[bill1952]

The president does not need congress to authorize any military action whatsoever.

He is the commander in Chief and nothing in the constiution or in law procribes differently. Period.

As far as letting such states enjoy the benefits of free trade to arm themselves to the teeth, well..

[Carry_Okie]

He is the commander in Chief and nothing in the constiution or in law procribes differently. Period.

That's a pretty twisted reading of the Constitution. The President has the responsibility to conduct wars that Congress authorizes and not otherwise per Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 & 11:

Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

Congress has the exclusive power to authorize war. The President runs the show once it is authorized. Period.

[bitt]

see #22