List of czars of the Obama administration

Name, Title, Government position

Alan Bersin, Border Czar, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, US Department of Homeland Security

Carol Browner, Energy Czar, Assistant to the President, White House Office of Energy and Climate Change

Adolfo Carrion, Urban Czar, Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs Policy

Vivek Kundra, Infotech Czar, Chief Information Officer of the United States

Joshua DuBois, Faith-based Czar, Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

Nancy-Ann DeParle, Health reform Czar, Director of the White House Office of Health Reform

Herb Allison, TARP Czar, Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability, US Department of the Treasury

Earl Devaney, Stimulus accountability Czar, Inspector General, US Department of the Interior

Gary Samore, Nonproliferation Czar

John O. Brennan, Terrorism Czar, Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security

Cass Sunstein, Regulatory Czar, Director of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs

Gil Kerlikowske, Drug Czar, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

Daniel Fried, Guantanamo Base closure Czar, Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, US Department of State

John Holdren, Science Czar, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Melissa Hathaway, Cybersecurity Czar, Director of the White House Office of Cybersecurity

Kenneth Feinberg, Compensation Czar

Douglas Lute, War Czar, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Iraq and Afghanistan

In addition the the above officials, the Obama Administration contains several other Czar-level officials:

Name, Title, Government position (if any)

George Mitchell, Mideast Peace Envoy

Dennis Ross, Persian Gulf and Southwest Asia Advisor

J. Scott Gration, Sudan Special Envoy

Todd Stern, Climate Special Evnoy

Steven Rattner, [formerly] Lead Advisor to the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_czars_of_the_Obama_administration

Before someone "educates" me that (1) these czars are dissimilar to Russian czars and (2) that the Obama administration didn't invent these positions and (3) that "czar" is not their official titles, let me indicate my objection.

First, it seems that the Obama administration is increasing the number of czar positions (I have not checked this). Second, but more important, the Obama administration is using these unvetted officials in top-level positions. Perhaps if the former car czar, Rattner, have been thoroughly vetted, he wouldn't have had to resign amid a scandal and an investigation.

Okay, let the shitfest begin.

7/14/2009 8:01:29 PM

How many threads on similar subjects are necessary to properly vent your disdain for the Obama Admnistration?

7/14/2009 8:02:19 PM

^ So, you'll be okay with it when a Republican president has a bunch of unvetted top-level officials accountable to no one other than the president? You do realize that the president can assert executive privilege concerning these positions and Congress can't question them, right?

Inevitable. . .

Quote :

"YOU MEAN LIKE ROVE"

7/14/2009 8:06:50 PM

You claiming they aren't vetted doesn't mean they aren't vetted.

And before you go off on the car czar, mistakes will be made.

7/14/2009 8:11:35 PM

^ Whelp, we don't need to worry about "mistakes being made", because the "car czar" up and quit. 6 months after starting.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124751573500734529.html

Someone call Sarah Palin, sounds like we've got a fabulous tour opportunity going...

7/14/2009 8:14:50 PM

^^ Um. . .the car czar was on the job less than five months, dude. C'mon, seriously?

And the czars certainly aren't vetted by Congress. Why don't you explain to us poor dumb folk how these czars are vetted?

[Edited on July 14, 2009 at 8:15 PM. Reason : ^]

7/14/2009 8:15:11 PM

You are making the argument they aren't vetted. Making that argument means it is incumbent upon you to provide the evidence.

Dumbass.

7/14/2009 8:19:05 PM

Quote :

"And the czars certainly aren't vetted by Congress. Why don't you explain to us poor dumb folk how these czars are vetted?"

7/14/2009 8:47:19 PM

Congress is the only method of vetting.

Again, the task of proving these individuals aren't vetted is incumbent on you.

After all, vetting by congress is only one method of vetting.

7/14/2009 8:52:32 PM

^ Please explain the vetting process. It's a simple request.

7/14/2009 8:55:50 PM

You have made the claim they aren't vetted. It is your job to prove so.

7/14/2009 8:56:33 PM

Quote :

"^ Please explain the vetting process. It's a simple request."

I could be wrong--prove me wrong.

7/14/2009 8:57:32 PM

You made the statement they aren't vetted. Prove it.

7/14/2009 8:59:14 PM

Quote :

"^ Please explain the vetting process. It's a simple request."

Quote :

"I could be wrong--prove me wrong."

7/14/2009 9:00:52 PM

Now we know why you are still seeking that masters degree in liberal studies after 10 years. You keep trying to use logical fallacies.



Do you really believe these Czars haven't been subjected to FBI Background checks, Secret Service Background checks, etc?

7/14/2009 9:06:50 PM

^ I've admitted that perhaps the czars are vetted--I could be wrong. I'm sure there's some process.

