So, I have been thinking about the constitutional power to declare war granted to Congress. It seems that not since WWII has congress ever declared war, yet we have engaged in many "wars" under the guise of police actions or some other bogus name.
I recall when Bush senior decided to invade for Desert Storm, Congress and the media were up in arms about it. There was much debate on whther the executive had the power to just go and attack another nation without congress' consent. I think the executive used the fact that since Iraq had violated the soveriegnty of Kuwait, we were obligated to help, or some crap like that. But now, the Jr. Bush wants to invade Iraq unprovoked, and I have not heard much at all about the executive overstepping its authority, usurping congress' power, etc. I haven't heard it from Congress nor the media.
What gives?
Maybe it has something to do with the new dictitorial laws our government is enacting, such as Due process suffering with the military holding Americans without a trial or access to a lawyer. Privacy and freedom of speech suffering thanks to the Patriot Act and Homelands Security Act.
I guess I would be hesitant to speak out when his spokesman is saying things like this...
"There are reminders to all Americans that they need to watch what they say, watch what they do, and this is not a time for remarks like that; there never is." - Ari Fleicher in response to Bill
Maher who called U.S. military strikes on faraway targets "cowardly"
Just seems like we have allowed the creation of a dicatorship. :angry:
What do you all think?
I recall when Bush senior decided to invade for Desert Storm, Congress and the media were up in arms about it. There was much debate on whther the executive had the power to just go and attack another nation without congress' consent. I think the executive used the fact that since Iraq had violated the soveriegnty of Kuwait, we were obligated to help, or some crap like that. But now, the Jr. Bush wants to invade Iraq unprovoked, and I have not heard much at all about the executive overstepping its authority, usurping congress' power, etc. I haven't heard it from Congress nor the media.
What gives?
Maybe it has something to do with the new dictitorial laws our government is enacting, such as Due process suffering with the military holding Americans without a trial or access to a lawyer. Privacy and freedom of speech suffering thanks to the Patriot Act and Homelands Security Act.
I guess I would be hesitant to speak out when his spokesman is saying things like this...
"There are reminders to all Americans that they need to watch what they say, watch what they do, and this is not a time for remarks like that; there never is." - Ari Fleicher in response to Bill
Maher who called U.S. military strikes on faraway targets "cowardly"
Just seems like we have allowed the creation of a dicatorship. :angry:
What do you all think?