[Iwo Jima]

"Congress met seldom in those days and it took a long time to travel."

I think that you have just made a very significant point. One can readily accept the fact that in colonial times the ability of Congress to meet was limited and so the President naturally must have the power to act upon the exigencies of the moment to protect the country. But how in heaven's name can anyone accept Congress actually meeting and passing "resolutions" as a substitute for a delaration of war? I simply cannot accept this mode of operation in today's environment of "instant messaging."

[mrsmith]

"how in heaven's name can anyone accept Congress actually meeting and passing "resolutions" as a substitute for a delaration of war?"

I think you stated it best yourself: "Declaring war is a complex question".

Besides declaring war, congress also has the ability to enact specific legislation for the conduct of the tribunals for the terrorists- that's what irritates me so about their criticism of Bush, they could enact law (do their job) instead of criticizing Bush for using the general guidelines in the UCMJ! But that would be doing something constructive!

(I suspect you'll have some debate on Bush's acting under the UCMJ- but let's save it for another thread.

I been shopping and it wears me to a frazzle :-)