This'n'That; April Nineteenth #1; Signing Statements

'Signing Statements;' Anyone Ever Hear Of 'em?
    Has anyone ever heard of 'signing statements' prior to owe-bama abusing the priviledge?!?  Now we find out the owe-bamacRATs--and their forerunners, the democRATs--were continually whining about an alleged 'Bush-43' abuse; apparently, these whines weren't considered important enough to report.  Maybe, it's just me being 'out-of-touch!!'
    Signing statements originated with President James Madison.  They were traditionally used as a ceremonial instrument; at times to set the general tone of the sitting president's opinion of the attached legislation.
 

• "Ronaldus-Magnus" is credited with 'beefing-up' signing statements, possibly as a way to influence the legislation's interpretation by the courts and various agencies of the Executive Branch.
• President 'Bush-41' went further with the practice by having 'colloquies' inserted into the legislative debates; using said 'colloquies' to interpret statutory provisions.
• "Slick-Willie" Clinton signed 105 'signing statements' during his two terms, primarily in the area of 'foreign affairs (NO, not the "Lewinsky"-type affairs!).'  As an example: "Slick" declared one provision in the subject statute unconstitutional and instructed his Attorney-General not to defend it if challenged.
• (Now, I run into conflict!)  I find two totals for the number of 'signing statements' issued by President 'Bush-43.' The site: http://www.cdi.org/laws/fleming-presidential-signing-statements-022807.html indicates that President Bush issued 'more than 800' signing statements in his first six years in office.  The site: http://www.coherentbabble.com/listGWBall.htm indicates an eight-year total of 160 signing statements.  A break-down of the larger total indicates: 77 involved exclusive presidential authority over foreign affairs; 37 involved 'commander-in-chief' powers; 82 involved the 'unitary executive' theory.

    Here, we've arrived at the subject of the current kerfuffle: owe-bama again reneging on a 'Campaign of Fluff' promise, this time-not to issue 'signing statements!'  The "Clown Prince" took issue with non-payment for some of the czars in Soros' "shadow cabinet" in the latest budget bill.  Do we need more of this kind of "hope'n'change?"
Til Nex'Time....