[exodus]

To: SkyRat
# To: exodus
In what way is Bush a dictator? I'm no Bush-bot, but I'd really like to know what he's done to deserve that epithet.
# 107 by paulklenk

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A President who can declare war without Congressional involvement, and over Congressional objections, is a dictator.

Read this article from today's New York Times. --
Bush Promises to Seek Congressional Approval on Iraq

I'll summarize the article.

Earlier today, President Bush met with Congressional leaders to explain why he wanted to attack Saddam Hussein, and to tell them that he wouldn't attack Iraq without "seeking" their approval first.

However, he wouldn't say if he would abide by their opinion. Bush said, "One of the things, I made it very clear to the members here, is that doing nothing about that serious threat is not an option for the United States."

In other words, Bush, as President, would decide if the United States goes to war or not. If Congress wants to, they can support his decision. If Congress doesn't support his decision, too bad.

When a reporter asked Bush if Congress had the authority to "veto" an attack against Iraq, Bush changed the subject.

[justshe]

GWB does NOT need to get a new authorization. The following is STILL in effect. I think it is politically expedient however...for him to involve Congress.
__________________________________________________________________________

The War Powers Resolution states that the President's powers as Commander-in-Chief to introduce U.S. forces into hostilities or imminent hostilities are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war; (2) specific statutory authorization; or (3) a national emergency created by an attack on the United States or its forces.

It requires the President in every possible instance to consult with Congress before introducing American armed forces into hostilities or imminent hostilities unless there has been a declaration of war or other specific congressional authorization.


One Hundred Seventh Congress
of the

United States of America

AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,

the third day of January, two thousand and one

Joint Resolution

To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States.

Whereas, on September 11, 2001, acts of treacherous violence were committed against the United States and its citizens; and

Whereas, such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad; and

Whereas, in light of the threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by these grave acts of violence; and

Whereas, such acts continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States; and

Whereas, the President has authority under the Constitution to take action to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This joint resolution may be cited as the `Authorization for Use of Military Force'.

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.

(a) IN GENERAL- That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons.

(b) War Powers Resolution Requirements-

(1) SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION- Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution, the Congress declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution.

(2) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER REQUIREMENTS- Nothing in this resolution supercedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Vice President of the United States and

President of the Senate