Petitioning the White House . . .

You are correct! Very good points.

 

Not necessarily. A person can be fully aware of how laws are made and still petition the Whitehouse (regardless of who is in it). Obama is a public servant and an elected representative as much as Congress is and therefore, should be available to the public.

Person A has a grievance. He writes and calls his senators and representatives regarding the issue. He also has, within our political system, a process that allows him to contact the president. He chooses to do use it. Since the courts are not really charged with making policy but determining the legitimacy of the policies/laws Person A does not contact that branch just yet, but reserves the right to make his case later if need be. Meanwhile back at the ranch Person A recognizes that the president and congress both play important roles in making laws and setting policy. Therefore it is acceptable, and not ignorant, to approach them in a manner in keeping with the laws and policies in place in our political system.


Now, that does not mean that people aren't ignorant when they use the system we have according to their rights as citizens. People contact these public servants all the time in order to get them to address things that range from silly to outrageous. They can also be legitimate.

It also does not mean we should expect petitions (regardless who they are sent to) are going to be effective.






I agree that it could just result in Obama growing a bigger ego, but I am not sure that's possible at this point.

 

Hopefully the White House will put it all on ignore.

 

After doing an online search it appears that the White House does indeed recieve a lot of petitions. Aaron's 2nd point at this moment in time is the one that is particularly relevant, IMO.

 

The signature goals on those is supposed to help limit the number that actually reach the president. He should at least read and respond to the ones that reach the limits. He does not have to agree with them or respond favorably but he must honor the system and the participants.