Congress, War, and Impeachment

The common road

Seems just like a dream

It's a mystery to me

--Expose

Jacob Hornberger once again reminds us of something that we have discussed many times on these pages. The Constitution is clear. Only Congress has the power to declare war. No exceptions are made for 'small wars' or for 'expediency' or the like.

Those who do not like this law are free to initiate the defined process to amend the Constitution to enable to the president to both declare and wage war. It is doubtful that this would occur, as those who dislike the current arrangement fear a national debate on what the president should and should not be permitted to do by law. Too many people would wake up. Indeed, many are already waking up.

If President Obama continues down this path, then JH concurs with these pages that Congress should take legal action. In his view, this means impeachment. Impeachment would give future presidents cause for pause when they consider reaching beyond their Constitutional authority.

Congress holds the cards here. Let's hope it plays them.