Lieberman trys to declare war on Iran!

[MikeyD]

Senator Joe Lieberman has just been caught trying to sneak an Iran War Declaration through the Senate via an obscure amendment to an unrelated bill.

Here is some of the language:

(3) that it should be the policy of the United States to combat, contain, and roll back the violent activities and destabilizing influence inside Iraq of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran,its foreign facilitators such as Lebanese Hezbollah, and its indigenous Iraqi proxies;

(4) to support the prudent and calibrated use of all instruments of United States national power in Iraq, including diplomatic, economic, intelligence, and military instruments, in support of the policy described in paragraph (3) with respect to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies.

Translation from Washington-speak: a blank check. I guess prosecuting two wars at once simply isn't enough for Connecticutt's 'Rambo' Joe.

[Vanir Ausf B]

Uh, seems rather pointless to me as that is exactly what our policy already is. Lieberman is a tool, but this isn't a big deal, IMO.

[Sgt Joch]

Hell, who would even notice war had been declared? I'm a lawyer and I have trouble understanding what the text means.

We are far from Roosevelt's "Day of infamy" speech.

[flammenwerfer]

Edit: Single Post.

[ September 25, 2007, 12:59 PM: Message edited by: flammenwerfer ]

[Vanir Ausf B]

There are three other sponsors than Lieberman.

MikeyD is a bit over-excited. The wording is far more limited in scope than he's suggesting.

that it should be the policy of the United States to combat, contain, and roll back the violent activities and destabilizing influence inside Iraq

to support the prudent and calibrated use of all instruments of United States national power in Iraq

Like I said, it's what we're already doing.

In any event it's a "Sense of” resolution and therefore not legally binding. Basically it's just an official way of stating an opinion.

[Sgt Joch]

This is what a real declaration of war looks like:

"Franklin D. Roosevelt -

The Declaration of War (WWII)

(December 8, 1941)

Address before a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives asking for the declaration of the existence of a state of war with the Japanese Empire, the Capitol, December 8, 1941 To the Congress of the United States:

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941-a date which will live in infamy- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message.

While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation. As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces-with the unbounded determination of our people-we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

[MarkEzra]

No...MikeyD has it right...You can't let these bastards slide...It's just this type of "legislation" and an apathetic public that got us into this present mess...Thanks for posting...I saw this earlier today and called my Senators....California ain't buyin'

[Abbott]

The sky is falling! The sky is falling!

[skelley]

They are sending in EFPs and other advanced weapons to Iraq to kill Americans as well as training militias to do the same. Both are acts of war. So if we are already at war then we should bomb them! the sooner the better.

[FAI]

At least this time issue a proper declaration of war!

[wolf66]

And don't forget North Korea while you're at it

The new Roman Empire never learns .....

[Panzer76]

What?! War by proxy?! Those bastards! Good thing USA never did such a shameful thing....

Welcome to realpolitik.

[FAI]

Originally posted by skelley:

They are sending in EFPs and other advanced weapons to Iraq to kill Americans as well as training militias to do the same. Both are acts of war. So if we are already at war then we should bomb them! the sooner the better.

By that definition, I don't know how many countries you're already at war with.