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Stop Presidential Abuse of Authority

Months ago, President Barack Obama pledged that the United States would accept 10,000 refugees from the civil war in Syria before the current fiscal year was out. On Monday, about a month ahead of schedule, the White House announced the goal had been met.

That happened despite an enormous amount of controversy over the action. After hearing national security leaders say there was no way they could ensure Islamic terrorists were not sneaking into the country in that wave of refugees, many Americans became worried about Obama’s plan.

Too bad. This is not a president who worries about public opinion, opposition in Congress or the Constitution. When Obama decides to do something, it is virtually a done deal.

Admission of the refugees was another thumbing of the presidential nose at Congress — and at the American people.

Just a few days ago, it was reported Obama plans to keep his promise to close the terrorist detainment facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, before he leaves office. That may mean transferring some of the inmates to prisons in the United States — a move a bipartisan coalition in Congress has rejected.

Obama’s attacks on the coal industry and affordable electricity also are opposed by many in Congress, which early in his tenure rejected part of his plan. He has been going ahead with it.

Regardless of whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton becomes our new president, it is long past time for both Democrats and Republicans in Congress to call a halt to abuse of presidential power. If Americans had wanted a king, our ancestors would have established a monarchy more than two centuries ago.

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