CNN

When the previous President has resorted to Executive Orders as opposed to Vetoes to further his agenda, I do not see an issue with Obama beginning his term negating some of the most irresponsible Bush orders, such as stem cell research, and opening roadless areas to development. There are some things we need changed immediately.
I do not believe for a moment Obama would abuse the Executive Order system and override a congress which will be friendly to him anyway!

It means that we have ourselves a president again.

It means that President-elect Obama isn't going to waste any time turning this ship's bow into the waves.

Jack
This tells me how serious Barack Obama is about going forward and trying to fulfill his campaign promises and change some of George Bush's last minute blunders.

It means he actually might use the powers of his office to help American's economic situation rather than just using his powers as commander in chief to try to rule the world.

Jack,

It means he will hit the ground running. I expect to see significant actions on the economy and rescinding some of Bush's goofier initiatives by the end of January, 2009. He has promised quick action on the problems the nation faces, and the electorate expects nothing less.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

It means less oil and more abortions.

It means he is going to have to use everything at his disposal to undo all the self serving Bush / Cheney GOP garbage policies and things that they have instituted. Many of which will require executive orders.

It means time is of the essence! It also means that Obama isn't going to wait to discuss his plans but will implement them quickly. It means quibbling is not productive and it means things must get done. It also attests to Bush's abysmal low numbers of inaction for far too long. And you thought FDR's New Deal was fast, wait for the this president's version of the Flash!

It means he understands the economy needs IMMEDIATE action in order to stop the bleeding. What quicker way to institute his economic recovery plan than to issue executive orders.

It means that things will get done! The Republicans have a vested interest in blocking, changing, modifying everything for them to look good in the future. Obama is going to lead American over their partisan politics. American needs a social democracy not a neo-con agenda. Stand aside and let the man get to work!

He has a lot of Bush's mistakes to clear out first before he can even begin with a clean slate. He is a Constitutional educator, so I don't worry about him trying to take advantage. I'm not worried in the least.

It means he has no choice but to use it in order to attempt to clean up the messes that Bush/Cheney has created and continue to create until January 20, 2009 while the media isn't watching.

While we've been celebrating Senator Obama's victory, there have been further deregulation of several entities like enviromental controls. See, they never learn their lesson about deregulation.

Jack it means the conservative's reign of terror is over and President Obama is anxious to undo as much of the damage as he can as quickly as he can. The republicans rewrote the book on the powers of the executive branch during Bush's first term when they thought they would hold the reins of power indefinently. Now they will get a taste of being on the short end of their mischievious evil.

Jack–
It means that he has a plan, a list of priorities, and is ready to take action.

Troy, Ohio

There are likely so many existing Executive Orders that need to be eliminated Obama will have a full time job negating some of the harmful things done by this troll and his band of merry men.

Having said that the quickest way to get the required results may just be having Obama use Executive Orders to counteract the damage Bush has done over the past 8 years.

It means that the American people have a right to know what he plans to change and why. I think American people should be more informed about what goes on in Washington.

Jack: It means that he is starting his aggressive strategy to move the country in the direction of change. How better way than to decree with executive orders–fast attacks–for fast results–he is not wasting time and he shouldn't.

The fact that we're aware Obama is going to use Executive Orders is the first relief. How many dozens of Executive Orders did President Bush sign authorizing torture, tribunals or loosing environmental regulations for his big business buddies that we have found out about years later, the Executive Branch was clearly overreaching with these powers anyway. Countermanding some of those Executive Orders is not only sensible its the right thing to do to restore the balance of our three branches of government.

I certainly hope Barack Obama uses executive orders to reverse some of the self serving orders that Bush implemented during his term as president!

He needs to carry out the executive orders. The economy is in a lot of mess, he cannot be slow to be responsive to the problem. He needs to act pretty fast before the U.S is in a great depression. There is NO time for party now!!!

Pullman, Washington State

It means he will not be wasting anytime initiating The Great Undoing.

When in command, command. He's not going to knuckle under to the Pelosi and Reid nonsense and hopefully not allow a bunch of pork to infiltrate needed bills to try and move forward. He is more Presidential at this stage than the current administration is after almost 8 years.

LOL to hopelfy get something done

That's the fastest way to implement the "CHANGE WE NEED". Do you know of any faster way of stemming this rot?

It means that he knows Bush used executive orders to do things he didn't want to go to the Congress, and a number of them need to be substantially changed or repelled. Bush pushed the legal limitations on his executive orders a number of times - running by fiat, rather than by law - and as a Constitutional lawyer, I'm sure President Elect Obama wants to correct that.

That Obama is hitting the ground running, it will take Executive Orders to undo Bush's Executive Orders – it also sends a message to Congress to get on the stick, he's not fooling around. – Gobama!

What does it mean when President-elect Obama plans to start his first term using executive orders?

It means that he is going to get the job done as promised!

Jenna
Roseville CA

It tells me that President-Elect Obama is very sincere and serious about change. It is a breath of fresh air after eight years of secrecy and incompetence.

It says he is a man of action, and perhaps he is also trying to restore some dignity to his office by showing how to use its power responsibly.

It's called hitting the ground running, which he needs to do. Executive orders let a president accomplish certain things quickly.

hello jack!..it means that obama will take his job very seriously and stop listening at all the haters who dissed him during the campaign season..obama will take care of the main goals for this country like the economy and healthcare..we just have to wait until jan.20,2009 when obama will take control of the white house..

It means that we are really in the toilet, and he is trying not to flush it with these executive orders!

I assume he means that he is going to rescind some of those previous executive orders of Bush related to torture of prisoners, bombing of foreign countries without declaring war and without going throughcongress and other illegal items such as 140billion handout yo Banks. This would be a good start.
A. Siddiqui,
Victoria BC Canada

Time is of the essence and President Obama knows it. The damage done by Bush and Cheney is probably much deeper than the public will ever be allowed to know about, so the sooner Obama can start reversing our course the better. The Bush administration live by executive orders, and their failed policies can die by them.

By cleaning up the mess that Bush has left behind. Restore the kyoto treaty so that we can breath fresher air. Putting the regulations back on big businesses that Bush has allowed to run amok

He'll issue an executive order to override The Bush Doctrine, that's to strike at will Mrs. Palin and then he'll use them to close Gitmo and bring an end to the war in Iraq. Sounds good to me.

It means we are finally on the road to the change that Obama promised. Get rid of anything and everything that has the taste or smell of Bush on it!! Especially stem cell research and endangered wildlife protection..If only we could go back to the Clinton and Kennedy years...........Prosperity & hope!!!

Overturning the present administrations executive orders i.e drilling for oil on environmentally sensitive land, Guantanamo Bay( though that will take sensitive negotiations as to how to try the detainees and where will thay be imprisoned), environmental changes, reversing the global gag rule, terminating some of the Penatgon's super expensive weapon programs, and proceeding forth on his middle class tax cuts.

It means that Obama plans to get serious and get something done. No playing around and wasting time on petty nonsense.

I think it means he is not going to mess around and play games with Congress. That he is going to take the bull by the horns and get right down to business keeping as many of the promises that he made in his campaign and/or "hit the ground running"! He is already doing that now by putting together the best teams to work for and with him when he is in the White House!

It means he intends to undo as much of the mess that Bush has created as quickly as possible. Even now Bush is pushing through 'deregulation' which will lift rules on things like pollution limits for private industries, power plants, mines and farms. Part of this deregulation will actually relax rules on drinking water standards! Sadly President-Elect Obama will spend a large part of his first term fixing the mess Bush has left.

It means he will have to undo all the things Bush screwed up using executive orders. That must be some list.

It means, he want`s to start undoeing the damadge that has been done as quick as possible.

He should be very cautious regarding executive orders as this is his first experience as an "executive" and he is still wet behind the ears. Let's hope he'll be thoughtful & take his time to understand the issues before going solo.

Executive orders–give the weight of executive branch directives to the various agencies and departments of government.

The first thing he should do is rescind nearly all of Bush

It's a sign of clear thinking. And high time. Bush has been a disaster and some of the elements of backwards thinking and the dogmatic nature of his tenure can be reversed in the same manner in which he imposed it...by executive order. The Obama team is getting ahead of the curve on this which is good indication that the White House will be in competent hands. The policies that will require Congress to re-hash will take more time, but over a year or two I have faith that much of the damage and backwardness of the Bush years can be halted or reversed. Of course things like war, world image, and economy will take far longer, but kudos to the Obama team for making preparation for sane leadership.

I hope as a former constitutional law professor; he will repeal the questionable parts of the Patriot Act.

Correcting some big time blunders from an extreme unpopular President of this great nation.... Period!

Amarillo, TX

It means some of the Bush Polices simply need to be gone.
It means Obama has rolled up his sleeves and is getting ready to clean up the clog himself.
It means he is letting the congress know that he is working for the People of America.

Jack, he is using them to install the necessary changes and reverse some the E.Os that Bush issued. Way to go P.E. Obama, you are starting strong! On the surface, I agree 100 percent with this action. It is important to set the agenda and EOs are the fastest way to enact change at the Executive Branch. Now, with that said, as citizens, we have to ensure that the executive does not circumvent the Congress with these EOs.

Jack it's time, be a patriot, act like a Patriot, Americans better smarten up & support our American industrial base by buying american named cars Ford, Chrysler, General motors products. now that they are losing there jobs maybe they will think smarter, Above all our congress should see to it that American Auto manufacturers have a level playing field, as one patriot said, "imagine, buying cars from someone that sent my brother to the bottom of the ocean", Buy American.

