No reasonable person questions Bush's power to defend the United States.
But what I question is how to limit the destructive power of our Congress "having it both ways"-criticizing Bush for action, criticizing him for inaction, blaming our officers for losses, blaming them for lack of aggressiveness, etc, etc.
That's what's different about a Declaration of War.
I don't contend it is necessary-I contend that it's Congress's DUTY, given that history has given us war, to allow our leaders and our soldiers, sailors and marines to operate with the full power of the nation behind them.
And if you think that a joint resolution which can be disvowed by individual members is the best manifestation of the full power of the nation, I think you're wrong.
Joint resolutions are passed by members of Congress. War is declared by the People of the United States.