Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution states: No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States[.] But when George Washington was elected, lawmakers debated what to call him.
Believe it or not, “His Highness,” “His Elective Majesty,” and “His Excellency—Protector of their Liberties” were all serious considerations. Thankfully, Washington ended the debate when he declared that pretentious European titles were ill suited for the “genius of the people” and the “nature of our government.” Good move, Mr. President.
But our government still loves titles.
The last two administrations have made extensive use of the word “czar” to describe unelected political appointees tasked with leading crusades against illegal drugs, AIDS, federal budget deficits, climate change, unsafe products, automobile company bankruptcies and the like. It bothered no one that “czars,” in history, were capricious absolute monarchs who presided over a system of government that cared little for human dignity, entrepreneurship, individualism or economic advancement. Which, come to think of it with regard to those administrations, might not be far off the mark.
But with “czar” having lost its luster, the current administration has turned to another title – “laureate.”
On Sept.10, the House Republican Leadership placed legislation on the afternoon suspension calendar –which is reserved for non-controversial bills – that would have created the position of Science Laureate, an honorary post to which the president could appoint up to three scientists each year.
Sounds innocuous, right?