It means that when he promised he would look at everything line-by-line and make changes that benefit the middle class, he meant it.

That is what is so good about our system of government – the next administration can undo the excesses of the previous administration.

It means that hes hitting the ground running ,,,,,,,
The sooner Obama recends those un-constitutional , and offensive executive orders Geo. W ,, signed in secret , the better it wll be to get America back on track .
Also , if Bush gives pardons to his partners in crime , at least under the Obama justice dept. , those crooks will have to answer questions without the ability to not answer questions under the protection of the " Fifth Amendment Clause "........ They will have to answer the questions I`m sure will be posed by the congress , and the senate .

There's a right way and a wrong way to fix things. Obama's chosing the wrong way. King George must not be followed by King Barack. Most of these executive orders are already unconstitutional, how long will it be until a President issues an executive order making themselves President for life?

It means checkmate for the Republicans and all their plans to wipe out the middle class.

It means he is painfully aware of the mess he is facing. It will be an uphill battle. if he runs this country as well as he ran his campaign, things will come together. Obama is thoughtful and intelligent, I have no doubt he can pull this off.

Eough with the executive orders already! Please, Mutt, work WITH congress (after getting rid of Pelosi and Reid, of course) and the bureaucracy, and get something done.

well jack,it means that i chose the right guy for the job.

It means he will be getting to work as soon as he takes office. This country is in crisis and is likely to be no better off come January 20. The President-elect is giving everyone notice that he is a man of action.

Jack,

It tell us President-Elect Obama wants to get a fast start out of the gate in his first hundred days. In order to undue many of the unconstitutional policies implemented by the Bush Administration...

C.I., New York

Let everyone know he is the Boss and can reverse anything Bush passed which was unconstitutional.

I'm guessing that his idealistic side would like to govern totally from consensus, while his pragmatic side knows that he needs to firmly establish himself as the commander-in-chief in order to get things moving. We elected him, now we need to give him a chance.
Tim in Texas

I hope it means he will negate 8 years of mismanagement and embarrassment so we can all begin a new.

Barack Obama campaigned for "Change", and it's appropriate for him and his transition team to take immediate action and to demonstrate leadership in many crucial areas by the use of Executive Orders.

This does not bother me a bit.

Obama has worked diligently to earn the trust of both Americans and others around the world and has the intelligence to proceed wisely.

I find his attitude, demeanor and communication skills so refreshing.

Let's not kid ourselves, Obama is not smart enough to know what to do. Pelosi and Reed, will show him the way. SPEND, SPEND, SPEND.

Jack,
Two wrongs don't make a right but if a smart Executive Order
reverses a bad one, I'm all for it. Since "Media" is all over
Pres-Elect Obama, and he seems an honorable man I doubt
he would use his power against the wishes of the electorate
as our current administration has.

It means that I voted for the RIGHT Candidate.....the ONLY Candidate.... that was right for the Presidency.

Well, Jack, it clearly means that President Obama will get started cleaning up the disaster George W. Bush left being ASAP!

I think it means that he will hit the track with both feet on the rubber.

It's good news for America! He intends to act in an expeditious, OPEN manner to overturn those "executive orders" implemented by Bush not in the best interests of America!

I really hate the idea of Obama issuing executive orders like Bush did. That would be emulating the worst of the Bush administration. Sure, he should review the orders that Bush issued and rescind the ones that smelled the worst, but the whole idea behind what Bush did was to invalidate the intent of the legislative branch. I say eight years of imperial rule is enough. If he follows the same path, he will lose my vote in 2012.

I believe that Obama wants to "hit the ground running" and to make critical decisions that may require immediate action to help the Americans that are suffering in this economic crisis. He does not want to wait while those in Congress want to continue to flex their muscles, dig in their heels, and draw a line in the sand at the expense of millions of poor Americans.

With the bickering and partisanship that went on between the White House and Congress over the last 16 years, I am sure he believes that some of his policies may get hung up in the "childish" behavior that Congress has had no shame in displaying over the years. If Obama uses executive orders, he is telling these "adults" that represent us that he expects them to grow up, take the responsibilities of their jobs seriously, and do what is best for America!

If Obama is going to start his term using a wide array of executive orders, then I think it is safe to assume that he going to hit the ground running at full speed. We need drastic, rapid action from our elected leaders in Congress, as well. We can no longer afford the days of laisse fare style leadership with zero accountability.

As long as Obama only uses his executive orders to correct the abuses and overreaching of Bush,he will be fine. But,if he himself becomes overcome with power,then he will be making a grave mistake.

This is one way to avoid having to deal with slugs, like Reid and Pelosi, and other buffoons in Congress.

Jack,
It means Barack Obama is going to immediately right some of the
wrongs of the previous president, staff and republicans.
I do hope the the executive orders that are now in effect will
be made available to the American people, as believe we
will be astonished by injustice done and self serving decisions
made.
It will show us how unmonitored and out of control these last eight years have been.

It means nothing has changed. It means he will do exactly what his handlers tell him to do. Wall Street owns him just as much as it owns Bush and Dick. We're doomed, man.

Jack, as a Canadian, I assume that using executive orders means that Obama will implement policy directly into law without debate. Given the current state of the economy he needs to do whatever is necessary to bring stability and confidence back to the market place. I feel that he can be trusted to enact sane and intelligent decisions with the intent to help all Americans to get back on track. Change, to be a meaningful slogan, needs this jump start by way of executive orders.

The use of executive orders by Obama means that he will not have to wait for congressional approval to start solving some of the urgent problems facing his admistration. Hopefully it will also allow him to undo some of Bush's damage.
Ethel, San Jose, CA

Elections have consequences. With Bush II, most of these consequences were destructive-a few were simply disastrous. With the Obama administration, there will be 2 phases. First, undo as much damage as possible. Second, govern responsibly, constitutionally and legally. That will be a welcome change.

It means that he is going to prep the areas of contention by first resolving some of the small obstacles to clear the way for his main agenda, the economy, health care, education and two wars.

I think he will have to use executive orders to establish a clear precedent that his platform of change is what must happen in order for Americans regain their trust in the economy and in the policies of the President – elect Obama.

It means Obama can start reversing Bush's illegal executive orders and start cleaning up the WH ASAP!

It is the method the incoming President can use to undo some of the screw-ups of the Lame Brain Duck that just left town without having to wait on the approval of congress.

These orders usually give a short term sense of satisfaction to the general public. They will not really be necessary in this case as the public will be excited just seeing the Lame Brain Duck leave town.

It means there is so much to clean up after 8 years, he's going to use the powers at hand to correct them as quickly as possible.

It means that he is not going to waste any time trying to undo the damage that Bush has done to our country. We don't have a minute to spare.

Whether or not some of us like the results, it is a commonly accepted practice and any new president needs to begin by making some key policy changes based upon the public mandate.

Joe in VA
Chatham VA

Jack,

The sooner President-Elect Obama can start to reverse the past 8 years the better!

I'm hoping it only means he is going to start cleaning up the Bush era's mess. I didn't vote for Obama but now that he has been elected I'm hoping he's everything his supporters say he is. If he uses excecutive order to over ride Bush, Then by all means use it. If he's going to use excecutive order for things that really should be handled by the democratic process, then that scares me and should scare everyone. Hope that's not what he meant by change.

It means change is going to come faster than anyone thinks.

Well, thanks to Bush and Cheney, Obama will be the most powerful President in history. I don't see any reason he should hesitate to use his role to the fullest extent – what needs to be done is so immense and far-reaching that the sooner he can get things going in a new direction, the better.

This means that our Constitutional liberties will finally be addressed by a President with the intelligence and wherewithall to protect the American citizens. He is our voice and will do what is best for the US. Obama will also address international issues that were so obviously mishandled by the Bush/Cheney Administration.

It means he is trying to move the country away from the far right and back towards the center as quickly as possible. Judging from the election results, I believe he has been mandated to do so and the quicker the better for most of us.

Well, Joe Biden himself said it the best-"It will not be 6 months before the world tests Barack Obama. There will be an international crisis to test the mettle of this guy. And everyone will see that he has metal in his spine!". Already the Russians have threatened to block our US missile shield in Poland, and Hugo Chavez from Venezuela congratulated Obama on his incredible landslide victory. Some Obama supporters(I voted for McCain/Palin) have compared Obama to FDR, who created the FDIC and took other drastic economic measures to help America recover from the Great Depression in the 1930's. And I hope that Obama will actually be the embodiment of the change that America so desperately needs right now. I hope that Obama will reduce our national debt of $10 TRILLION, our federal budget deficit of $482 billion, and eliminate wasteful gov't spending. I think the KEY to restoring our economy is to invest in alternative energies(nuclear, wind, solar, biofuels, etc.) because America spends hundreds of billions of dollars ANNUALLY to meet our energy needs.

Jack,
It appears that the Imperial Presidency will continue to expand and the Constitution will continue to be violated with impunity. So much for change. Obama is going to be Bush's third term, only more radical.

Pliny,
St. Louis

It means he's not wasting any time getting to work as promised.

Boise, ID

It means that he is going to undo a lot of the damage done by Bush, and rein in the culprits that caused all of this mess that this country is in today. I didn't hear too many people raising a stink when George Bush used them, so tit-for-tat. Not a lot of people know what Executive Orders are, but they are something that you use when you don't want to follow a law, or uses to render news passed laws almost useless. It is my hope that he uses all of the Executive Orders that he can to help get this ship righted again.

