Replies

Look I think a “defacto” state of war exists.
However with a formal declaration of war, in which words that say something like “On DATE a state of war exists between the United States of America and “Non-State Actors (e.g., Al-Qaida, Taliban, etc)” and “State Actors (thats nation states that give aid and comfort!)” and some words to the effect that allow us the right of “hot pursuit where we will add others to the “At War” list if opposed.
If we would have done that, the political landscape would have started out different and would be different now.
A formal declaration of war lays out the relationship between non-warring states & warring states as well as defining with clarity the legal obligations of the citizens of this country.
During the month after 9/11 there was considerable apprehension world wide as to how we would react. A formal declaration of war would have demonstrated utter seriousness of purpose. They apprehension that a ruthlessness of intent had finally been stirred in Americans would have put the world on notice. It wouldn't have been mere words, ‘You are either with us or against us’ . If would have given courage to anemic Europe & western-oriented Muslims (There are a few!). This resolution just demonstrated ho-hum business as usual. It allowed politics to creep in and look "reasonable" not "treasonable". Since the resolution was not a demonstration of strong resolve, our on confidence started eroding, this erosion put us in a frame of mind that Pentagon lawyers were more important in deciding what to then Pentagon warriors. Military, intelligence & diplomatic operations are conducted only after a a full legal scrub. The Bush had administration has constantly said the main difference between us and what the democrats say about the WOT is we understand that it is a war not a criminal/judicial action. Unfortunately due to the lack of a declaration of war, the Bush administration has talked a tougher game then have acted. The have prosecuted the effort sort of a half way between a war & calling in the cops. as an example look at the incredible lack of thinking, planning & resolve over the whole issue of detainees. Well I could go on, but I won't. These conclusions of mine didn't just occur in a vacuum. My career has been in defense issues & the defense industry, that has allowed me to attend seminars given by "so-called" experts in these issues. When I intellectually boil all I have heard down, the above are my conclusions. (Plus I can read the Constitution and know some US history!) Also the "resolution" defenders gave incredibly convoluted explanations as to why it was equivalent to a declaration of war.