Nash, based on our previous discussions, I'll make the assumption you're not just soup-stirring because you're bored.
First of all, with the exception of Congress apparently (IMO) abdicating its Constitutional role of being the sole entity capable of declaring war, the Government is operating as the Framer's intended.
It is still a democracy, with our elected officials in place. Don't forget, according to the polls a slight majority favor this course of action. A small majority in a democracy is enough, isn't it? The rest of us don't necessarily have to like it, but that's the deal we all agreed to, isn't it? If the situation were reversed, the minority favoring war would be expected to live with it and not start a Revolution.
Now, unlike some forms of government, ours doesn't have the provision of a "vote of no confidence" and instant elections. (Don't forget that majority in favor; a vote of "no confidence" might well fail now if we had that system.) We have a schedule, voting for Presidents every 4 years, Senators every 6 and Representatives every 2. All arranged in a 2 year rotation so there's some "experienced" folks left around while new guys are added. And yes, that's what makes us different. Don't like the timetable? Too bad; it's a Constitutional thing.
The timing? Is it political? There's no doubt there's some politics in it. However, there's also no doubt that this is an issue that must be dealt with. If they had quit talking about it now until after the November elections would it make any difference? No, because those making the "political" accusation would then simply switch and say Bush was trying to influence the next Presidential/Congressional elections. Two years isn't all that long anymore in the campaigning world.
It has to be talked about sooner or later.
This is how I look at it.
1. There's no doubt the world would be a better place without Saddam trying to get hold of WMD. He's proven he'll use them.
2. There's a more than likely chance (again IMO) that he's in cahoots with folks like Al-Qaida that would cheerfully die to strike a WMD blow against the US.
****Pay attention, here's where Bush comes in*********
3. Our President has determined/decided that Hussein poses a real threat to the population of the US. Now I'm not arguing the right/wrong of that decision, just that he obviously made it.
Now that sort of thing falls squarely into his job description. That's why NSA, CIA, FBI, the military, etc., report to him about what's going on.
Now, also squarely within his job description, he's proposed his solution; replacing Hussein by using military force (war, to my way of thinking) with a new Iraqi government. I'm not arguing the right/wrong of that either; it's his decision to make.
*******Here's where Congress comes in********
4. Congress, in accordance with the Constitution, should be reviewing Bush's determination of the problem and his proposed solution. This falls squarely within THEIR job description and THEY AREN'T DOING THEIR JOB. And that ticks me off. They've ducked this one just like they've ducked every military action in the past. There's no need for an "instant reaction" here, thus no need for blanket "war powers" for the President. They've got time to debate, time to vote whether or not this country is going to war with Iraq.
Because spin or no spin, when you talk about using military force to replace the government of another sovereign nation, that's war.
And spin or no spin, the Constitution grants
Congress the power to declare war under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 .
Modern Commentators on the Constitution's War PowerI pretty much agree with those comments.
Now you want to blame Bush for all this war talk? Yeah, so? It's his JOB to determine the threat and
propose the reaction to the threat.
Gee, maybe if Hussein was in compliance with all the UN resolutions we wouldn't be bothering to talk about this? Oh, wait.. .no place for accountability/responsibility on THAT end is there?
Maybe if 9/11 hadn't been proven to be a terrorist attack on the US we wouldn't be bothering to talk about this? Oh, wait.. .no place for accountability/responsibility on THAT end is there?
After all, everyone knows those arrogant Yanks really deserved this right? Because they've tried to militarily conquer the known world right?
Sleep well tonight and reflect upon what a different world we'd have if the US actually had been like the Soviet Union, Imperial Japan, the Third Reich, the Habsburgs, Tsarist Russia, Napoleon, Spain, the Mongol Horde, Darius' Persians, the Moors or the Vikings.
Instead of soldiers, we usually send food.
Go figure.
