In the past 50-60 years we become far too accustomed to Presidents side stepping the Constitution in order to wage war (or engage in war-like activities, if you want to exercise a bit of wiggle room). Even when in instances where there is no formal declaration that a state of war exits, the Congress has a constitutional role / duty to play in this - and it should called upon to do so.

And yes . . . I know. This is the Do-nothingest Congress in recent memory, but maybe the time has come for this Congress to step up to the plate and earn its keep. If we are to attack Syria, let us do so after Congress in solemn session has so resolved.

"The Authority to 'Declare War': A Power Barack Obama Does Not Have"
--Garrett Epps
THE ATLANTIC
Aug 30 2013
http://www.theatlantic.co...ve/279212/

Although it makes him look like a wimp after a month of sabre-rattling, I agree with the President's decision to ask Congress. We have no compelling interest in going to war with Syria. While the use of chemical weapons is terrible, we are not the world's policeman. That is the job of the UN, and if Russia vetoes action, so be it.

Let the do-nothing Congress show they can grow a pair. I would not hold my breath with those jokers.

Doesn't the world court exist any more? Of course if we (the USA )have flouted internal law with torture and other abuses and preemptively started wars in the past, we will find it difficult to make our case of, saving innocent lives, for striking Syria. for "humanitarian reasons.
Currently we have three war criminals who have enjoyed freedom here and can only go abroad at the risk of being arrested ( Bush, Cheney and Kissinger) for war crimes.

It is funny to see Obama running around begging for people to join him in a war.
If he is going to invade every nation that uses chemical weapons on their enemies, start with the home front and our allies.

We used depleted uranium all over Iraq, and Israel used white phosphorus on the Palestinians in 2008 and 2009.
I think it is also hilarious that Obama had to tell the black caucus that they need to shut up and support this war. What's next, will Obama turn on Nation of Islam and Louis Farrakhan? Will he then come out of the closet and admit he is a Muslim brotherhood extremist loyalist?

Maybe then his loyal liberal followers will see the light, and come back to the moderate right leaders such as Rand Paul. Or more likely they will put on the veils and cover their bodies so as not to be stoned to death for disgracing their perfect leader, at least this way they don't have to admit being completely incompetent when it comes to being a character judge.

THIS THUG IS A BLACK NATIONALIST MUSLIM!!!!!!

Maybe then his loyal liberal followers will see the light, and come back to the moderate right leaders such as Rand Paul.

Thanks, coffeedrunk, that was the best laugh I had all day.

It's always interesting to see the different takes people have on issues like this.

What Makes America So Prone to Intervention?
--Noah Berlatsky
THE ATLANTIC
September 5, 2013
http://www.theatlantic.co...picks=true

The clown-show that is the POTUS is screwing around with the possibility of starting WW III over his bruised ego. That should scare the s**t out of you. The probability of dragging Israel, Turkey, Iran and possibly the Russians into this mess is high and the Mullahs in Tehran are holding all the cards. Certainly it's not Obama, if he chooses to go forward. The fool is just narcissistic enough to step into the abyss. Maybe Obama can ignore the Israelis when they start bombing, but if the Turk's get involved, then NATO is involved. What direction does that take?

Lobbing a few Cruise missiles could be Sarajevo all over again.

The direction you would want if you weren't a racist?

That's all you ever have, isn't it Buck. Sucks to be you.

the possibility of starting WW III

Uhmmm.... sure.

Whatever you say, my douchy friend. Obama is everything you want in the wrong wrapper. I'd find life much suckier if I were the type who couldn't change my views even when presented with mountains of evidence contrary to my racist, dickhole beliefs. Tell me again how you protested when GW went to war in the Middle East and how you've protested the Keystone pipeline and the continued growth in the stock markets. I guess you'd have to know what a principle is before you could have any.

[This message has been edited by Buck Showalter (9/6/2013)]

Oddjob's good friend Grandmaster Flash would have shot you dead if you'd disrespeted someone in the hood like that Buck.

Yeah, I'm sure he and Scarface would appreciate my "Trayvon deserved it" shirt, too.

They're racist Buck, they all are. You can tell they are because they're white and breathing. F--k--g Nazi, the whole lot of them.

"I guess you'd have to know what a principle is before you could have any."

Jaw-dropping.

Like I need a lecture on principle from the Borg........

Especially one whose only "principle" is calling everybody who disagrees with his master, a racist.

It appears wadjob and punchdrunk are getting it on in Utah.

Oh God. They're here? I'd look for them but it'd be a needle in a haystack situation.

Obama welcomes Russian proposal for Syria to hand over chemical weapons
--Dan Roberts and Julian Borger
THE GUARDIAN
September 9, 2013
http://www.theguardian.co...picks=true

Obama: Strike 'absolutely' on hold if Syria abandons weapons
ALJAZEERA AMERICA
September 9, 2013
http://america.aljazeera....apons.html