Question about war.

Why not

Originally posted by Mairuzu
Lol, no, they were not. Hasn't been a formal declaration since ww2

Originally posted by Mairuzu
Why not

What are you talking about?

I'm asking why its not a choice

Originally posted by Lord Lucien
So aside from the Constitution demanding a formal declaration, what does a formal declaration do that a mere Congressional approval does not?

And how is a Congressional approval not a declaration? They are just political dressing.

Originally posted by Mairuzu
I'm asking why its not a choice

You are not making any sense to me. Do you know the difference between a republic and a democracy?

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
And how is a Congressional approval not a declaration? They are just political dressing.

I just found this article by George Friedman on the subject, it's pretty good:
What Happened To The American Declaration Of War?

"From my simple reading, the Constitution is fairly clear on the subject: Congress is given the power to declare war. At that moment, the president as commander in chief is free to prosecute the war as he thinks best. But constitutional law and the language of the Constitution seem to have diverged. It is a complex field of study, obviously."

Originally posted by Lord Lucien
That's what I feel. The wording of the Constitution requires it, but aside from that, what is the real difference?

I just found this article by George Friedman on the subject, it's pretty good:
What Happened To The American Declaration Of War?

"From my simple reading, the Constitution is fairly clear on the subject: Congress is given the power to declare war. At that moment, the president as commander in chief is free to prosecute the war as he thinks best. But constitutional law and the language of the Constitution seem to have diverged. It is a complex field of study, obviously."

We don't do a lot of things in the Constitution.

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
You are not making any sense to me. Do you know the difference between a republic and a democracy?

So you're saying when it comes to war the people should have no say because we're in a republic? And if we do have a say then we are instantly a democracy?

Originally posted by Mairuzu
So you're saying when it comes to war the people should have no say because we're in a republic? And if we do have a say then we are instantly a democracy?

No. We elect people to vote for us. That is a republic. When was the last time you voted for a federal law?

What about Libya? No declaration there but constant bombs. Electing obama to disobey the constitution. This is no republic.

Originally posted by Mairuzu
What about Lybia? No declaration there but constant bombs

Ok, you do have a point there. I think that was a war crime. I do believe that president Obama should be brought up on charges.

Its still the same situation in Iraq and Afghan if you ask me. Somewhat.

Originally posted by Mairuzu
Its still the same situation in Iraq and Afghan if you ask me. Somewhat.

Look it up. The congress voted and gave permission to the president.

**** congress though. I'm still saying its illegal.

Originally posted by Mairuzu
**** congress though. I'm still saying its illegal.

Under who's authority? Your own?

Mine and many others

Originally posted by Mairuzu
Mine and many others

Then vote for someone to make it a law. Remember you cannot make binding laws about the past. You can say it was wrong, but you cannot convict people who did legal things in the past for law that you pass now.

Originally posted by Mairuzu
Mine and many others

A relevant essay on your discussion of Democracy vs. Republic.

lol oh man

edit: Sorry I give you guys too much credit.