[Texasforever]

There would be no doubt, no uncertainty, on the part of anyone whether we were at war or not. Yes, we are at war, I know. But as we all know, a helluva lot of people, mostly brain dead liberals, don't know, or pretend not to know. A Delcaration would leave no doubt.

I don't pretend why there have only been 4 "declared wars" in this nation's history I only have intuitive opinions since no one in Congress or the administration has stated their reasons. I will take a shot and give you a few of my opinions:

In the 4 wars that were formally declared we were at war with not only the nation's governments but the people of those nations that provided the governments with popular support.

If we formally declared war would the members of the coalition be required to do the same? I don't have the answer to that.

A formal declaration of war would place certain international treaties in play that may hinder the tactics that we must use in this situation.

Like I said, I can only rely on intuitive reasoning at this point.

[Jay W]

Two "by the ways":

First, your history research on this is excellent and to be commended.

Second, didn't William Shatner star in a short-lived TV series about the Barbary Pirates?.... Or am I thinking of some other short-lived show in the 70s? ;-)