Well considering the situation, he needs to act quickly as he can to fix this mess. 6.5% of a American are jobless almost half are looising their homes, factories that have been open for seem like forever are now closed or closing and all the rest of the legacy of a failed administration. Far asv I care he should've started yesterday.

Jack, it means change is coming to a town near you. It will also free us from Bush's rigid and intoxicated fumes of moral clarity. Finally, we have a president who will not adopt anti-intellectualism as administration policy.

Hello Jack:

It means that those of us who respect Obama and voted for him must still hold him accountable and not rubber stamp his every move - as did the Republican controlled Congress for the first six years of the Bush Administration.

Woodridge, New Jersey

It means that we will have a President with a brain and brawn, imagine that. With all of the in-fighting and poor leadership in Congress, it would be a complete waste of time trying to get Bush's failed policies reversed through the Legislative Branch. America does not have time to waste.

He needs to be a leader from day one by using all the tools at his hand.

Jack,
When Bush went to the White House he was already accustomed to issuing executive orders as a governor. President-elect Obama will be reviewing those orders with the eyes and experience of a state and federal senator and constitutional lawyer. Those EO's that don't have standing under his review will be rescinded, or revised. (And that probably means every single one.) The new president is literally going to have his hands full of paperwork when he gets sworn in. And I'm certain his first hundred days are going to be full of wonder.

It means that he is not wasting time on issues that can be reviewed/reversed with the swipe of his pen..and that means we FINALLY have a President smart enough to reinstate things that will help ALL Americans....

Sounds like we're getting a left wing version of the current administration. I want Congress more involved, not less involved in the decisions that affect the lives of Americans.

It means that Barack Obama is preparing to clean up as many messes as he possibly can without having to deal with obstacles such as a less-than-60-vote majority in the Senate.

Jack;
It means that Obama, reversing, many of Bushs' signing statements, represents a fundamental Change! immediately.
Bush had more signing points than all previous presidents combined; and basically removed any Congressional Laws, when He decided (above the Congress), that the new law was not going into effect.
I'm extremely happy to hear and read this news, as Obama prepares to install his new administration.

Executive orders have been used since 1789 since congress is unable to write legislation which is intelligible and useful but is basically a way to bypass the Constitution. If Obama can use executive orders to undo some of the damage Bush has done more power to him but it would be so much better if the government worked according to the Constitution which does not give the president that option.

Obama is simply capitalzing on the expanded powers of the Executive Branch to bypass Congress to enact "legislation" without having to worry about pesky committees and official votes. Is this a good thing? It could be if reverses some of the questionable executive orders the Bush Administration made over the last 8 years.

I think it means not having to worry about fillibusters. Usually I prefer 3 equal branches of government, but these days are like the 1930's or worse, so we need immediate action, whatever it takes.

It means that he is the boss, or to coin an old term 'there's a new Sheriff in town'. This is not a surprize is it. This is a why a President is elected, to take charge.

Right idea, wrong implementation. An abuse of power for the greater good is still an abuse of power, even if you're using it to undo someone else's abuse of power. After all, who defines 'the greater good'? Last I checked, that should be the job of the people (or at least the elected officials in Congress), not the president. Following the Constitution and governing by the book would be real change I could believe in.

it means he is working for the ammerican people he is not owened by oil co.

It means he is a good leader who is ready to act swiftly when it is required.

- Nuwan from Houston, TX

Jack,
To bring America into the Modern World. Western Europe surpasses us on most social issues. President Obama is going to bring about the change we needed twenty years ago.
Page in Boise,Idaho

It means we can get past the Bush years real fast. Bush misused his power on so many different occasions that Obama's undoing them is only fitting.

It means Barack Obama has more important things on his mind than redecorating the oval office.

Jack,

I hear you! After the last 8 yrs, all Americans should be wary of any use of executive orders. Hopefully, President-Elect Obama will undo some of these last ditch orders, like reducing the standards on drinking water. Executive Orders are just a tool for governing and I believe Obama will use them wisely. If he doesn't, he's going to get the shortest honeymoon in the history of the presidency.

I personally think that every decision W made is suspect and should be at least reviewed. This is a good idea. you can't wait for congress. they can't make a decision unless it is a national crisis, and even then they can't get it right.

No sooner did the Bush administration step into the White House than Bush used Executive orders to help oil, timber, auto emissions, etc, etc, etc. What goes around comes around

Kenneth N.C.

It means that Obama is going to actually go to work...instead of immediately going on vacation to a ranch in Texas and play golf like Bush did right after his inauguration in 2000. Or have we all forgotten about that?

It say loud and to the point that he will take no crap from the outgoing president that wants to burn the town behind him and hamstring the incoming president financially.

Every President or elected official must be able to create sound bites for the media to drool and speculate on. Why should we expect barack o'biden to be different. They are politicians and would be nobody if they didn't say or do something. Same old, same old.

Denis
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.

It's the quickest way to get this country back on the right track. Based on his behavior since the beginning of his nomination, I don't believe that Obama will take any action unilaterally without first consulting people from all sides of an issue and carefully weighing all possible repercussions. I think he will be thoughtful and deliberate in all of his actions and use solid good judgment.

The executive order can giveth and the executive order can taketh away. There are many things Bush did that need to be rescinded as soon as possible and I praise Obama for the foresight to see there is a way to accomplish that quickly. We can't always wait for Congress to act.

it means he should repeal the patriot act immediately. It makes me wonder if anyone in washington has ever heard of the constitution?

Massachusetts

I think that executive orders are the quickest way to enact policies, and in a time of crisis, sometimes you need to act quickly. And I also think that the easiest way to repeal some of the bad executive orders Bush issued is to issue countermanding executive orders.

That said, we have checks and ballances for a reason, and I think that our new president, having come from the senate, understands that the legislature is the branch that should make laws, not the president. I have a feeling that President Obama will work with congress more than President Bush did. Or even more than President Clinton did. Obama strikes me as the kind of guy who likes to hear a healthy debate, not just put his foot down.

First thing he can undo all the things that Bush implmented by executive orders, most of it was to buddy up to the evangelicals and the super rich republicans. This is part of the problem we are now having, Bush abused his power and in some cases was on the very edge of breaking the law. Good to see Bush hit the road back to Tx., hope he stays there.

Using the executive powers to correct some of mistakes Bush made using the same power to make the mistakes, is a great idea and will help speed things up.

It means that Obama knows we elected him to get rid of the garbage of the last 8 years. The garbage is continuing to rot and must be removed. Obama understand the time is NOW. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

I hope that Obama doesn't spend valuable time reviewing what Bush has done. We basically know what has happened with our economy, our energy, the Iraq situation, hopefully he will look ahead in dealing with these horrific problems, looking back and rewriting history is not why Obama is now President-Elect. He got this Republicans vote because of hope for change, promise of a better tomorrow.

It means that he intends to make good on his promise of change.

Michael from Toronto, Canada I think you have more to worry about then what our country's political issues might be, you have a Bush in power too.

It means he's keeping his word to enact the policies he campaigned on. There's a world of difference between using executive orders to secretly render moot parts of laws you don't like and using them openly to REVERSE certain policies that you SAID you'd reverse.

From what I have seen thus far, our new president will be significantly more transparent that the current...which means his actions will be put under the light, and not hidden in Cheney's dark closet. If Obamba does nothing else but reverse every one of the Bush Crime Family signings, we will be much, much better off.

It means he understands his responsibilities and the importance of keeping his word. He let us know in advance what his intentions are with executive orders, unlike Bush with his UN-patriot Act.

It amazes me. When President Bush uses executive orders, the Democrats cry about abuse of power. Now that their guy wants to use them it is a-ok.

I would like to see the stem cell research ban lifted and if the war can be ended responsibly then so much the better. I have one message for President-elect Obama – uphold the entire Constitution, all of it. Even the parts that we, the people, in Illinois know that you despise.

It means that he means business! Plain and simple!

Jack,

It means change - we can believe in.

It means Obama is ready and willing to lead this country from day one, contrary to what the McCain/Palin ticket were trying to convince of us.

I would trust Obama with Executive orders any day in Whitehouse!

Ready to lead BEFORE day one! That's my president.

It means he will start to change policies of Bush that had no useful purpose except to cater to his religious or financial base. We will once again have a meaningful use of powers that were meant to aid the citizens instead of oppress them.

It means that President-Elect Obama wants to hit the ground running as he has said. I think it is a good idea for him to use executive powers in an effort to get things done as quickly as possible. The country's in a financial and economic crisis. That's what the voters finally came to realize when Obama was elected last week. I think it is a good sign of someone who means what he says when he wants to get things done, and hopefully get us out of the mess we're in.

It means "Change" isn't just a campaign slogan, Jack. Obama's going to simply reverse the crappy decisions bush made upon entering office, and then review the other executive orders according to their priority. Feels kind of good, doesn't it?

It means that he intends on doing something to fix some of the country's problems immediately. He is not going to wait for Congress to act on every little item. This is something needed to correct executive orders that were not in the best interest of this country.

President Obama should use his Executive Order power judiciously and not abuse that authority as a way of getting around congressional approval. Now's the time to start changing the way Washington works and move the country forward in a bipartisan fashion.

Praise the Lord...this country has a real President again!

It means he's smart enough to know how to hit the ground
running and since he's so intelligent, he knows what needs to
be done and what's important to move things in the right
direction right away. I trust him a heck of a lot more than Bush
to do the right thing.

It means he intends to lead this country in the proper direction to restore the middle-class and fix the economy. It's all about honor, trust and leadership-something that Bush-Chaney and Rowe know little about.

Something about absolute power corrupting absolutely is what comes to mind.

