No. It’s not a conspiracy. It’s a nasty busniness plan, gang.

From the "Rant"...http://www.capitolhillblue.com/wp/2007/01/31/1950

Bush recently made more moves to consolidate power in the executive branch, signing an order that requires key government agencies to place his political appointees in positions to control policy on health, environmental issues, civil rights and privacy.

These political hacks, appointed without review or approval of Congress, can now "interpret" the laws as they - or their President - see fit without regulatory oversight or a requirement to report to anyone.

Even worse, my White House sources tell me that Bush is putting into place a carefully-crafted plan to extend his power and influence over government policy long after he leaves office on January 20, 2009.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, at Bush's direction, is advising cabinet secretaries to convert these political appointees to Senior Executive Service (SES) positions before Bush's second term ends, giving hand-picked policy makers absolute authority even after the President leaves office.

SES positions are protected by federal civil service, so the policy makers could not be replaced by an incoming President - Democrat or Republican — who follows Bush.