When Representative Lewis (Lord, I love saying that) is right, he’s right.
And on the bombings in Syria – he’s right:
Whether Kosovo, Libya or now Syria, for far too long Presidents of both parties have acted unilaterally (perhaps for the best of intentions) in taking military action without congressional approval. Outdated authorizations (AUMFs) are no substitute for the clear Constitution requirement that Congress must, at the least, be consulted barring imminent danger to the homeland. Indeed, it is Congress who has the authority and responsibility to debate and vote on what we want to provide any administration in such affairs. Matters of war and peace are too important for politics.
When President Obama bombed Libya, Republicans were rightly outraged. Roscoe Bartlett, serving on the Armed Services Committee, even called the decision an ‘affront to our Constitution.’ That was true then as it is today—especially when so many of the facts and circumstances on the ground have yet to be investigated. The sad truth is America cannot prevent or remedy every tragedy around the world. Nor can we expend our precious blood and treasure unless it is in direct interest of national security.
Finally, let me add that it remains more than a bit troubling that so many who call for intervention seeking to protect the borders of foreign nations seem so cavalier about our own.
I think the Syria bombing may well be Trump’s first serious foreign-policy misstep, and possible his first demonstrable breach of the law.
in theory there is no difference between theory and practice, in practice…
yes of course if ours were a republic governed by a cohort of nascent philosopher-kings the correct thing to do would be to bring it to Congress.
In our current state to bring it before Congress would mean;
a) long delays in scheduling debates and votes while
b) every ambitious thug in Congress and on K Street used “the issue” as a fund raiser resulting weeks later ,
c) in a failed resolution that squeaked through the House with a 4 vote margin and failed in the Senate because McCain, Murkowski, Collins Never-Trumpers, et al voted against it while
d) Trump is publicly excoriated for doing nothing in the face of an ongoing war/crime against humanity.
Bringing the issue to Congress assures a deep state victory in 2018 and 2020
Excellent point, Congress didn’t move on Obama’s request. Aside from a few hours of missile strikes, Trump and Obama Syria policy is close to identical.
Excellent point, Congress didn’t move on Obama’s request. Aside from a few hours of missile strikes, Trump and Obama Syria policy is close to identical.