Good, he may actually change something if he keeps this up.

What does it mean? It means that he is in charge. Ain't it great?

It means he's serious about change.

It means sweeping up the mess Bush has created.

It means disaster for ALL – only faster!

It means our country is in such a dire situation that the use of executive power is necessary this early in the game. It's unfortunate but good that Obama's talk of change is apparently more than just talk.

It means he can undo what Bush has done in the last eight years in about 15 mins.

It is the first shovel of maure out of that barn that America needs to clean.

Sarge
Indianpolis

Jack,

It means President-elect Obama is a politician...just like other politicians!

Jack,

It means the only way to fight fire is with fire. Once Obama prompty unties all of the knots Bush gave our country, we'll be back on track to run the country appropriately. Bush used so many statements that it would take two Obama terms to eliminate the signing statements and executive orders, should Obama do it through Congress.

Brian
Moscow, Idaho

It means is his deeply serious about bringing change to this country and in relieving us all from the burden of many of the horrible policies the Bush Administration has subjected us to over the past eight years.

It means he wants to get right to work. The house hasn't been cleaned in 8 years so there is a lot to do.

It means he is serious. Serious about getting to the hard work. Serious about changing the course of our country. Serious about answering the demands of the American people who came together with one voice and said, "Yes We Can."

It simply means that Obama is ready to make good on his promises of Change that he made during his campaign. He can't wave a magic wand and magically make the problems of America disappear, but he's ready to do all that he can to find a remedy of the nation's issues.

He's got to start somewhere.

It means we will be saying this soon.

"All hail Emperor Obama"! or perhaps Potentate Obama.

The President has no authority to enact legislation or to appropriate funds. That power lies with the House of Representatives. If Obama thinks that the executive order is going ot be his 'magic wand' then he, and his supporters need to go back to civics class.

It means he wasn't lying like most politicians. He said he would change the idiotic policies of Bush and he is wasting no time doing it. It seems this time I didn't waste my vote. Good for him!

Dee in Peoria, IL

It means that all presidents in the past do all kinds of stupid stuff in their last couple months in office...and of course we all know Bush will push whatever he can through...whether it's a good idea or not. So Obama has no choice but to put things in order so Congress can take meaningful and careful studies before acting rashly. We all saw how rushed rash decisions helped McCain, right?

Obama is ready for it and I say HURRAY!

It means we're Free at last, Free at last!

Winston Churchill once said, "History will be kind to me for I intend to write it!" I guess President Elect Obama plans to start his Presidency with that kind of approach.

It means he can start reversing the damage [done by the Bush Administration] sooner rather than later. Some things can't wait another second.

President elect Obama will be busy enough simply rescinding the horrific executive orders that Pres. Bush instituted, without having to worry quite yet about adding his own.
Tulsa, OK

To me Obama's use of executive orders immediately means that he is looking to soften the blow of the economic crisis as soon as he can. If anything President Bush should have used them in this way already.

I would imagine everyone wants Obama to start getting things fixed and executive orders is one way.

Obama has had teams of people researching many things already so by the time January 21 comes around it's not like they will be new to anything, they will have done enough research to know exactly which direction to go.

Look at how Obama's campaign was run, that should be a good indication right there.

It tells the country and world that he is not going to sit back and react to issues, problems and crises, but to be proactive and move swiftly, but deliberately, to put in place the changes he campaigned on. The problem is we have to wait 70+ days for this to happen and in that span of time the whole country can be in meltdown.

Does he have a choice, how much longer do you want to wait for something positive to happen?

It means he's a strong leader. I am the captain. This is my boat. Change!

It means the moribound Constitution may come alive again !!

Of course, I want him to use this order as soon as he feels he needs to. CHANGE is the main reason I voted for him so the sooner it happens the better!

What it will mean will largely depend on the character of President Elect Obama, which we've had an opportunity to observe during his near-perfect campaign. I, for one, have full confidence that he will do what is best for the country and turn us away from the Road to Nowhere built by the Bush Administration and finally, with a sigh of relief, in the RIGHT direction.

I'd say Obama's got the right idea.
The Bush administration got this country into serious trouble.
Obama cannot wait for congress to decide on whether or not an action should be taken. I have total faith that Obama will make the right decisions using his Executive orders.

It means "change we can believe in."

It means he's got a "Firm Grasp of the Obvious"

I think it is good. Why would we let Bush use them in times of emergency, and Obama. We are after all in a world wide emergency.

It means that we elected him to first undo somethings that he disagreed with, and redo somethings that he as the incoming president sees fitting to do. That's why he was elected and he has my full support

Marcus
Michigan

The country has hired Obama specifically to makes changes in the attitudes and actions we have endured for eight years. I would be disappointed if he did NOT issue executive orders as soon as possible to undue some of the greivous effects of the Bush executive actions.

It means that he means to get stuff done and not drag his feet like past administrations during transition. The current president has done a lot of damage, (don't take my word for it but the word of 78% of americans), and if it takes executive orders to undo that damage then more power to him.

I think Obana will use executive orders after careful consideration and discussion, unlike the media which is presumming that hunderds of orders will be issued in the first 10 minutes – and have named them all

wes

It means that he is going to undo all the crap the current President has allowed Cheney to convince him to do.

It means the stench of the Bush policies will be disinfected sooner and Obama is all about the power, always has been always will be.

A Change We NEED! Thats what it means. President Elect Obama is an intelligent man who has live like normal Americans al of his life so he can relate to the issues from the prespective of one who owns one house, only had one wife 2 darling kids and 2 family cars. Unlike many of the previous candidates for the job of President, Obama is a Regular guy who wants the changes we "regular Americans want and need".

It means he wants to fix the problems the USA faces fast.

It means that after 8 years of wasted time, he feels like he should hit the ground running. What is the reason for waiting??? Lives are at state, people can be saved, is there a reason to be slow about that?

Since McCain "knows how to get Osama", maybe Barack should assign him through executive direction and take that task immediately off the table.

It means he is brilliant, especially if he overturns some of the rediculous Executive Orders of Bush and his LAME DUCK administration.

Somehow it just doesn't seem to matter. Obama comes in with more trust than W ever had in his no-rules presidency. I trust Obama to review thougtfully with the constituion and rule of law in mind.

There is a fine line here. Of course, the entirety of US foreign policy is based on the executive's decisions. Regarding domestic affairs, Obama will need to walk a fine line. The election was not a mandate to establish a liberal state. However, it was a mandate to undo the horrible mess left behind by Bush and Friends. For Obama it only makes sense to fully utilize his executive powers to repair the damage done and take the nation in a positive direction.

I think it means..Obama's got his eyes on the prize as well as the state of our nation at heart. Any of the Bush executive orders..from legal blindness on torture,to havng Gitmo detainees tried by the military, to moralistic bans on life saving stem cell research will continue to stand as law UNLESS they are repealed.

America may be divided on a lot of things, but we all want our constitution back.

Executive ordering means he can shut down the Guantanamo Bay of Shame prison and all the other black sites in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere instituted by the Bush administration.

It means that he's serious about change. We all know how long it takes for Congress to get things going. Obama's use of Executive Orders signifies he's ready to truly enact change, particularly to some decisions made by the current administration. Perhaps in doing this, he'll jumpstart Congress into changing as well. We can only hope.

Question: Meaning of Obama’s plan for executive orders?

How about same package – different wrapping paper!

It means he will be taking an eraser to W's use of signing statements and executive orders to run this country into the ground.

Well Jack.... It means anti-Obamanites will claim as loud as possible President Elect Obama is taking advantage of his executive powers and continue to assasinate his character regardless of how successful he is!

Sudbury, Ontario, Can.

This is probably one of the most efficient and effective ways to quickly override the multitude of Pres GW Bush's horrendous, executive orders.

It is the best news we can get and it can't happen fast enough. The devastation and destruction that Bush has caused will take decades to recover from – so the faster and more fully Obama acts the better.

There are alot of sins to fix from the Bush Administration, it's best to patch these transgressions that Bush enacted, pretty much trashing the Bill of Rights, seriously unbalancing the Constitution and tarnishing the reputation of the United States to the world. The sooner we correct the system, the sooner the system can better work to fix the nation and the world.

Ken Pont
Rockvale, TN

It probably means that he has studied how the government works...or doesn't work. He campaigned to return us to government that does work, and he is demonstrating to Congress that it is possible to get things done when they need to be done.
Tustin, Michigan

He wants to review them, that does not mean he will immediately issue some of his own.

Jack, I think what it means is exactly what its suppose to mean, and that is this is a new day for CHANGE!! There is no clearer way to establish that right from the start than by using Executive Orders. Also, I think that as a nation we need some immediate indication that CHANGE is on the way and that its not going to take years to begin.

It means he will do what he must to hit the ground running, which is what we expect him to do. We won't agree with all of Obama's decisions to reverse Bush, just like we did not agree with all of Bush's decisions to reverse Clinton, but as of that point he is the President and we have to give him a chance to get started before we start hammering him.

It means things are worse then we know and the new President must hurry to repair the damage.

Paul

Executive orders are the most useful tool to get things done that the Congress cannot agree on. We the people vote for the President to make the change, not to only sit and wait for Congress. Let him use the executive orders to do what's best.

President elect Obama's FIRST Executive Order should be to nationalize the oil industry and use the billions they made at $4. a gallon to bail out the auto indusrtry. Period~!!

President elect-Obama plans to make drastic changes from President Bush's policies through Executive orders. Obama plans to rebuild our nation's economy and middle class whether congress is ready or not for a fast moving change.

