Why Can't I be You?

Gordon Brown, Britain's new PM, proposed a list yesterday to limit the power of the PM. He said that by doing so he is giving the people a greater voice in democracy.

THE new Prime Minister has promised to surrender or reduce his powers of patronage in the following areas:

• Declaring war: MPs will vote on going to war, except in "exceptional circumstances" when revealing a strike in advance would endanger troops.

• MPs will be able to vote on the dissolution and recall of parliament.

• Last year, frustrated MPs were denied the chance to discuss the Lebanon crisis.

• The power to ratify international treaties without decision by parliament.

• Making key public appointments without scrutiny. MPs will, from now on, hold hearings.

• Choosing bishops for the Church of England.

• Appointment of judges.

• Directing prosecutors in individual criminal cases.

• Power over the civil service.

• Executive powers to determine the rules governing entitlement to passports.

• The granting of pardons.

Can you say refreshing? Can we hope that the our next president will do the same?