FreeSense: BUSH-WAR POWERS can Bush just bomb Iran?

From:
To: think@ij.net
Subject: can Bush just bomb Iran?

If you have time, could you please answer this question for me. As a person of average intelligence, I once thought I knew the answer to this question. Now, I have no idea.

Can Bush bomb Iran without permission from Congress? Can Bush continue to increase this insanity any old way he pleases?

Of the people sending E-mails, I trust your opinion most. (thank you) Is it possible this man can just go bomb more people?

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Dear ______;

The short and pathetic answer is, yes. Bush’s powers as Commander-in-Chief are derived from Article II of the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. I include the relevant portions below. What makes this president different is that he feels that God has placed him at America’s helm in its hour of need. Karl Rove is Bush’s equal in terms of Protestant fundamentalism. In Old Karl’s case, he sees himself as Bush’s guiding hand. While it’s not yet megalomania, it’s getting there.

Add to this Bush’s knowledge that, even if the GOP retains the Presidency in 2008, the man who replaces him will not be a Neocon. Even Condi, absent the religious fervor, will not summarily bomb Iran without legitimate cause (there is none - Iran was fully in compliance with the Arms Limitation Treaty at the time it kicked out the UN inspectors). Bush pretty much knows it must happen on his watch, or probably not at all.

As to how far Bush can take all this – he’s a zealot; and sublime in his ignorance – my guess is only Karl and Dick have much say anymore – I am most concerned about the interregnum from the time the 44^th President is determined to Inauguration Day, 2009

This is not a happy time for the world.

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Article I. - The Legislative Branch

Section 1 - The Legislature

Section 8 - Powers of Congress (all require legislation before action may occur)

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, ….

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia (National Guard) to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, ….

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

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Article II. - The Executive Branch

Section 1 - The President

Section 2 - Civilian Power over Military, Cabinet, Pardon Power, Appointments

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices

WAR POWERS ACT of 1973 explained 09-13-01 http://www.slate.com/id/1008290

WAR POWERS ACT Google links http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWE,RNWE:2005-49,RNWE:en&q=war+powers+act

Wish the news was better

Take care…

Nigel