Charles Krauthammer had an interesting column yesterday on the ongoing kerfuffle between some in Congress and the Administration over whether the President is "breaking the law" in not assiduously adhering to the tenets of the War Powers Act. It is must read, as it contains a proposal for a modern, useful "division of labor" in the war-making function.
A couple of thoughts to consider as you read Dr. K's article.
1. The War Powers Act is unconstitutional, and I fully support President Obama ignoring it. He is however, ridiculous in asserting that what is going on is not covered by the WPA. He should acknowledge that it is, and challenge the Congress to do something about it. If it drives a constitutional question, so be it.
2. The Libyan intervention is unwise and we should have nothing to do with it. President Obama was wrong for exercising his legitimate, Constitutional authority as CINC in this case. This is an error of judgment, not a "high crime or misdemeanor".
3. Those in Congress who point to the unconstitutional WPA as cover for their legitimate objections to the wisdom of the actions the President is taking are mostly playing politics with their base (anti-war liberal, finger in your eye conservative, or libertarian) ; they should rely on that power over which they hold EXCLUSIVE authority--the purse. De-fund the war if you don't like it.
4. Dr. Krauthammer has come up with a very interesting proposal.
Bryan McGrath
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