It means he's earned well from Bush, and I suspect there are a bunch of Republicans that are terrified.

I am 100 percent in favor of Obama employing executive order priviledges. They would expedite the exercise of his good judgement-which is precisely why he was elected.

Barack Obama plans to be an "Action President." That is what I expect of a President who had a significant President victory November 4th.
What I see in his wake are Republicans attempting to slow the momentum of change coming their way and the Media seeking a story.
I think it might be a wise move for both the Media and the Republicans to wait till the dust of change settles before criticizing or applauding his moves. He isn't President yet, but he is getting ready to be President.

It's simple Jack. President Elect Obama has a lot of garbage that needs to be cleaned up with the swipe of a pen.

When President Obama is inaugurated and has the power to repeal the Executive Orders of George Bush we will finally have some insight into who this man that will be leading us really is, and not the campaign image that we were given. Will he recind the order to allow drilling and direct the energy road of America towards chasing windmills like Don Quixote...will he close Gitmo and hopefully move all of its tenants to the upper west side of Manhattan....and, as important, what NEW Executive Orders will he sign...in what direction are we going to be commanded to go???

We the people gave him the job that sometimes calls for executive orders. Obama has shown nothing but flexibility, open-mindedness, and a agenda that helps the people not himself. His agenda is doing what is best for us and if those are the kind of executive decisions he is gonna make I say MAKE THEM!

It means that all those things Bush was quick to do such as stopping stem cell funding can now be undone. It is important for Obama to right the wrongs.

It means he'll stop the bleeding and undo Bush's diasterous policies on the environment and the economy. Executive powers are far too broad, but given what they will be on Day 1, Obama can and should use them to do some good.

As we listened to many of President Bush's executive orders, we collectively shook our heads in disbelief! It is only fitting that our new President casts off the dileterious affects of the executive orders produced by the most disliked President in history!

I trust Obama to use good judgement in his orders; that is why I voted for him the first place.

I scare myself wondering what kind of orders McCain or even Palin would give.

Obama promised change. His use of executive order is the fastest way to get started and make good on his promise.

Obama has shown leadership and foresight by appointing Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff, which sends a signal to the Congress that he'll keep an eye on them. Reversing Bush's corrupt executive orders adds to my admiration for President Obama because it will do away with many "perks" the Bushists had taken for granted and pave the way for this country's advancement into the 21st century and beyond.

Jack, it means he's no dummy!

L.T.
Alexandria

It is okay for President-Elect Obama "to hit the ground running" but "patience is also a virtue." It is not yet January 20, 2009 so, therefore, he and his inner-circle need to be more cautious in not giving the impression of being over-eager to "oust" President Bush out of office. The American people could have done that 4 years ago.

If his exectuive orders out the gate are made and are like the way he ran his flawless campaign, then I'm in. He had the right minds surrounding him and he made decisions that were monumental and effective. He repeats this process in surrounding himself with like minds that can make things happen. He is getting his information from the best of the best to create the best possible solution. I for one don't want to wait for results that can be implemented and executed quickly.

Executive Orders have always been powerful instruments for handling emergencies and other serious situations.

Given the aftermath of 8 years of gutted and just plain unenforced sensible regulations, including the gutting of regulations intended to NOT allow corporations to become "too big to fail" (i.e. become threats to the US economy), we now have an economic emergency.

If anything, as President, Obama would be *remiss* in avoiding any use of Executive Orders.

However, I think it's vital that they be used as little as possible, because even the *appearance* of misuse or overuse would interfere with bipartisanship.

It means Free at last, Free at last, thank God almighty we're free at last!

It means Barack will get down to the serious business right away. Our country is down in the ditches thanks to leadership that treated their job as if it was a day at the fair. Barack's decision to use executive power are an early show of how things will be very different in his White House. Thank God!!!

It's called "cleaning up." There were a lot of things passed during the last 8 years that were certainly questionable. Obama wants to hit the ground running! Immediate action with his new "online marketing" toward the public. . . looks like we have a President that is not only in the new Millennium but is for the people, by the people. But I hope I don't speak too soon.

-Chance
Elon, NC

This is a no brainer, Jack. It means peeling off some of the failed policies of the Bush administration and starting the new administration with change. Guess will find out how much change we really need or not.

I look forward to learn the executive orders that the president elects will exercise. These will definitely help everyone understand direction of the intended changes.

President Obama has the option as the Chief Executive to implement executive orders based on his campaign platform. He may certainly follow the example George Bush established and it is Obama's right to do so. I suspect Obama's executive orders, in this day, may be more to the "likeing" than those of his future predecessor. Americans had no choice on Bush's executive orders, we have no choice on Obama's. They is why America elects Presidents. to be our Chief Executive.

It means he's brave, as well as willing to move fast. Issuing new orders immediately, while the whole world is watching, is courageous. Executive Orders can't be blamed on Congress or anyone else.

For us, it is the chance to see right away what this guy is made of and how liberal, centrist, or pragmatic he is.

I can't wait!

It means that Pres. Elect Obama needs to clean up this mess quickly and if using Executive orders is the the most efficient and effective way then so be it.

President Obama should reverse ALL the executive orders and signing statements that were used by President Bush to bypass the constitutional authority of Congresss. Obama would do well to understand that this country is governed by three branches of government – not just the Executive branch. His administration should not only reverse those executive orders and signing statements left over from the Bush Administration but from the Clinton Administration too and let our government operate constitutionally – the way it was designed to work.
Brownwood, Texas

Jack,
It simply means exactly what President-elect Obama told us in his first conference last week: "deliberate haste." A president that does not want to wait around for change, one that will be taking action and ready on day one, with the people on the forefront of his mind - thank God for this is the type of leadership America needs!

Alabama

After 8 years of Bush's
"political capital",
I guess it's payback time!

It means that we have a leader that IS ready on day one. What do some critics think, that he will take a vacation until January 20th? Here is a man that is implementing everything that he promised during his campaign. That is the reason we elected him and know he is the President that can hopefully lead us out of this 8 year nightmare. I say to those who are baffled by it, GET OVER IT!!!

Tucson, AZ – GW Bush issued many executive orders with which most of us disagree. The first order of business of an Obama Administration is to rescind all the ideological Bush executive orders that make us look stupid in the eyes of the world – stem cells, Guantanamo, and who knows what else. The end of stupid, ideological Bush executive orders and signing statements IS "the change" we all voted for – the sooner it is done, the better.

I think Obama will immediately use executive orders to simply reverse the abuses of the Bush administration. Obama will not abuse the privilege. Further, Congress should pass stricter laws to limit executive orders in some way – we cannot afford to let any branch of the government get out of control.

it's called executive orders for a reason,where was this question 8yrs,ago or 4yrs. ago........and why has there not been an uproar over the record 92 filibusters used to stagnate this dem.congress,compared to the last record of 60.

Barack Obama's confidence to use such power early on only says how serious he is about his commitment to make change for the American People. He CAN NOT do any worst than George Bush has done with his ABUSE of the same power. We elected him in office for change. By doing so we support his judgement, sit back let the man do what we hired him to do!

It means that Obama is making the moves of a good, confident leader. Obviously he suspects that Bush hasn't been "playing by the rules" and he wants to look into things and straighten everything out from the outset. All those "signing statements" Bush signed definitely need scrutiny – and soon.

Jack,
I hope the first order is to do away with ALL money coming from lobbyists. If he doesn't do it as an executive order, it will never get done because Congress will never take away money going straight to their pockets.
Debby
Goodrich, Michigan

Finally! Something will get things done without waiting for months! Lets face it, Senator Obama is so far ahead of this past administration.

Do you thinks it means anything at all? I'm sure he'll want to keep all of Bush's orders in place. They have served Americans so well already.

If you're among the wealthiest Americans that is.

Word that Barack may use executive orders to reverse some of the unprecedented amount of nonsense that became law under the outgoing administration is welcome. We voted overwhelmingly for change, and many of us know that we need a lot of it and we need it immediately. I for one trust our Prez-elect to use executive orders responsibly and transparently. How refreshing! -Dan in Nashville, TN

It means that Obama is serious about his new job. It is just like anyone who just got hired to do an important job. They want to get in there and see what needs to be done and do it. My advise to Obama is that when he is reviewing these executive orders, try to put himself in Bush's shoes and try to understand why he signed those orders in the first place and if at the end of the day he is unable to reason why they were signed, then go ahead and do your thing.

I would like to add: Congratulations on a job well done.

It means that change has come and he is ready on day 1 to start digging us out of the ditch Bush has us in.

If Obama starts out from the get-go with a string of executive orders, he subjugates Congress, . . and unless the Democrats in Congress already plans to be a door mat for the new President elect, this will do little to bring about harmony between the three Branches of the Federal government.

Emperor Obama!

Our great and glorious emperor will quickly crush his opponents and immediately bring the power to the people! May his retribution to his enemies be swift and scalpel-like. Or perhaps sword-like.

I see a president who takes his platform seriously and is really ready to change this country as he told the American people he would. Get rid of political waste and lets move this country forward with national peace, prosperity, and security.

Executive Orders usurp the power of Congress, the latter and function of which as originally envisioned by Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Madison. Any future use of Executive Orders by anyone is patently un-American and anti-republic... including Barack Obama.

Jack,

It means that the president isn't waiting for all the numerous holidays to end, and for congress to come back into session. It means that Obama is going to vigorously get the country on track to recovery. A falling stock market, sky-rocketing job losses, and shrinking business in this country takes no vacation. Any president, would do what he could to take initiative to get things going again. There are numerous steps that Obama can take to stop the unnecessary economic hemorrhaging.

