"the Barbary Pirates and our DECLARED war on same? "
Are you referring to Jefferson's attacks on them without congressional authorization...
Jefferson's attacks on them with congressional authorization but without a general declaration of war...
Or Madison's attacks on them after a general declaration of war by congress?
If you don't know what you're talking about it's best to take that into account BEFORE you post.
There are several books on history that will help you with your lack of knowledge of the Founders and the Constitution.
I have simply chosen to ignore the fact that you are more obtuse than I originally thought. I am quite well versed in this period of history and only inquired what you thought of it. I simply don't have the time to write a proverbial book for you right now. The point Iwas making, had you bothered to ask, was that the Constitution gives time specific limitions on any 'war' powers assigned to the POTUS. GWB is attempting to take advantage of loop-holes 'discovered' by white house council that go back to the old dems theory about a 'living' document.