Are we at war?

[KansDem]

I just saw the exchange between Bush and Harry Taylor. Bush steadfastly declared we are at war, so that's why he can wiretap Americans without court warrants. But there was never a declaration of war by the US Congress, the only entity in our government that can do that. Are the Bushistas claiming the "Congressional Resolution Authorizing Force Against Iraq" is tantamount to a "Declaration of War?" Are the two really one and the same?

If we really are at war, then doesn't this make the revelation that the President authorized Libby to leak Plame's name even more egregious? After all, treason during a "time of war..."

I'm so confused! :crazy:

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Nope. And Chimpy ain't no 'war president' either.

[Solly Mack]

3. he is a war crime president however

[derby378]

2. It's what you might call an "undeclared war"

But there has been no formal declaration of war. I don't think any of the soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan are eligible to join a VFW post unless someone changed the rules.

[acmejack]

8. Neither was there for Korea or Vietnam, fwiw!

And you can definitely join the VFW if you so desire. I think what they want to let you play is an Expeditionary Medal.

[endarkenment]

4. No. War is a constitutional procedure.

A state of war requires a formal Declaration of War by Congress. Nothing else will do. An authorization of force is not a Declaration of War.

[KansDem]

6. So Bush lied to Mr. Taylor?

Not that that's anything new, but one hopes the Corporate Media picks up on this error in Bush's "judgment" and reports on it. Mainstream America may finally begin to understand that Bush's wiretapping is really unconstitutional.

One hopes...

[endarkenment]

7. I wouldn't hold my breath.

The chance of the vilemedia, heavily invested in the phony-baloney warnterra, suddenly discovering that technically it isn't a war at all is pretty close to zero.

[Faygo Kid]

5. Be very frightened. You ask good questions. Even with a declaration. . .

. . .of war there is nothing in the Constitution to provide for "automatic" monitoring of citizens. They have plans for us. Great joy today about Bush getting caught with his hand in the Patrick Fitzgerald cookie jar. I think it pushes us ever more quickly to martial law. So long as the mainstream media goes along quiescently with them, they will not unleash their power and plans. If they ever question Bush like Nixon was questioned, Bush will end the discussion.

[KAZ]

9. I understand what you're saying....

... but Bush will be ended before he has the chance to end the discussion. He now has many enemies within. Either way, your "be frightened" comments still holds.

[enid602]

10. declared war

If we declared war, all defense contracts would have been subj to bids and congressional review. No, a declared war simply wouldn't do.