Obama Extends National Emergency

Josh Gerstein at the Politico reports that, quite unsurprisingly, President Obama has extended for another year the state of national emergency that has existed since President Bush proclaimed it in September 2001. The official notice reads as follows:

NOTICE

- - - - - - -

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT

TO CERTAIN TERRORIST ATTACKS

Consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies

Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), I am continuing for 1 year the national

emergency previously declared on September 14, 2001, in

Proclamation 7463, with respect to the terrorist attacks of

September 11, 2001, and the continuing and immediate threat

of further attacks on the United States.

Because the terrorist threat continues, the national

emergency declared on September 14, 2001, and the powers and

authorities adopted to deal with that emergency must continue in

effect beyond September 14, 2010. Therefore, I am continuing in

effect for an additional year the national emergency that was

declared on September 14, 2001, with respect to the terrorist

threat.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and

transmitted to the Congress.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

September 10, 2010.

It's an interesting question to ponder: What would have to happen in order for a president of either party not to extend the national emergency generated by September 11? Are we in a permanent state of emergency at this point? And if so, how much does that bother us?