[Cold Heat]

I don't know what the problem with war declaration and congress is. I only know that in this case the words of congress were much more specific and supportive than we ever got from them during Nam. They almost went all the way this time but stopped just short. I believe it is because of the fact that the Taliban did not actually commit the attack but made it possible.

I am comfortable with the decision. I'm sad that innocent Afgans have and may still pay the price. I for one, do not know what else we could have done short of doing nothing to prevent the deaths. This is the unfortunate and shamefull part of war and we will forever carry this burdon of guilt.

[Torie]

Of course Bush could have obtained a declaration of war against the Taliban in a heartbeat. I read somewhere that Bush wanted to avoid a declaration of war to avoid activating the act of war exclusion clause from insurance policies. Maybe, maybe not. I suspect another reason was that Bush wanted to be able to move against terrorists elsewhere as and when the opportunity presented itself, and it appeared prudent to do so. A declaration of war against just Afghanistan might have hemmed him in. And a declaration of war against something other than a nation, such as Al Quida (sp), I don't think would really be appropriate. I think the constitutional clause is oriented towards governmental entities.