It means Obama knows he has to nullify some of Bush's damage ASAP. It means he knows we need help. It means he cares. It means he means business, and he's ready to lead on Day One.
At last, a president we can be proud of. Long time coming!

His decision to use executive powers right off the batt is one way he can impliment his changes immediately. No politics, no second-thinking, no bull. He, like almost the 65 million Americans who voted for him, want change NOW! Ironic for Obama to use Bush's executive priveliges to eliminate them.

Jack,

It means there's a new Sheriff in town, name is Obama, Barack Obama.

Yes "He" Can!

This means that the Bush Administration has left our Nation in a World of Mess, and many things such as our economy require immediate attention, and President Elect Obama knows that he can't afford to wait for Congress to get there act together. God bless our New Leader, and our Nation.

It means he will keep his promises for a brighter more friendly Government.

It means CHANGE Jack just like he promised.Maybe we have someone we can trust to be on our side now and wouldn't that be wounderful. Love your comments. Thanks, Tom in Texas

It means he intends to keep his promise of change.

It means Barack will get down to the serious business right away. Our country is down in the ditches thanks to leadership that treated their job as if it was a day at the fair. Barack's decision to use executive power are an early show of how things will be very different in his White House. Thank God!!!

Dear Cafferty,

Desperate times demand desparate measures. The bailout plan is ample proof of that. If Obama is to change the course of things he cannot be dragged into the morass of bureaucracy.

Jerry George
St Vincent and the grenadines

It means that Barack Obama will REVIEW the bills that Bush set in motion. He will keep the ones that make sense and wouild actually help the nation as a whole and not just the filthy rich, and continue those in motion. For those that make no sense whatsoever, he is going to either throw out or revise. He is reviewing those orders by Bush. Not using the exact play by play that Bush has failed the nation for his eight years in office.

It means that he is ready to get this country going in the right direction and back to being a nation that everyone looks up to.

Easy one! It means he is using whatever way he has available ASAP to keep his promise of change. Since Congress is so slow to act, Executive Orders seem to be an avenue to start the process provided it's done with wise deliberation with his advisers.

It simply gives more proof that our executive branch has taken more than enough power from this country. This is how it all starts Jack, all empires fall at the hands of a leader with too much say.

Not being too much up on various political shenanigans I wasn't aware of "executive orders". What's to keep Obama (or any president)from just ruling by fiat and bypassing congress altogether? How is that possible? What good are the checks and balances I thought existed?

Anyway, I voted for McCain but am now ready to accept Obama as my new president. I just hope he has a chance to produce a few "executive orders" before the next 9/11. I hope and pray that doesn't happen to him like it did to President Bush (and all of us).

By already planning to use his executive powers, as opposed to the democratic process on a largfer scale; Obama shows that he knows the things he wants to do are against the majority, otherwise he would not fear them being knoked down.
This is the most dangerous President the U.S. has ever seen, and the end of true Democracy as we know it.

It's just a matter of undoing the damage done by the Bush administration. Barak Obama has a mandate from the American people and it is a complete repudiation of Bush government.

as my opinion obama look as a leader and he can make different in the economy, so far we have lost several jobs and i hope on january when obama get in the office weshould have significant changes

It means that he will be using executive orders for the good of the American people, to undo the dastardly deeds of the non-thinking Bush, and to set the course for the change we are so desperate to see.

Dear Jack,

It is excellent that President Elect Obama intends to you his Executive Order authority by using his constitutional power to set a change in national policy his first day. He did not say he would overturn all Bush orders; he said he would review all of the EO's and determine which needed modification, continuance or replacement. There are issues such as civil liberties, constitutional guarantees [ie. Bill of Rights], torture and extraordinary rendition, and Guantanimo that must be addressed. You can add off shore drilling versus our cache of coal, and lastly stopping the rape of public lands by a out of control Interior Department. No surprise I am a California Democrat and a Vietnam Veteran. Thom from Burbank

President Bush, just as every President before him, made many decissions that sounded and seemed to be great ideas until well after they were implemented. So will President-Elect Obama after January 20, 2009. After 1/20/2009 President Obama apparently will try to correct those decissions that had or is having tragic results, so that our country, hopfully, can be better.

It means watch out.

Power corrupts. Absolute Power corrupts absolutely.

We've had eight years with a a stupid president allowed to consolidate the absolute power of the presidency. Now we are at the mercy of an intelligent president stepping into the precidents of power-abuse set by Bush. Will he be able to resist?

We are at the mercy of the morality, or lack of morality, of Barack Obama. I hope he has the ethical fortitude to remove forever the ability of the president to abuse power as George Bush did. I hope the congress grows some eggs and helps him do it.

The people's chances are not all that good

Jack,
It means that the US has been turned upside down it the last 8 years and President Elect Obama has plans to turn it right side up! It is exactly what a president should do review and revise or correct and the orders and signings that have been done. President Elect Obama will be the most intelligent president we have ever had and if anyone can lead us to a better United States he is the one to do it. Guess that is why McCain called him "that one". He is the one we need!

It would be extremely difficult for him to make a mistake reversing anything George Bush has done.

Loganville, GA

Jack,
It means "legislation delayed is legislation denied". I imagine he will use executive orders to implement policy in a speedy fashion on issues that will not upset Congress. I doubt he will use executive orders to go around congress or avoid democratic debate; a practice perfected by the current administration.

Craig
Santa Cruz, CA

Why everyone cry about it. When President Bush did it no one had anything to say. I think they should stop the crying and get back to serving the people.

Pres. Elect Obama has a responsibility to the republic to restore democracy, strengthen the economy, protect the environment and assist in returning the rule of law to the United States of America. The use of the tools of the presidency in a prudent and respectful manor will be a change from the past 8 years and a necessity if we are to suceed as a democratic nation.

why would anyone be surprised that Obama would do that? after all its hes constitutional right., after all if you are moving into a house that's infested with bugs wont you clean it up right away?

waleed
NC

President-Elect Obama going to Washington and planning to exercise his power of executive orders means he is going to do exactly what he promised us all that he would do - CHANGE Washington! Hmm, a politician actually going to do what was promised during their campaign? What a concept!

from Camdenton, MO.
Regarding Obama using Executive Orders: Huzzah! Only wish he could begin now, to right all the disastrous orders and policies of the past eight years. The Bush administration continues to damage the respect for scientists and scientific research and has led many Americans to believe the twisted reality of shallow-thinking Bush-ites. Change begins on January 20...please!!

Obama will use his "executive order" in order to put in place that change. He will go against Bush's failed idiology. Someone needs to fill that boss void.

Jack,

There's no question Barack Obama has 100 times the intelligence of Bush.

So what this means is simply that Obama will review each existing executive order to see if it fits into his overall plans to resolve the financial crisis and heal the damage done Internationally by the Bush regime.

Obama has numerous huge challenges to overcome and he will use his executive powers to do what needs to be done with those powers to get the ball rolling.

America and the World are excited about Obama's ability to get things done for the good of America and the World, if that excitment is to continue, Obama needs to act quickly. Using those executive powers will enable Obama to act quickly.

It means that all of us need to wait and see what executive orders he signs before we jump to conclusions about what we THINK he will do. Once he issues an order, then we can sit back and decide if that order is appropriate or not.

Speculating ahead of time is pointless and accomplishes nothing. If he is as smart as we all think he is, then the orders he issues will not only be appropriate, but will also help establish his agenda for the next for years.

Tom in Iowa

This means that Obama is finally going to be able to erase all the bonehead things that Bush did, and take care of the people in this country and what is good for them........not just the people in the white house!

He should use Executive Orders judiciously and orderly as possible.

They should not be used as in the past to circumvent the legislative process.

Congress needs to get its act together and get rid of the BS and bipartisianship and get things done in a timely manner. If not, then President Obama should use the bully pulpit and target them as obstructionists.

Pelosi, Redi, Bohner and McConnel need to get their acts together as well as their members. Two years is not far away for additional change of members.

I think it means he is going to do some housecleaning and get rid of the things that didn't smell right.

This clearly means one thing. Obama has the chance to use his executive authority to help America by doing the things and bringing about change as he said he will. In the same manner President Bush has used his executive authority to make a mess of things. God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It means that Obama is living up to his word! What better way to start the change we all want than with reversing those orders that Bush signed in order to skirt the law and the process of the law?

Jack, I think it is great that President-Elect Obama is willing to go in and start cleaning house. We have to move before further decline occurs in this country and global. So, far he has presented himself as very presidential! He has made some smart, strategic appointments. Very Good, Mr. President-Elect! He will for sure experience barriers from the senate and the house, but I think the senate and the house need to know, we the people will ban against them at the polls if they hinder his accomplishments. We all need to work together. It is time for this mess to be over. Change has come to America!

Hi Jack,

simple! It means he is ready to lead and fix the mess and you have to start by repairing past mistakes even if they are not your own!

Dear Jack:
That is essential for him to begin turning this country in the correct direction. Let his energy work for us all. Sure, mistakes may be made, however, I haven't seen this hope in a long, long time...and by the way I am a Tennessee born southern white woman 50+.

Under normal circumstances I would be sckeptical of a new president wanting to use executive orders (early on) to reverse a previous president's policies. However, Obama is taking over as president of a country seriously damaged by what many term as a criminal minded administration. I think Bush said that exceptional situations call for exceptional actions, or something like that.

I personally welcome any act that reverses the most damaging changes that Bush created. Obama has a mandate for change. The more Democratic way to change is so cumbersome that some emergency acts are in order. Hopefully they will open the door to other changes that are badly needed. The economy must reamin the first and most important issue.