But the czars aren't publicly vetted--we know this. So, I'm asking that you educate me concerning the vetting process--this seems a simple enough request to me.

7/14/2009 9:10:26 PM

Is your problem the people Obama has chosen to fill these position or the existence of these positions?

7/14/2009 9:11:17 PM

^ A little of both. Many of the individuals chosen trouble me, but I am more concerned about a lack of accountability. I mean, we have top appointed officials--publicly vetted--who are supposed to be handling all these areas, don't we?

7/14/2009 9:15:36 PM

Quote :

"But the czars aren't publicly vetted--we know this. So, I'm asking that you educate me concerning the vetting process--this seems a simple enough request to me."

Is the Press Secretary, Chief of Staff, any number of Administration officials publicly vetted?

I notice you keep changing the terms of vetting. First it was none. Then it was not by Congress, then it was not by the public.

Keep swirling.

7/14/2009 9:17:22 PM

Quote :

"^ Please explain the vetting process. It's a simple request."

7/14/2009 9:25:03 PM

Why don't you prove there is no vetting process, since you stated that as fact.

7/14/2009 9:27:11 PM

OH NO's BARACK IS TAKING OVER AND ENDING DEMOCRONCIES HUR IN THE US WITH HIS FACSIST CZAR POSITIONS THAT TAKE ABSOLUTE POWERS FROM THE DIVINE TOTALITARIAN TRANSITIONING OBAMA

Quote :

"In the United States the title "czar" is an informal term for a certain high-level official who directs or oversees federal operations on a given topic,"

From wikipedia


I don't get your point the title of "czar" seems to be informal lingo for any high officiating position within a presidents cabinet. Surely the "czar's" under Bush abused power at par or beyond the current level existing now. If anything having more "experts" breaking up his advisory duties is better than putting all your eggs in one basket with some moron who has shitty intel and political pull.

7/14/2009 9:34:30 PM

Quote :

"First, it seems that the Obama administration is increasing the number of czar positions (I have not checked this)"

ROFL

RAWR RAWR CZARS RAWR RAWR NOT SURE IF WHAT I AM MAD ABOUT IS EVEN, IN FACT, HAPPENING

7/14/2009 9:36:25 PM

One Czar to hold the lightbulb, and two Czars to turn the ladder.

7/14/2009 10:16:03 PM

what a stupid fucking thread

7/14/2009 10:28:26 PM

i'm wondering: do you understand how the executive branch works?

most of the staff isn't elected or approved by congress.

7/14/2009 11:02:22 PM

7/14/2009 11:04:31 PM

hitler? really? you couldn't even get a russian to fit with the whole "czar" thing?

7/14/2009 11:06:03 PM

Godwin'd in 3 hours. Thread discussion over. Instead, post pics of your favorite Tsars in here.

7/14/2009 11:08:33 PM

obama and hitler have a lot in common

7/14/2009 11:08:41 PM

"Wish Upon A Czar"

Quote :

" * In 2001, with escalating concerns about possible attacks on our information technology infrastructure, Bush named a "cybersecurity czar." * In 2003, the president's desire to help his corporate benefactors led to the creation of a "regulatory czar" at the Office of Management and Budget. Around the same time, Bush named his first "AIDS Czar." (He didn't choose wisely -- Bush tapped Randall Tobias, the administration's former top advocate of global abstinence-only policies, who was recently forced to resign after procuring "massages" from a controversial Washington escort service.) * In 2004, faced with growing discontent over the nation's struggling manufacturing industries, Bush appointed a "manufacturing czar." (He chose the chief executive of a Nebraska company that had laid off manufacturing employees and built factories in China.) * 2005 was a banner year for czars. In February, Bush responded to revelations about failed national security intelligence by creating an "intelligence czar." Shortly thereafter, we had a "bird-flu czar." A few months after that, following the tragically botched handling of the response to Hurricane Katrina, there was a "Katrina czar." "

http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=wish_upon_a_czar


Where was Fox News' outrage back then?

But more importantly, why are we concerned over this at all?

7/14/2009 11:09:19 PM

Quote :

"obama and hitler have a lot in common"

THEY BOTH HAD DOGS

7/14/2009 11:10:06 PM

so do Obama and Jesus, or Bush and Hitler, or Dan Quayle and Albert fucking Einstein, for that matter. What's your point

7/14/2009 11:10:54 PM

7/14/2009 11:12:24 PM

Since you've seen fit to just lag behind Faux News about this "czar" thing you may as well follow suit and photoshop them in Russian outfits. Hell, you should have been around to chastise Andrew Jackson for his Kitchen Cabinet!

