[William Terrell]

I we don't do things by the book, we may find we no longer have a book. Precedent is everything in any area related to law. And it's a fact that bad precedent is always established in a state of emotion.

[Vineyard]

What book covers every precedent! A retalitory nuclear-strike isn't covered by the Constitution . . . and extremists would require the President to convene a joint session of Congress (like FDR - Dec. 08, 1941) - and ask for a declaration of war BEFORE releasing the U.S. nuclear weapons in retaliation.

Don't be so tied up that you miss the forest for the trees.

Congress PASSED two resolutions ... and the first in 1998 authorized the President to procede - even unilaterally - with a regime change in Iraq. The second resolution was more emphatic about taking all necessary action against terrorists and states that support terrorism - after the 9-11 attacks.

The "letter" of the process might not have been followed - by strict constructionist ... but the intent has been more than satisfied. Further requirements benefit the enemy!! (but most of the "peace-niks" would rather Saddam be helped than worry about success in the war on terrorism - and would rather have Saddam stay in power killing hundreds of thousands while whining that U.S. action might kill hundreds OR thousands.)

Mike