It simply means that President-Elect Obama is exercising his right to show Americans that some things won't change. What next?

It means there is a LOT of damage to undo and the sooner it gets undone the better.

It means that he's actually making use of the transitional period, and is a good sign that the change wasn't just rhetoric. Hopefully it will continue past the initial transition and into the efforts to be made in tandem with congress.

It shows wa are headed toward Socialism. He shows his lack of respect for the American way.
I'm headed to Australia, I don't want to live in a Socialist state!

When the boat is sinking you don't take the time to vote on where the patches should be placed. Barack is planing to start placing these patches right away using executive orders by patching the leaks that would sink up fairly quick and then let congress vote on which slower leaks should be addressed.

Jack, it means we're putting the "REJECT" stamp on 8 years of George W. Bush.

It means that he's reviewed all things associated with Bush and see's the abuse of power and authority that has help lead this country to the dire situation it is in. He's seen how the American people have been forgotten and how big business has run this country into the ground. President Obama more than likely knows the Presidents job description in his sleep, therefore, he's well aware that CHANGE starts with the damning and dooming policies. This will be a smart President. Many that have reservations about him will lose those and see that many things will have to be done and undone.

It means he is the President.

An Answer to our prayers!, We can actually get rid of some of those so-called Bush policies that ruin this nation and the world.

I was lead to believe that the American government operated on a system of checks and balances. So why do we need executive orders? Sounds like executive orders are synonymous with dictates. If Obama follows through with such orders, we're looking at no change from what has happened for the last 8 years.

The reign of Stupid, Hate-filled, Suppression is over!! The Honest Calvary has arrived to reverse our trecherous plight!!

It means some of Bush's policies are so stupid that they need to be changed immediately. Providing more funds for stem cell research is a no brainer.

Regarding President Obama's immediate use of executive orders to deal with Bush's executive actions: It's never too early to start cleaning out the stable.

Obama will be able to use his wisdom and judgement in rescinding executive orders that are not now in the best interests of America and its people. It also allows him to make executive orders to forward resolution of the myriad of urgent issues that face America. His judgement is impecable!

In Obama we trust!

It illustrates he is taking a leadership role. He said in so many words he is not President Bush, I guess this is one way to show it. I think it's a little to early to determine if he will abuse this exedutive power, but if he gets to out of hand, it's only paper. Will this be a bi-partisan process doubtful. I want complete transparency on what he will revoke. I will pay close attention.

The executive order has long been a well-known power of the United States President. The fact that Obama plans to utilize this power should not be a surprise to anyone. The fact that he wishes to use this power to make a more immediate impact without Congressional intervention is not surprising; this is what the order was designed for.

It reminds me of someone who is confident and ready for the challenges ahead.

It means the president is doing the president's job.

What I believe it means is that President-Elect Obama plans to drastically change the policies President Bush enacted while in office on the first day he enters office. I am hoping that this means we are going to see this new administration work in a much different way then President Bush's by doing things such as; cutting taxes for the middle class, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, improving education for children, etc.

This use of Executive Orders has multiple meanings.

If Obama uses Executive Orders it shows who is in charge and at the same time a liberal interpretation of the Constitution which implies in this case a lack of respect for the Checks & Balances built into the Constitution.

I did not like it when President Bush used Executive Orders and I will not like it when President Elect Obama uses Executive Orders except in the case of an emergency

I hope it means that he plans to return this country to a nation of law ruled by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Maybe we will be come a government of the people again although it will take a huge effort to undue all of the damage done in the last 8 years.

It shows that Obama can waste little time reversing the mistakes of W. W used EO's to harm and erode our constitution, Obama will use them to restore our credit around the world. Can we give Obama a chance first, he hasn't been sworn in yet and we are already having these discussion?

James G.
San antonio

That he says what he means and he means what he says. Change is what he promised and it looks like change is what he is going to deliver. I for I could not be more delighted. John in Columbus, Ohio

Jack, it means that Obama can keep his commitment to start leading on DAY ONE

He'll have to becaues Bush signed more than all the presidents
combined. and no one from the media has every mentioned it be for now. the american people want change and I hope Obama gives it to us, lets give him a chance.
we gave Bush a second chance affter the first four years of poor
leadership, we have a new president let him do his job.

It means putting the constitution back to work for the people, of the people and by the people.

A review of the Bush executive orders is certainly justified. Congress was so partisan and deadlocked, waiting for them to do ANYTHING was iffy, but I still feel President Bush really abused both executive orders and presidential signings – typical of his administration's "my way or the highway" approach.

I expect Obama to be both thoughtful and thorough in his review, and know he will not abuse this power, but use it judiciously. He may not need it as much, since the Dems gained ground in both houses of Congress.

It means he was common sense. Going through Congress would be useless and a waste of time; Obama is serious about changing the direction the United States is going in, and dragging one's heels waiting for Congress is the completely wrong way to do it.

Obama is ready to lead, a change we all anticipated. Ready to fix the mess.

I think this comes under the heading of: LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.

It means stopping executive orders made by Bush that would allow Uranium mines to be blasted right next to the Grand Canyon, along the Colorado River where millions of Americans get their drinking water from. Do you think President Bush asked the people of Las Vegas, Phoenix or Los Angeles what they thought about that?

Jack:

It means that you have to fight fire with fire. Bush circumvented the system, and even the law/constitution with his process of making executive orders to purposely disobey laws of the land that were in place. It is only prudent that for a change, we will see a president use this authority to undo all of the illegal, criminal, even war criminal actions done by the previous president.

How Bush has not been impeached astounds me. I firmly feel he should be incarcerated at Gitmo, indefinitely for as long as the longest resident has been locked up there. His actions were more devestating to this country then that of any terrorist in history to any other nation.

President-elect Obama should exercise his right to overturn Bush’s Executive Orders if they violate the spirit of the program Obama was voted by a majority to carry out. He gave plenty of notice during the campaign.

Mike G in Redding CA

It means our new President is going to do what he PROMISED!

What a relief it will be to have President Obama at the helm – a man of intelligence and clear-thinking who will undo the far-right practices pushed by Bush. It is time for stem-cell research, with all the possibilities it holds, to be funded by the government. To put control of women's bodies back in the hands of the women and their doctors and not the far right evangelicals. To respect the law and govern by the Constitution and not the "anything goes" of the Bush administration. To reverse the troublesome laws enaced that side-step enviromental sense. I sleep much better at night knowing Bush and company will soon be out of office and an educated, law-abiding man is now at the helm. I say a prayer for Obama every single night.

Valerie – age 72

Jack,

President-Elect Obama is a Constitutional Lawyer. I am sure he can find many things the current President Bush did that could be construed as unconstitutional.

Executive Order vs. congressional process... I wonder how an issue is allowed to be decided through the sole discretion of the President, and when it is required to go through Congress. Since there are hundreds of orders signed by Bush, their retention or repeal by Obama could make a significant impact....positive or negative is something left to be seen.

It means Obama has a mandate and he's going to put it to good use!

I hope Obama can get rid of the "Patriot Act" while he is at it!

Jack,

The way President Bush and the Republican's trashed our constitutional structure, we need to undo the damage quickly. I strongly approve of President Elect Obama using Executive Orders to undo Bush's handy work. Consider it a dose of Democratic Drano to unclog the autocracy and authoritarianism. Hopefully, Habeus Corpus will also be restored quickly as well.

Jose
Carrollton, Tx

It means he illustrating a leadership role. He said in so many words he is not George Bush, I guess this is one way to show it. Whether he will abuse his executive power it's to early to tell, however if he does let us remember an executive order is only paper.

I totally support him; however I want total transparency on what he revokes. I will be paying very close attention.

This is a good sign. Before you put a house back into shape, you must clean out the acumulated garbage first. Obama campained on Change – which is why I voted for him (I am a 32 yr old White Collar Caucasian Male). Now he is showing that he meant it. He has also shown himself to be truthful and thoughtful through his campain for the highest office – and as such, I am confident that he, unlike Bush, will use his executive orders in a fair and balanced manner.

All these supporters saying change, change, change. We STILL don't know what kind of change is being talked about! Issuing executive orders is 'more of the same'!

There is no proof that he is going to use executive orders to reverse any current policies. How does anyone know he isn't going to name himself emperor with his first executive order? The complacency of many posters thinking that the use of executive orders could be nothing but good is outrageous and the idea that it should be commonplace is outright dangerous.

I'm hoping that Obama will reverse the current executive orders but refrain from writing hundreds of his own. Our country was designed with checks and balances to prevent too much power from residing in the executive branch; using executive orders to bypass Congress, as President Bush did, is unethical and violates our Constitution.

If I'm not mistaken, it takes an executive order to change or remove an existing executive order. So there really is no choice for Obama... all of Bush's executive orders become his on day one. He must align all of them to his administration's policies or call them his own. Bush has now set the unfortunate president for incoming executive orders similar to the "end-of'-term" pardons... by the way; any guess on Bush pardons?

Given the state of the economy, job losses and businesses going bankrupt, Obama probably can not wait. Most assuredly, the people aren't going to wait.

As was frequently written about, Bush used executive orders to undercut the authority of Congress. We all pray that Obama will reverse all these executive orders, even though Bush tried to have an executive order written to protect him from all the illegal things he has done!

It means that he has learned the lesson that President Bush had to learn about the Democrats and the Democratic Congress. They're lazy and think that they get paid for appearing on TV, not helping Americans. Now maybe the whining about President Bush using his power of the Executive Orders will quiet down as Mr. Obama is already signalling he will beat the "Bush record".

