Senate and Courts having neutered themselves.

[bluestarone]

7. SAD!