Can Executive Order Restrict Liberty?
Willis Wilkerson July/August 2001
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Some have the opinion that the War and Emergency Powers Act is an extra constitutional decree that enables a president to bypass Congress when needed, and employ whatever measures are deemed appropriate. Yes, some radical fringe groups have made misleading statements about executive orders from time to time, and the Internet is abuzz with much paranoia from conspiracy groups. However, most citizens seem unaware of the more rational and yet troubling shift to direct rule in these orders.
On June 3, 1994, President Bill Clinton recorded Executive Order No. 12919 to blanket all necessary issues in an emergency (this law was released on June 6, 1994). It encompasses all the executive orders previously applicable to emergency management of the country. The only thing this order doesn