Another Bi-Partison Report?
Private, Bipartisan Commission Will Examine War Powers
Former Secretaries of State James A. Baker, III and Warren Christopher will lead a National War Powers Commission -- a private, bipartisan panel organized by the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs.
The Commission will examine how the Constitution allocates the powers of beginning, conducting, and ending war, the University of Virginia said in a press release.
"Few matters are more important to our nation than how we make decisions of war and peace," said former Virginia Governor Gerald Baliles, director of the Miller Center. "But war powers questions have bedeviled a host of Presidents, members of Congress, and judges for more than two hundred years.
"With its wide-ranging experience, this Commission is uniquely qualified to attempt to provide insights into how best to resolve these difficult questions."
The study group includes Slade Gorton, former U.S. senator from Washington; Lee Hamilton, former Member of Congress from Indiana; Carla Hills, former U.S. Trade Representative; John Marsh, Jr., former Secretary of the Army; Edwin Meese, III, former U.S. Attorney General; Abner Mikva, former chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; J. Paul Reason, former commander-in-chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Advisor; Anne-Marie Slaughter, dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University; and Strobe Talbott, president of the Brookings Institution.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin will serve as the Commission's historical advisor.
The panel is expected to hold its first meeting April 3-4.
James Baker most recently co-chaired the Iraq Study Group along with Lee Hamilton, his fellow "war powers" panelist. Both men have experience in making policy recommendations to sitting presidents.
The University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs describes itself as a "national meeting place where engaged citizens, scholars, students, media representatives and government officials gather in a spirit of nonpartisan consensus to research, reflect and report on issues of national importance to the governance of the United States, with special attention to the central role and history of the presidency."
The Miller Center says it has convened nine national commissions during the past quarter century, including the Commission on Federal Election Reform in 2001, co-chaired by Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
The bipartisan Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which Congress passed in 2002, drew heavily on the Carter-Ford commission's work.
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Isnt this getting a bit rediculous? Is the Constitution not good enough for these people? I have HAD IT with all these stupid reports!! And Non Binding Resolutions that mean NOTHING!! Cant we just move on with getting the bad guys without our arms tied behind our backs? Cant you leave the President of the Untied States, The Commander of the Armed Forces, The Commander-In-Chief alone? Cant we just get the bad guys and shut up about any more resolutions and examining what war powers the President has? The Constitution states quite clearly what authority the President has. Are they going to fiddle with the Constitution now? While we are at war? What the hell is wrong with these people?
Former Secretaries of State James A. Baker, III and Warren Christopher will lead a National War Powers Commission -- a private, bipartisan panel organized by the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs.
The Commission will examine how the Constitution allocates the powers of beginning, conducting, and ending war, the University of Virginia said in a press release.
"Few matters are more important to our nation than how we make decisions of war and peace," said former Virginia Governor Gerald Baliles, director of the Miller Center. "But war powers questions have bedeviled a host of Presidents, members of Congress, and judges for more than two hundred years.
"With its wide-ranging experience, this Commission is uniquely qualified to attempt to provide insights into how best to resolve these difficult questions."
The study group includes Slade Gorton, former U.S. senator from Washington; Lee Hamilton, former Member of Congress from Indiana; Carla Hills, former U.S. Trade Representative; John Marsh, Jr., former Secretary of the Army; Edwin Meese, III, former U.S. Attorney General; Abner Mikva, former chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; J. Paul Reason, former commander-in-chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Advisor; Anne-Marie Slaughter, dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University; and Strobe Talbott, president of the Brookings Institution.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin will serve as the Commission's historical advisor.
The panel is expected to hold its first meeting April 3-4.
James Baker most recently co-chaired the Iraq Study Group along with Lee Hamilton, his fellow "war powers" panelist. Both men have experience in making policy recommendations to sitting presidents.
