I’ve always wondered...what does it look like inside a pile of sand?
The world is dangerous and small. You can’t hide, you can’t put up a defense that only tries to stop attacks. You have to take it to the enemy and there is nothing unconstitutional about doing so.
I’d have more sympathy for Paul’s beliefs when it comes to foreign policy if he wasn’t one of those “declaration” purist.
When you tell me that the president doesn’t have the authority to use military force because Congress didn’t specifically write down “declare” then you are parsing. That’s the same silly trick liberals use to try and justify anti-gun laws by holding up the second amendment with the “in order to maintain a milita” words.
Thomas Jefferson sent the Marines to Tripoli. I bet Ron Paul has a problem with that.
While i disagree with your over all summation, your example is a classic case of the congress authorizing military force instead of declaring war.
There are some debatable differences of course. The barbary pirates had 300 american marines held hostage, so it was a rescue mission as opposed to an invasion per se.
A neat quote.
Thomas Jefferson argued that conceding the ransom would only encourage more attacks (”Millions For Defense, Not One Cent For Tribute”).
That falls well in line with my beliefs.