Replies

Well, almost. You have missed my point ...

Difference:

Declaration of War ... Wilson and FDR asking Congress for a declaration of war. In each case, one negative vote, same person (a pacificist) each time.

War on Terrorism ... A metaphor much like "War on Drugs" or "War on Poverty" - of much lesser weight than the "true" declaration of war above.

For example, was the Korean War a war ... nope, it was a "police action" ... VietNam ... Bosnia ... , etc. None had a "true" [viz., Congressional vote] declaration of war authorizing spending America blood and treasure, and yet it was done.

So, my question is - Why "War Powers Act" (your Resolution) and not Declaration of War? Answer - it is like the Congressional Military Base Closure Committee - politics!

You've hit the nail on the head. Congress, especially the Senate, is filled with spineless sychophants who lack the courage to even stand up to their own staffers.

Well, almost. You have missed my point ... Difference: Declaration of War ... Wilson and FDR asking Congress for a declaration of war. In each case, one negative vote, same person (a pacificist) each time. War on Terrorism ... A metaphor much like "War on Drugs" or "War on Poverty" - of much lesser weight than the "true" declaration of war above. For example, was the Korean War a war ... nope, it was a "police action" ... VietNam ... Bosnia ... , etc. None had a "true" [viz., Congressional vote] declaration of war authorizing spending America blood and treasure, and yet it was done. So, my question is - Why "War Powers Act" (your Resolution) and not Declaration of War? Answer - it is like the Congressional Military Base Closure Committee - politics!

My post is right on point. You failed to at the very top of the resolution is the phrase "Iraq War Resolution. Congress acknowledges this is war and accoridngly gives President the same authority to use the military and fight the enemy just as Congress did with Presidents Wilson and President Roosevelt.

The war on terrorism is not merely a metaphor. There is a major difference between the first term and the latter two. Those criminals who deal with illegal drugs do not have the intent of destroying the United States. No one deliberately creates poverty to destroy the United States. The terrorists sole purpose is to destroy the United States. We were attacked on our own soil by an enemy who wants to destroy us and the result was the deaths of three thousand Americans. Fewer people died during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and no one questioned this was an act of War before President Roosevelt and Congress addressed it the next day.

You are splitting hairs. Your attitude jeopardizes this nation's security and is exactly how the terrorists hope all Americans will think because it make their goal much easier to achieve. Tell the loved ones of those three thousand Americans who died on 9/11/01 they are merely metaphors and not victims of war.

Well, almost. You have missed my point ...
Difference:
Declaration of War ... Wilson and FDR asking Congress for a declaration of war. In each case, one negative vote, same person (a pacificist) each time.
War on Terrorism ... A metaphor much like "War on Drugs" or "War on Poverty" - of much lesser weight than the "true" declaration of war above.
For example, was the Korean War a war ... nope, it was a "police action" ... VietNam ... Bosnia ... , etc. None had a "true" [viz., Congressional vote] declaration of war authorizing spending America blood and treasure, and yet it was done.

So, my question is - Why "War Powers Act" (your Resolution) and not Declaration of War? Answer - it is like the Congressional Military Base Closure Committee - politics!

Please go and find out what the "War Powers Act" really is before you continue your discussion on this thread. It is not what you think it is.

"I think it does not mean what you think it means." -- Princess Bride

It may serve to strengthen your arguments in the future. Thanks.