He knows that the present situation demands urgent decisions; he cannot afford any delay. Under normal circumstances he would probably use the customary protocole; it is too late for that. The sooner, the better. He is a very courageous young man as he fully knows that his decision will be criticized.
Bonne chance B. Obama; we are with you.
Jacqueline San Diego, CA

He is hitting the ground running! He is looking at those things he can change – for example look at all the environmental regulations that Bush is suddenly "relaxing" (likely out of spite). Obama needs to show he does, in fact, mean business!

Hi Jack, If Obama starts off using exec. orders to get things done, he really needs to do it wisely. If he doesn't, he'll wind up with a lot of flack from the people who voted for him and I would hope that congress would exert itslef and fullfill its role of oversight .

When you see a house on fire, you dont have to wait. make decisions at light speed and call 911.

Just as long as he doesn't abuse that power, like his predecessor did.

It means the madness will stop.

Anything that Obama can do to undo what Bush has done I say sign baby sign.

Jack hopefully it means a great begining to undue this mess that we have found are way into thanks to the hand of Bush and all of his greedy friends

It means he's not going to wait for Congress to posture and squabble about what to do. I think it means he intends do to everything he can within the law before things get any worse. The fact the he is putting his policies online suggests he isn't planning to institute secret prisons or other unconstitutional trickery.

I am surprised so many people in AMerica voted for Socialism. It's very scary.

It means we have a true leader at the helm of our country. It is refreshing, inspiring...and yes it means hope is truly alive.

It means that the people of the US won't have tolerate these last minute attempts by George Bush to push his right wing agenda. We have suffered long enough without the medical breakthrough treatments that stem cell research may have brought eight years ago. Let George hang it up and just slink on home to Texas. I like seeing Barak act like a president and make real decisions, that are, well, good decisions.

It means he's willing to hit the ground running and it means a very quick end to the policies of GWB.

I suspect the Obama administration doesn't feel they can move forward without fixing or ending many of the inadequate, anti-government orders Bush and co. went through. Thankfully, I don't doubt Obama will make decisions solely based on his role as President. One who works for the people. The main difference here is that Obama will do whatever he can to make things a little better for the people. One could argue Obama plans to use executive orders a certain amount further than he would have if Bush hadn't been our last President, simply because of the fact that Bush/Cheney politics cling to ideals, which as we know, aren't people.

I say he knows he has a big job ahead of him and lots to clean up.

I see nothing wrong with Obama reversing Bush's quasi-legal executive orders. I will be concerned if Obama makes quasi-legal executive orders of his own. We need a lot more limits to be placed on the power a president can with such orders. Unchecked power will always be misused.

Jack,

It means he is no fool and knows how incompetent and failed this administration has been for eight years and needs to be scrutinized and repaired immediately. Bush has so many damaging executive orders in place that continue to do America harm that time is of the essence to weed them out. I am not even sure America can survive the last weeks of this administration without collapsing completely.

Thom
Negaunee, MI

I suspect the Obama administration doesn’t feel they can move forward without fixing or ending many of the inadequate, anti-government orders Bush and co. went through with. Thankfully, I don’t doubt Obama will make decisions solely based on his role as President. One who works for the people. The main difference here is that Obama will do whatever he can to make things a little better for the people. One could argue Obama plans to use executive orders a certain amount further than he would have if Bush hadn’t been our last President, simply because of the fact that Bush/Cheney politics cling to ideals, which as we know, aren’t people.

and begin immediately to undo them.

When Obama takes the oath of office "to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America" he will be compelled to reverse the violations perpetrated by the criminal administration of George W. Bush. These are extraordinary times. Extraordinary measures are required. Unlike his predecessor, Obama is well-aware of the seriousness and care with which this power must be wielded.

He may also be required to use this shortcut to begin to rectify the economic disaster we've fallen into over the last eight years of mismanagement, abuse, and tragic, needless war.

It means President-Elect Obama thinks Congress moves with the speed of molasses on a cold morning. He knows that his approval rating will depend on being able to quickly start changing things in his 1st 100 days. There's going to be a new man in the White House and it is about time. Sounds like music to my ears.

It means, unfortunately, that the powers that Bush added to the executive are not going away, making the presidential election even more crucial than it has ever been in history. It's a good thing that Obama is president, since he'll use his executive powers to the greatest benefit of the country, but the real greatest benefit for the country might be surrendering many of those powers back to the courts and congress, where they were with the founding of this great nation.

It means good changes are on the way. More power to him.

By rescinding some of Bush's Executive Orders, President-Elect Obama can set the tone of his administration without spending a dime.

It means that he is very serious about this job. He owes it to the American people, they elected him for change, he needs to start with the executive power. Most thinking people agree that Bush has misused his powers and now Obama has to plod through all of these orders and determine if they should remain law. It doesn't mean that he will use these powers in the same way.

We have a president that is trying to undo the last eight years.

Jack,

President-Elect Obama is a Constitutional Lawyer. I am sure he can find many things the current President Bush did that can be construed as un-constitutional and begin immediately to undo them.

Executive power can be used for both good and bad. If he uses it to reverse Bush's bad executive orders, that's good.

As a Navy vet, I'm all for goverment funded for stemm cell research. But to answer your question Jack, it shows he's flexing what muscle he has-though weak & inexperienced- to keep that promise of "change" that's so fresh in peoples' minds. But when the dust settles & REAL experience is needed, there will be good 'ol Joe. If you thought Cheney had power, just sit back, watch the actions take place, paint them blue, & still call it "Chanfge."

It means Congress "Get out of the way!" He's going to fix some things – IMMEDIATELY. Might be symbolic, but wouldn't it be fabulous to get rolling without Congressional dither?

While not a good idea for everything. I think if President Obama properly 'cherry picks' those executive orders that he wishes to repeal or modify, he'll be fine.

Looks like we will have a decision maker in the execuyive office and not a decider.

When Obama takes the oath of office “to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America” he will be COMPELLED to reverse the violations perpetrated by the criminal administration of George W. Bush. These are extraordinary times. Extraordinary measures are required. Unlike his predecessor, Obama is well-aware of the seriousness and care with which this power must be wielded.

He may also be required to use this shortcut to begin to rectify the economic disaster we’ve fallen into over the last eight years of mismanagement, abuse, and tragic, needless war.

Obama's first objectives will be to lift restrictions on abortions, ok use of stem cells from aborted fetuses, close down gitmo, and place restrictions on drilling for oil in the US. All of this will certainly get our economy going.

Executive order is the one way that Obama can KEEP some of the promises that he made – God speed the use. Oscar

It means he is prepared to shoot from the hip, ( the very thing he complained about Bush) and a slap in the face to the democratic controlled Congress for not implementing the changes he desires.....This may not be a good decision right out of the chute.

Simple Jack...it means that after 8 years of a Bush administration...no matter how civil he is being during the transition...there is a huge mess that Obama has to clean up...caused by failed Bush policies of trickle down economics, non compete contracts, Enron Loopholes, Tax Breaks for the Ultra Rich, a complete disregard for Diplomacy, and a level of respect from the rest of the world that is at an all time low.

It means that he is going to use the same tactics that other administrations, especially Bush, used to accomplish his agenda and reverse Bush's wrong-headed policies. However, it also means that he is not addressing the issue of the accretion of executive power, the unitary executive theory or the imperial presidency. While I will probably be in favor of the substance of his executive orders, the bigger question is–why are they legal?

It means that President-Elect Obama is ready to hit the ground running with the changes that he promised this country in his campaign. I think it is a blessing that he is getting a head start on the repair of the country that was caused by G.W. Bush and his administration!

It means that he is getting ready to put the country back on track. He has to right all the wrongs of our last president. Can't wait untill January 20th,2009.

I thought he believes in "government of the people, by the people, and for the people," Jack using executive power doesn't sound like the best approach.

It means at least some of the damage Bush has inflicted will be rapidly undone. January 20th can't get here fast enough.

The good news? 71 days till the end of the Bush administration.

The bad news? 71 days till the end of the Bush administration.

If Bush can use it to screw up the country...maybe Obama can use it to fix it.

I beleive it says we made some bad mistakes in the past 8 years and maybe in those orders are ways that could help us get this contry back on the right footing

It means that in an environment where some of those issues that were promised on the campaign, but will most likely not be addressed in the short term, can be addressed immediately.

It means that Obama means some serious business

It means that Obama intends to undo a lot of the wrong and evil that Bush committed! He can have congress follow thru later, but the harm must be reversed asap.

Jack,
I hope he's un-doing some of those bad Bush Executive orders.

Jack,

I'm glad Obama is recognizing the only way to take the garbage out of the government is to tackle the bad ones, quickly, and right the ship!

When you start a new job after someone has left the position in shambles, you don't sit around asking the boss if this is okay or that is okay; you told them in the interview you could do the job, and so that is what you do. You prove yourself capable by doing.

It means for the past 8 years they gave a sharp implement, aka a Pen, to someone who should have never been allowed to use one and now Obama has to fix the problems that Bush created for the past 8 years.

Since it's been widely reported that Bush has been busy signing Executive Orders, I feel our President-Elect Obama will have alot of reading to do on Day One. The citizens of this country have accepted and voted for his vows/promises of CHANGE. Once he sits down at that desk in the Oval office it's the time for Obama's actions to match his words. We've had 8 years of double-talk and double-dealing.

I thank President Elect will do what is neccersary in a respectful
way to get done what need to be done in the order it need to be
done .... LET US PRAY I have faith