tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post7469391483207268531..comments2023-10-23T14:15:29.331-07:00Comments on Shallow Cogitations: God Is On Your SideHank Greerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15243840232233423724noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980421295592818922.post-44067985673492806842012-09-12T07:08:14.159-07:002012-09-12T07:08:14.159-07:00There are definite parallels between fundamentalis...There are definite parallels between fundamentalists, Muslim and Christian.<br /><br />But, today I think we should also think about America's secular Constitution, our own fundamental law.<br /><br />The Constitution gives the power to declare war to the Congress, and the President executes the war. The Congressional War Power was meant as a way for representatives of the American people to debate the national interest of wars, and also has served to rally the public to support wars.<br /><br />President Obama went to war in Libya without the consent, or even debate, within Congress. Congress, while not granting the President a declaration of war, also did little to condemn him for usurping their power. Politically, Obama took advantage of the people's low opinion of the current Congress to violate the fundamental law of our own country. <br /> <br />We are now looking at potential wars with both Syria (another civil war) and Iran (a potentially nuclear power; Israel certainly is and will likely fight). There may be good reasons for wars against (or within) either Syria or Iran, as there were good reasons for war against Libya's Gaddhafi.<br /><br />But war is a messy thing, with unintended consequences. Might the Constitution, fundamentalist though it may be, perhaps be wise in calling for a wider debate before committing to war? Or is this President correct in declaring himself the wisest of all, and correct in grabbing the war power for himself and his successors?<br /><br />On 9/11/12, events placed two events before the US people that ask whether we still believe in fundamental American law. <br /><br />Should the President have the power to declare war, as he did in Libya?<br /><br />Should the President have the unlimited power to indefinitely detain, assassinate, torture, and indemnify torture, as his actions at home, at Gitmo-limbo, and abroad suggest?<br /><br />Our fundamental law says he should not.James Madisonnoreply@blogger.com