At the beginning of World War Two, US President Roosevelt wanted to enter the war on the side of Great Britain and France, but could not, until Japan attacked us, and Germany declared war on us. Why not? Because Congress refused to declare war until that had happened.
Last Friday, the United States participated in an act of war against Syria, a sovereign nation that had not attacked us or declared war against us, without the consent of Congress. This was not a defensive move, but an act of outright aggression.
I personally believe Syria richly deserved what they got. But that is not the issue. Article I of the U.S. Constitution specifically grants the power to make war ONLY TO THE CONGRESS. Period. Congress has authorized the president to act on his own, when defense requires a response too quick for Congressional debate. But that was not the case this time. We committed an illegal act of war.
In the past, presidents have also acted without Congressional approval when authorized by the United Nations, or when an enemy was plainly preparing to attack. This time none of the above applied. We were not in danger, and nobody authorized the attack. Except President Trump. This was a naked power grab by a Chief Executive who set aside the Constitution because it was inconvenient. And he did it at the risk of provoking war with Russia.
Our Founding Fathers recognized that the biggest danger to our freedom would come from one our own leaders becoming a tyrant. That is why we have separation of powers, and checks and balances. The only difference between what President Trump did last Friday, and outright tyranny, is location. He hasn't done it here. Yet. If he can get away with illegal attacks on a foreign country with no authorization at all, what can stop him from attacking his political enemies at home?
Only the Congress. If they don't protest this outright assault on their Constitutional powers, they have forfeited their right to serve. At that point, the people must act to preserve democracy. If we do not, democracy is dead. We have a chance to act this November. Send No One Back.
