Views on Iraqi Freedom

[Shiro]

Over this short time, I've noticed many views on Iraqi Freedom, all from those who would treat war with such a cavalier, ya-hoo attitude that you'd guess they thought it was a Tom Clancy video game, to the other extreme that thinks that going to war, for any reason, would be even worse than whatever atrocity provoked it.

My view is that war is sometimes necessary, but not viable unless the benefits far outweigh the costs. It should be taken as a desperate, usually last resort, and dealt with as cleanly and quickly as possible. That rarely happens, but here's hoping that Bush works to that, at least. Especially since he's already sounded the call and it's too late for the anti-war activists to persuade him to retract it.

The best thing I can say about what is happening right now is that if it is needed to get Saddam Hussein out of Iraq, and it is well worth the inherent risks of war, then God help Bush, who's still ready to finish the job whether he's doing the right thing or not.

Your response is welcome.

[Laquatus's Champion]

Keep in mind this truly isn't a war, it's a miltary conflict. It's only war if congress declares it, and the u.s. congress hasn't declared war since WWII. This is just an example of the president using his powers to utilize miltary forces. I believe fighting Iraq in this instance is necessary. A crazy dude with balls of steel and lots of nasty weapons are not a good combo, especially since he hates the u.s.

[Polgara]

This is a war. No matter what your congress is or isn't saying, it is still a war. The international community, the news, pretty much everyone thinks it's a war.

[The Pie Thrower]

Originally posted by Laquatus's Champion
Keep in mind this truly isn't a war, it's a miltary conflict. It's only war if congress declares it, and the u.s. congress hasn't declared war since WWII. This is just an example of the president using his powers to utilize miltary forces.

OK, OK.
For all intent and purposes it is a war.
Legal technicality on the US domestic front says it is a War Power Resolution authorisation. Which within the law society is considered a "limp" you know what, of declaration of war. It only provides for specified, limited use of military force. The Congress almost had to authorise this, to prevent constitutional dictatorship and totally forgo congresional authority.
Quick note, the laws surrounding the Presidential powers have to be reviewed before it's too late. Something will eventually turn real sour otherwise.

[Polgara]

Pie Thrower (or someone else) could you please post a link or something where I could get more information on that. What you just said kind of suggest that this is Bush doing stuff on his own (well almost anyway). I'd like to find out more about it, and google hasn't come up with anything (yet).

[The Pie Thrower]

I'm not sure if I can post a link but I can post some documents that I with me. Would that be OK?

[Laquatus's Champion]

Yeah, just thought I'd point out that little "detail" :D I agree though, i think this whole thing with the presidential powers is getting out of hand. In all regards this is a war, and to think that if the President makes up his mind, there's really no stopping him. After all, it was Bush who decided to go after Iraq, there was no U.N. Support, France and Russia were against it, and the congress was even iffy. He had to convince us Americans for MONTHS before there was a general agreement war was necessary. He was going to do it anyway, and I think that some sort of limit must be put on this kind of power. It may look like a democracy, but it could easily be turned into a dictatorship very quickly. I'm not saying do away with that power, because it is necessary in emergency situations, but it's just too much power at the time. Look at this, the whole conflict in Vietnam, no congress war resolution there, just the pres goin after the communists.

[The Pie Thrower]

You may have just inadvertantly uncovered a very important piece of legistration in regards to the legal aspects of this war.
I'll get back to you about that.
Good work.

[Polgara]

Yes, that's fine Pie Thrower, thanx.

[|aquatus0]

after so many years of oppression, i dont think the iraqi's know what they want anymore. if you feed somone **** long enough, they will start to like eating ****. saddam has been feeding them all **** for years, and now they are comfortable with it. not until they know that saddam is gone for good, and get an overwhelming taste of freedom will they know that **** tastes bad...

[t0xic]

Well how do you know that youre not being fed ****. And how will you know if it tastes bad.

[Shiro]

The sooner Iraqi Freedom can safely end, the sooner Iraqi freedom can begin.

If you want, you can quote me on that.