In Libya War, Obama Shows Disdain for War Powers Act

In Libya War, Obama Shows Disdain for War Powers Act
By Matthew Rothschild
Editor of The Progressive
May 21, 2011

Under the War Powers Act, the President has 60 days to get authorization from Congress for any military involvement, and if he fails to get that authorization, he must end the involvement within 30 days.

On Friday, President Obama belatedly and haughtily sent a letter to Congress seeking authorization. That letter said: "It has always been my view that it is better to take military action, even in limited actions such as this, with congressional engagement, consultation and support. Congressional action in support of the mission would underline the U.S. commitment to this remarkable international effort."

Note the phrase “it is better.” Obama acts as though getting approval from Congress is a mere option, not the law or the Constitution that he is obliged to follow.

If John McCain had been elected president in 2008 and had proceeded this way, Democrats would be up in arms, and progressives would be in the streets by the tens of thousands.

Read the full article at:

http://www.progressive.org/wx052111.html

Sid

USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

From the title ("disdain"?) to the (il)logic that follows.

See, you clearly don't understand. So, here's the counterargument: It's Obama. You'd rather have President McCain. Obama never specifically promised to follow the law. You're naive. You don't get realpolitik (but I do, because I spelled it was one word with a "k"). This situation is far too complicated and important to bother with quaint old documents. If the president does it, that means it's not illegal.

Whoops, how did that last one get in there? Well, you know what I mean.