The University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs describes itself as a "national meeting place where engaged citizens, scholars, students, media representatives and government officials gather in a spirit of nonpartisan consensus to research, reflect and report on issues of national importance to the governance of the United States, with special attention to the central role and history of the presidency."
The Miller Center says it has convened nine national commissions during the past quarter century, including the Commission on Federal Election Reform in 2001, co-chaired by Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
The bipartisan Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which Congress passed in 2002, drew heavily on the Carter-Ford commission's work.
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Isnt this getting a bit rediculous? Is the Constitution not good enough for these people? I have HAD IT with all these stupid reports!! And Non Binding Resolutions that mean NOTHING!! Cant we just move on with getting the bad guys without our arms tied behind our backs? Cant you leave the President of the Untied States, The Commander of the Armed Forces, The Commander-In-Chief alone? Cant we just get the bad guys and shut up about any more resolutions and examining what war powers the President has? The Constitution states quite clearly what authority the President has. Are they going to fiddle with the Constitution now? While we are at war? What the hell is wrong with these people?
posted by Marie's Two Cents | 9:53 AM
25 Comments:
You said the Constitution is quite clear on war powers.
Can you tell us who in the U.S. declared war?
And who the Constitution grants the power to declare war?
Anon,
Are you serious?
WAR WAS DECLARED ON US WHEN WE WERE ATTACKED ON 9-11.
But it's right here in the story if you READ it!!
I am going to join the rest of my friend's and open a Pay-Pal account for you people's education!
Why should I have to do YOUR homework?
I like you know that the only bi-partisan report necessary for this was written in 1787 and ratified by the original 13 states.
Are you serious?
WAR WAS DECLARED ON US WHEN WE WERE ATTACKED ON 9-11.
- You don't understand. War still has to be "declared" in the legal sense. Only Congress has the power to declare war and they've yet to do so.
Ken,
I like you know that the only bi-partisan report necessary for this was written in 1787 and ratified by the original 13 states.
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You betcha!
Anon,
You don't understand. War still has to be "declared" in the legal sense. Only Congress has the power to declare war and they've yet to do so.
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Yes I do understand, I just didnt need the History lesson! I KNOW all this already!
Since when have they yet to do so? They gave the President the power back in 2002!
Things tend to change quite a bit when you are the Country that get's attacked, then it's a whole new ballgame and a different set of rules.
What the hell is wrong with these people?
They have developed this festering hatred for Bush since he beat Algore in 2000, and they perceive no enemy except Bush.
The U.S. and all our fellow citizens can go to hell in a handbasket as long as the Democrats can successfully defeat any Bush agenda that comes down the pike and/or villify him whenever possible.
No matter what arguments they make for their opposition to the war, they are lying if they don't admit that the only thing they care about is sabotaging the President.
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Another anonymous moron to slap down. I guess that's why they come around being anonymous so people won't recognize them and their stupidity.
Congress authorized the use of force by an overwhelming majority including Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and John Edwards. The president who is commander in chief is now authorized to use the military to accomplish the mission at hand. Once the force option is used the the persident is in control because now we have military in the field conducting operations and the presidsent is commander in chief. The only option that is now open to the congress if they want the president to stop using force to accomplish the mission and he disagrees is for Congress to cut off funding to the operation.
There hasan't been a declaration of War since "the Day of Infamy" speech by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1941 and even then Congress hadn't yet taken a vote on whether to declare war or not and so Roosevlet actually spoke out of turn and took control before he was authorized to do so.
Morons; I guess you just can't live without them. The bad thing is so many of them end up able to vote.
"including Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and John Edwards"
- I don't care. Do you think I support those elitests?
I KNOW Bush has the authorization. My point is that there has not been a formal official declaration of war.
Anon,
Congress Gives Bush War Powers
You owe me about 10.00 so far. I am keeping a tally on your education!!
If I have to do your homework you are getting charged for it!!
I KNOW they gave him the power. Congress does alot of things that aren't constitutional.
