Samuel Deitel
(Via E-Mail)
Legislative vs. Executive (I)
You seem to make a persuasive case that the idea of exclusive presidential control of American foreign policy is just a myth and that both the president and Congress share authority (“The Zivotofsky Case and U.S. Foreign Policy,” editorial, Aug. 2).
What happens, however, when as in this case, there is disagreement? Who prevails? Can our government speak with two voices internationally? Also, aren’t we afraid that individual senators and House members are too vulnerable to pressure groups and could vote for policies to appease them? A president has to be careful as well, but he is in a far stronger position.
Victor Alexander
Cincinnati, OH
Legislative vs. Executive (II)
What would happen if Congress overrode a presidential veto and a law was enacted that said the State Department could not spend any money on regulating U.S. passports unless it allowed American citizens born in Jerusalem to list Israel as their place of birth?
Would this be governed by the principle of the Congressional “power of the purse” or that of presidential power over foreign affairs?
Herb Steinberg
(Via E-Mail)