We’re Only a Little Bit at War

Saturday 21 May 2011 - Filed under Uncategorized

We’re only a little bit at war, therefore Obama doesn’t feel like Congressional authorization is needed.

In an effort to satisfy those arguing he needs to seek congressional authorization to continue US military activity in accordance with the War Powers Resolution, President Obama wrote a letter to congressional leaders this afternoon suggesting that the role is now so “limited” he does not need to seek congressional approval.

“Since April 4,” the president wrote, “U.S. participation has consisted of: (1) non-kinetic support to the NATO-led operation, including intelligence, logistical support, and search and rescue assistance; (2) aircraft that have assisted in the suppression and destruction of air defenses in support of the no-fly zone; and (3) since April 23, precision strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles against a limited set of clearly defined targets in support of the NATO-led coalition’s efforts.”

Of course it also ignores that Obama has claimed since the beginning that he didn’t need congressional approval for 60 days, and now that those 60 days have lapsed, he says he doesn’t need approval.

From the beginning of the U.S. military intervention in Libya, the Obama administration has cited the 1973 War Powers Act as the legal basis of its ability to conduct military activities for 60 days without first seeking a declaration of war from Congress. The military intervention started on March 19; Congress was notified on March 21. Those 60 days expire today.

How is he any different than Bush the Lesser?

2011-05-21  »  madlibertarianguy