"The Constitution expressly and exclusively vests in the Legislature the power of declaring a state of war [and] the power of raising armies.... A delegation of such powers [to the president] would have struck, not only at the fabric of our Constitution, but at the foundation of all well organized and well checked governments." - James Madison, 1795
"The CONGRESS shall have power to declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water" - U.S. Constitution Article 1 Section 8
Anon,
Explain to me how in the same breath you can say:
I KNOW they gave him the power. Congress does alot of things that aren't constitutional.
AND THEN HAVE THE GALL TO RECITE THE CONSTITUTION!!!!
That is thee biggest Hypocritical, Contradiction I have ever seen in my life!!
By the way, that was a "Link" up there, you click on it and it takes you to this far away place in cyberspace that has the The Story...
"That is thee biggest Hypocritical, Contradiction I have ever seen in my life!"
- Congress is SUPPOSED to declare war, not hand that power over to any president for him to do it!
I quoted you the actual Constitution where it says "CONGRESS" has that authority. Where does it say in the Constitution "Congress has the authority to give the authority to the President"?
Can a Police Officer hand a civilian on the street his weapon and ask him to direct traffic while he goes to lunch? No. A Police Officer doesn't have the power to give his responsibility to someone else.
Anon,
- Congress is SUPPOSED to declare war, not hand that power over to any president for him to do it!
What the hell is the matter with you?
Congress Delcares War For The President To Wage!!! It's in the President's oath for God's sake. As Commander-In-Chief when he takes the oath of office it says he has to protect this Country from ALL enemies Foreign and Domestic. That alone gives the President the authority for him to do what it takes to keep this Nation safe.
Did they trick you on your medication and give you Pez?
"Congress Delcares War For The President To Wage!!!"
- What's wrong with you? You just said what they're supposed to do but that's not what they actually did. They gave the president the authority to declare war. He already had the authority to wage it. But Congress has to declare it like they did in WW2 and they have not.
"It's in the President's oath for God's sake. As Commander-In-Chief when he takes the oath of office it says he has to protect this Country from ALL enemies Foreign and Domestic."
- Where does it say "protect the COUNTRY"? It doesn't. It says protect the CONSTITUTION! Here it is....
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the CONSTITUTION of the United States."
Protecting the Constitution is the President and Congress' number 1 priority.
Gosh Marie, I didn't know this jailhouse lawyer that is heading off to the gallows was still arguing his moot point.
When the President swears that he will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the CONSTITUTION of the United States." he is swearing that he will protect
We the People of the United States not some abstract idea or words printed or written on page of paper, papyrus or sheepskin. The constitution is We the People of the United States
Congress gave the president authorization to use military force to protect the interests of the United States in the same way that the then President Thomas Jefferson (you may remember him anon) used physical military force to fight and bring to heel the Barbary Coast pirates in much the same way that President Bush has acted to protect We the People of the United States from the utlaw government of Iraq and the modern day version of violent and dangerous scoudrels that have attacked We the People of the United States that call themselves al qaeda this time around, but they are the same old same with a different name; radical Islamists
"The constitution is We the People of the United States"
- By protecting the Constitution you're protecting the people. You don't trash the Constitution in the name of protecting the people. It doesn't work like that. And it's alot more that physical protection. The Constitution was written by the people FOR the government. It was written to tell the government where they do and do not have jurisdiction.
"the same way that President Bush has acted to protect We the People of the United States from the utlaw government of Iraq and the modern day version of violent and dangerous scoudrels that have attacked We the People of the United States"
- Iraq didn't attack us. Those that supported going into Iraq look brilliant today, don't they? The place is a terrorists hornets nest now. It wasn't before. You can't justify going into Iraq based on what they MIGHT do. If we start doing that then we should go ahead and invade the entire planet b/c you never know what someone like Canada MIGHT do.
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If I don't say what needs to be said to morons like this they will think by repeating the same lie over and over again they will have worn the truth down and they will have won.
