Democrats want Congress to sign off on Libya attack

[stevedeshazer]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51595.html

Even as American warships have begun bombing military targets inside Libya, several leading House Democrats are pushing for President Barack Obama to seek congressional approval to allow U.S. forces to help enforce a “no-fly” zone over Libya.

Rep. John Larson (Conn.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, is setting up a conference call with members this afternoon to discuss U.S. involvement in Libya. Larson is one of those Democrats who want Obama to get congressional approval for American involvement in the effort.

Other Democrats with the same view as Larson are Reps. Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.) and Dennis Kucinich (Ohio). On the Senate side, Sen. Richard Lugar (Ind.), top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, has called on Obama to seek congressional sign-off on the Libyan operation.

Larson is putting the call together so that rank-and-file lawmakers can get more information from Democrats who were at the White House on Friday to be briefed about U.S. involvement in the Libyan campaign. American warships began missile attacks on Libyan air-defense units on Saturday as part of “Operation Odyssey Dawn,” according to media reports.

Yeah, starting a third war maybe should involve Congress, dontcha think?

Dammit. :grr:

[Change Happens]

1. Isn't it too late already?

[Warren Stupidity]

2. ouch, teabagger cranial explosions.

[somone]

3. “I’m the President and the Commander-in-Chief.

Do it my way.” - GWB, 2005

[stevedeshazer]

4. This is where I get off the bus.

I'm glad someone in Congress is speaking up.

These imperial wars waged at will by presidents are wrong, un-American and need to be stopped.

I don't give a shit whether the guy starting it has a D or R after his name, WAR IS WRONG.

Barack Obama is now at the top of my shit list.

How the fuck can we afford involvement in another war?

:grr:

[krabigirl]

6. Welcome!

[Ed Suspicious]

11. Yes.

Hear! Hear! Couldn't agree more. Enough already!

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

5. FUCK WAR !

[krabigirl]

7. I concur.

[stevedeshazer]

9. Well said, my good crustacean friend. n/t

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

8. Bravo for them. It's always hard to go against war-fever.

[Shagbark Hickory]

10. bad timing

[kudzu22]

12. I suspect the House won't go for it

Oh some republicans will vote for it, but a lot won't, and for a number of reasons.

1) Just to spite Obama
2) They can't identify a vital national interest served by the action (and frankly, neither can I).
3) If it's just a short-term intervention (60 days or less) then it can be done under the War Powers Act, and doesn't need a declaration of war.

I'm still praying this plays out as just a Clintonian drive-by rather than a Bushesque quagmire.