Kendra S. Horn: “Censure did not change Andrew Jackson. We have heard a lot about censure during the Jackson administration. When the…”

“Censure did not change Andrew Jackson. We have heard a lot about censure during the Jackson administration. When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cherokee Indians, Jackson was heard to say about the sitting Chief Justice, ``Well, John Marshall has made his decision, let us see if he can enforce it.'' Obviously the Court could not enforce the order. The Court does not have the Army. The Court does not have the Federal marshals. So much for censure. Censure would have about as much effect on the behavior of Presidents as a parent yelling and shouting at a teenager. As we know, shouting does not usually change teenage behavior. The other point that I would make is we have heard an awful lot of talk about the repeal of the 1996 election. We have heard a lot of talk in the Shays town meeting about a coup occurring in America. This is utter nonsense. After all, the President of the United States picked his Vice President in 1992 and 1996, and he picked him for issue compatibility, and certainly Vice President Gore would have that, should the Senate vacate the office of President. I would suggest that the ``repeal the 1996 election'' argument falls. The President must subject himself to the rule of law that effects all of our citizens. This should be a warning to all presidents, that when you break the rule of law, you violate Federal laws--be it perjury, suborning witnesses, whatever it is--that you might endanger yourself with impeachment.”