Iraq, headed by Saddam Hussein ignored and defied 17 UN resolutions. Iraq, headed by Saddam Hussein was believed by every intelligence organization in the world to posses chemical and or biological weapons commonly known as “Weapons of Mass Destruction”. Saddam Hussein was known to have used those said weapons extensively on his own people to test their viability and to rid what he believed to be a threat to his regime by the people called the Kurds. Saddam Hussein was also known to have used these horrendous weapons on Iranians during the war with the Iranians.
The United States was attacked by terrorists on September 11th 2001 and the attackers were identified as being members of a terrorist organization known as al Qaeda, more than 3000 people were murdered.
Saddam Hussein at that time was known to have trained international terrorists at a site along the Tigris River South of Baghdad. The Iraqis were known to have trained international terrorists to hijack airliners.
Saddam Hussein defied the United Nations resolutions by refusing to let weapons inspectors into inspect known weapons facilities and other suspected facilities on an unannounced basis. Saddam Hussein created a cat and mouse game with weapons inspectors and defied 17 UN resolutions.
Because the administration of William Jefferson Clinton the former President believed that Saddam Hussein possessed large quantities of chemical and biological weapons commonly known as “weapons of mass destruction” Saddam Hussein was the target for a policy that a change of regimes in Iraq would significantly improve the stability of the region thereby enhancing and protecting the interests of the United States. Nothing was done to follow through on that official policy.
After the attack on September 11 2001 the United States decided by a overwhelming majority vote in Congress to authorize the use of force by the US military under the commander in chief to force Saddam Hussein to comply with the UN resolutions to disarm and turn over the remaining weapons of mass destruction that every intelligence agency in the world believed Saddam Hussein possessed. Saddam Hussein again defied the UN resolutions and the United States military removed Saddam Hussein from power with the Congressional authorized force.
President George Bush had more authorization to attack Iraq than Franklin Roosevelt had to declare war on Japan. President George Bush had more authority to attack Iraq that the very author of the Constitution did when he sent US military forces to attack the Barbary Coast nations that were made up of a loose confederation of states that fell under control of the Ottoman Empire.
The bottom line is that the anonymous commenter doesn't know the difference between the US Constitution, its author, its meaning, the history after its adoption by the 13 States and its 24 amendments and a book that tells of the adventures of three famous Americans; Sally, Dick and Jane. End
- I know Iraq broke the resolutions. I'm not defending them. But they didn't attack us on 911. Period. They did NOT attack us. Yet, we attacked them for something they MIGHT do. Any way you want to spin it, that's what happened. Listen closely, Iraq had NOTHING to do with 911 and we attacked THEM. Now, look at the country today. LOLOLOL You Iraq war supporters have done a gorgeous job! Go ahead, give yourselves a round of applause. Beautiful job. Truth is, the few who voted against the war were right all along whether you admit it or not.
Speaking of people not obeying resolutions: Do you think Israel obeys all the resolutions? They are not allowed to have Nuclear Weapons yet they do. I'm not saying they should or shouldn't. But they are breaking the rules.
"The bottom line is that the anonymous commenter doesn't know the difference between the US Constitution, its author, its meaning, the history after its adoption by the 13 States and its 24 amendments and a book that tells of the adventures of three famous Americans; Sally, Dick and Jane. End"
- Uhh... What does that post mean in relation to what I've been saying. I'm the one on here who's in support of the document and you all support it's desmantling in the name of security. Perhaps you should move to China so you can get all the police state you could ever want and all those social programs to go with it. You've forgotten that here in America, individual liberty is the trump card every time. Nothing undermines liberty. Not even outside threats. Hence, "Give me liberty or give me death" - Patrick Henry. I don't think Henry was meaning "give me security at the cost of liberty".
No, I know full well what the constitution is about and how precious it's principles.
Anon,
Look, no matter what way you try to spin this it is nausiating having to argue with you about all this useless babble, and the same thing over and over again.
