This is from a democrat senator and newspaper that supported Obama
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-obama-czars5-2009mar05,0,1528130.storyPresident Obama's czar system concerns some
He has 'super aides' for healthcare, the economy, energy and urban issues, with more to come -- prompting some lawmakers and groups to worry that he may be concentrating power and bypassing Congress.
But some lawmakers and outside experts fear that Obama is setting up a system that is not subject to congressional oversight and creates the potential for conflict among his many advisors.
Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) became concerned enough to send a cautionary letter to Obama last week. At times, he said, past White House staffers have assumed duties that should be the responsibility of officials cleared through the Senate confirmation process. He cited President Bush's naming of homeland security czar Tom Ridge as an example.
"They rarely testify before congressional committees and often shield the information and decision-making process behind the assertion of executive privilege," Byrd wrote of past czars and White House staffers in similar positions. At times, he said, one outcome has been to "inhibit openness and transparency, and reduce accountability."
"The rapid and easy accumulation of power by White House staff can threaten the constitutional system of checks and balances," Byrd said.
By the way Bush didn't isolate the rest of the world.
There were many governments that were on side with him for many issues.
There was the coalition of the willing in Iraq
there were governments in Africa and South America, that supported him on Aids funding and on trade.
There was the Israel.
Canada on Free trade.
Just to name a few.
Obama isn't ending torture
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=12041Conclusion
The loopholes in President Obama’s executive order on torture may permit cruel abuses of prisoners to continue, using a legal parlor trick. Labeling detainees the product of counterterrorism operations rather than of armed conflict, or holding detainees in detention facilities operated by entities other than the CIA, may allow government agents and private contractors conforming to the letter of the president’s order to continue practices most would consider torture. The president should close these loopholes or explain to Americans why he won’t.
James Hill is a partner in the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery, and a clinical assistant professor of radiology at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. The views expressed are solely his own.