Nine liberal Democrats have found something they agree with Republicans on: President Barack Obama’s authorization of military strikes on Libya without congressional consent is unconstitutional.
Those Democrats join GOP critics, including Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and tea party favorite Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. And Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio even suggested that Obama’s action could be an “impeachable offense.”
Sen. Paul points out that Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution says “Congress shall have power to declare war.”
“It is alarming how casually the administration talks about initiating acts of war, as though Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution does not exist,” the freshman senator says in a statement on his congressional website.
“Frankly, it is not up to the president whether or not we intervene in Libya, or set up ‘no-fly’ zones, or send troops. At least, it is not if we follow the Constitution.”
Obama has no authority to launch military attacks under the War Powers Resolution, Paul argues, because the United States has not been attacked.
“This is not our fight,” he adds. “If the administration wants to make it our fight, let them make their case before Congress and put it to a vote. I would strongly oppose such a measure, but that is the proper way to proceed.”
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland, a senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, echoes Paul’s view. “The United States does not have a King's army," he said in a statement Monday. "President Obama's unilateral choice to use U.S. military force in Libya is an affront to our Constitution."
Read more
Those Democrats join GOP critics, including Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and tea party favorite Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. And Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio even suggested that Obama’s action could be an “impeachable offense.”
Sen. Paul points out that Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution says “Congress shall have power to declare war.”
“It is alarming how casually the administration talks about initiating acts of war, as though Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution does not exist,” the freshman senator says in a statement on his congressional website.
“Frankly, it is not up to the president whether or not we intervene in Libya, or set up ‘no-fly’ zones, or send troops. At least, it is not if we follow the Constitution.”
Obama has no authority to launch military attacks under the War Powers Resolution, Paul argues, because the United States has not been attacked.
“This is not our fight,” he adds. “If the administration wants to make it our fight, let them make their case before Congress and put it to a vote. I would strongly oppose such a measure, but that is the proper way to proceed.”
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland, a senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, echoes Paul’s view. “The United States does not have a King's army," he said in a statement Monday. "President Obama's unilateral choice to use U.S. military force in Libya is an affront to our Constitution."
Read more
Barry's real bosses told him what to say and do. He does exactly as he is told - just as did Dubya' and Slick Willie.
ReplyDeleteRemember, they do not work for us. Neither do the Congress. The Congress is pretending that they are unhappy about Barry's actions, when in reality they all work for the same bosses.
Well now , let me see , he was elected and wasn't a citizen , he is a muslim and doesn't recognize our flag , he is friends with all of our enemies , he supports the black panthers , and we have done nothing. What makes you think this will get him impeached.
ReplyDeleteAmen to 6:49 PM statement. Haven't we learned yet - Barry can do what he wants to do and when he wants to do it, period.
ReplyDeleteObviously no one has the guts to do the right thing and start the impeachment proceedings. If they are not going to do it they may as well not talk about it, it only makes them look like they are afraid of doing the job that they were elected to do.
ReplyDeleteHow is this any different than George W Bush ordering military action in Iraq, or Bill Clinton ordering military action in Serbia or Somalia? Or Reagan sending the military into Central America?
ReplyDeleteThey notified congress first, idiot 9:34.
ReplyDeletewhoa! this article is totally incorrect - at least the quote in it is incorrect. i would love to see obama impeached for anything, even a lie! however, as the head of the military (hence the title commander in chief), he can do whatever he deems needed with the armed forces.
ReplyDeleteit is true that congress is the only entity that can DECLARE war. but the president can take military action.
I will take it anyway we can get it. Got my fingers crossed with hope for change.
ReplyDelete