7/14/2009 11:13:29 PM

7/14/2009 11:15:28 PM

Ron Jeremy, Pornography Czar:

7/14/2009 11:17:18 PM

"we've come to kill off your stupid tsar thread, hooksaw"

7/14/2009 11:27:08 PM

^^

bwahahahahaha...nice one

7/15/2009 1:32:26 AM

^^ That's what you think. Okay, let's delve into this more deeply--the problem with czars is. . .

1. Apparently, the Obama administration is using more czars than most administrations--I was instinctively correct on this even though I hadn't checked:

Quote :

"Czars have been used since FDR persuaded Jimmy Byrnes to leave the U.S. Supreme Court to become head of the Office of Economic Stabilization. It's just that most administrations haven't used as many as Obama has so far."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/zito/s_633188.html

2. In his typical style-over-substance approach, Obama appears to be substituting czar appointments for concrete action:

Quote :

"'Most czars only have the authority to publicize problems and possible solutions and urge administrative agencies to take certain actions,' says [University of Arkansas political science professor Patrick] Wolf. Yet appointing policy czars also can be a substitute for concrete action, he cautions."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/zito/s_633188.html

3. Financial concerns. We are in an economic downturn, right? Even though the Obama administration got the economic numbers wrong.

Quote :

"Carol Browner, assistant to the president for energy and climate change, is one of 22 West Wing officials earning the maximum salary of $172,200."

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/07/10/obamas_house_of_czars_97388.html

What about redundancy? Aren't publicly vetted top officials paid to administer agencies and help form policy?

By the way, climate change czarina Browner didn't even read the cap-and-trade bill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbtEjj1MPiY

Sweet Jesus.

4. Is Robert Byrd--a Democrat--wrong to object to these multiple czars, too?

From The New York Times:

Sen. Byrd questions Obama's use of policy 'czars'

Quote :

"Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), who for decades has battled White House power and championed congressional clout, is questioning President Obama's appointment of 'czars' to oversee key policy areas, including energy and climate. 'The rapid and easy accumulation of power by White House staff can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances,' Byrd wrote in a letter to Obama. 'At the worst, White House staff have taken direction and control of programmatic areas that are the statutory responsibility of Senate-confirmed officials.'"

http://tinyurl.com/abkzlc

But you foaming moonbats go ahead and keep posting fun pictures. Don't let the facts get in your way.

7/15/2009 3:24:22 AM

your thread is epic fail.......

If you generalized amongst all modern presidents than you may be making a valid point. Your failure is stemming from the "OMFG look how Obama is czaring up the country vote Palin 2012"

7/15/2009 7:23:01 AM

^he's using far more "czars" than most presidents. W had a lot, but Obama's gone beyond him already.

7/15/2009 8:32:00 AM

Quote :

"Aren't publicly vetted top officials paid to administer agencies and help form policy?"

Here you go again with that vetted word.

I don't think it means what you think it means.

7/15/2009 9:10:18 AM

oooo a thread based completely on innuendo because the pussy who started it can't come up with a real argument

7/15/2009 9:26:08 AM

If these various departments actually fall under the legal responsibility of the president, then it doesn't matter what the office title is.

Since there is no constitutional basis for the gov't to prop up the economy with bail-outs and company take-overs...there is no justification for a "TARP" czar or a "Financial Stability" czar.

7/15/2009 11:35:59 AM

AYN RAND 1, AMERICA 0

7/15/2009 1:55:57 PM

^^^ Who, Democrat Robert Byrd, dumbass?

Quote :

"Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), who for decades has battled White House power and championed congressional clout, is questioning President Obama's appointment of 'czars' to oversee key policy areas, including energy and climate. 'The rapid and easy accumulation of power by White House staff can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances,' Byrd wrote in a letter to Obama. 'At the worst, White House staff have taken direction and control of programmatic areas that are the statutory responsibility of Senate-confirmed officials.'"

http://tinyurl.com/abkzlc

The problem here is that you intellectual midgets have no retort to the legitimate concern about czar proliferation other than fun pictures and hooksaw's a big dummyhead. It may make your widdle heads hurt, but try harder.

7/15/2009 4:22:33 PM

The reason is because nobody gives a shit about the few more cabinet advisors Obama has, and you havent provided a good reason to. A dusty old corpse making a slippery slope argument is hardly persuasive.

7/15/2009 6:22:24 PM

waaaah waaaahhh why won't you guys pay attention to me?????

7/15/2009 7:55:50 PM

Thanks to Robert Byrd I have highways to drive on. Thanks, Robert Byrd.

That's all I got. Call me when the constitution puts strict limits on advisers. Till then...

You've All Been Daltowned

7/15/2009 8:16:56 PM