Intelligence was given to believe NOT just by the United States but the enite WORLD that Terrorist's and/or WMD was going to be found in Iraq. Who knew Saddam was bluffing? The UN didnt! The World didnt! Hell the United Nations said to the United States right after getting ATTACKED on 9-11 the threat to the US was 'IMMINENT' you get that? "IMMINENT THREAT".
OK so no WMD found (Israeli Intelligence spots a whole swarm of trucks heading from Iraq into Syria FULL of something HUGE that was under tarps, just days before we "Liberated" Iraq), it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out it was WMD. That's where that went. Have terrorist's been found in Iraq? You bet your ass they have!
Zarqowi (Al-Queda) was in Iraq for a leg operation he sufferd in Afghanistan when we "Liberated" them and Zarqowi was injured. Why would Saddam let Zarqowi of all people have safe haven in Iraq unless Saddam KNEW President Bush wasnt playing around? And anticipated the aftermath to be Al-Queada related.
Why was there a Mural of the Planes hitting the Twin Towers as the Soldiers approached Baghdad? Saddam must have been quite pleased with all of that. No matter what report comes out clear thinking people can put 2+2 together here. Then again YOU are NOT one of them.
No matter what you say, UN Resolution 1441 said the US had the authority to go after Saddam. The Congress approved it, we were already at war, Saddam was next on the list and we are there now.
Your comments are OLD! You are still debating WHY we are there, that NO longer matters!
Has everything gone according to plan? Hell NO! Is it starting to go our way? Hell Yeah!! The Surge is working! See above ^ post! And the other 5 Brigades havent even entered theatre yet. No matter how we got there we are there NOW! We are going to get this situation under control, the Iraqi's are going to be able to Defend themselves, sustain themselves, and be a productive member of Islamic society and a wonderful ally in the war on Terror!
Another act of war was when Saddam tried to assasinate President Bush 41! Hell I would have gone in on that alone! But President Bush has done every single damn thing according to the laws this Country set forth. If he didnt he would have been brought up by every single commission known to man. And he hasnt. That ought to tell you all you need to know right there.
Now why dont you just admit you are one of those Cut-N-Run, Defeat-N-Retreat Morons that will be on the other side marching on March 17 in Washington D.C. along with "Hanoi" Jane and her ilk?
Do you have an Iraqi friend? I do!! I suggest you take the time to get to know one and then tell me this hasnt been worth it and our Soldiers that WANT to finish this mission far outweigh those that want out. Let the Soldiers finish thier job and come home with the honor and respect they deserve.
This is a war on "Terror", and we are sick to death of being attacked. That's where I am comming from. And we are NOT going to put up with it anymore. You can tell by reading my blog where I stand. I dont have any false arguments to make, I dont have any exuses, that's where I stand that's it and that's all!
You had better get prepared for another intolerance as far as you are concerned, this whole thing started with Iran, and will finish with Iran no matter what President is in office! This is FAR from over. Iraq is just another phase in the "War on Terror". We didnt ask for this, but we sure as hell are going to finish it!!
Moonbats!
You're drunk on the kook-aid, lady.
"The Surge is working!:
Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
From a story in the Oregonian about Senator Gordon Smith:
"Smith said he recently spoke with Gen. David Petraeus, the new top military commander in Iraq, who told him the troop surge has only a one in four chance of succeeding."
http://www.oregonlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/1172906738122510.xml&coll=7
Why are you not over there helping? Everyone knows that they're having a hard time recruiting kids in the military right now. You should go over there and help. Get off the couch. Stop your nice little pro-war blog and actually put your money where your mouth is.
Anon,
How dare you!!! You little shit, you dont know me, you have NO clue what I have sacrificed in this war on terror. You dont know the first thing about supporting and defending this Country all you can do is bark and whine about every little thing almost as if you want the USA to loose.
Get the hell off my blog Moonbat!!
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