Good article by Krauthammer on how we may be due to updating the constitutional concept of "declaring war." I could get on board with a push like this. Its time we start holding both the president and congress equally responsible for ANY military actions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/w...story.html
The term "declare war" is almost without meaning, given how many times we've engaged in armed-conflict since the last time we actually did so.
The United States Gov't has only declared war 11 times. (I think.) War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II. Germany, Britain, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, Japan, Austro-Hungary, Mexico, Hungary, Spain.
Good article and good proposal.
Prime example of why we need clarification:
Quote:The House refused to vote President Obama the authority for U.S. military operations against Libya on Friday but stopped short of cutting off funds for the mission, a mixed message reminiscent of congressional unease on Vietnam and more recent wars.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/06/ap...le-062411/
Enough with the BS double talk! I voted to stop the operations, but I refuse to cut off funding? bull****! Pick one and stand behind it! I'd have more respect for a politician that would do that than any fence sitter out there.
Make it simple....Unless we are directly attacked or a direct imminent threat can be shown(in an emergency joint session of Congress, which could be done electronically if necessary)...Congress must formally declare a state of war. Otherwise...We stand down. This nation must be committed before it sends its men and women into harms way. What we have had over the last decade is a sham and travesty. I weep for the families that have lost their loved ones in this useless endeavor.
I'm against the next war already