restoring our biblical and constitutional foundations
On an Iraqi (-Irani, -Pakistani, etc.) War
Im asked from time to time to state my views on what is now an almost inevitable (some would say unavoidable) war with Iraq. Well, in case you havent gotten my gist from reading this website, Im happy to put my cards on the table.
I am not convinced the administration has made its case.
If the United States Congress is really persuaded that America is justified in attacking Iraq, let it obey the Constitution and issue a declaration of war (see Article 1, Section 8). This is precisely what Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) asked his colleagues to do recentlyand the War Party promptly sounded retreat.
Believing with Jefferson that the government which governs best governs least, on this issue I side squarely with my libertarian friends, who have been among the staunchest allies of the old right in forging a foreign policy that keeps America out of wars where the vital interests of the Republic are not threatened. When it comes to foreign affairs I believe the best thing America can do is to follow the sage advice of our first president, George Washington: The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connections as possible. Today we are seeing the very opposite taking place in our foreign policy. Indeed, if American interventionism continues at the current pace and we invade Iraq, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the conflict will rapidly degenerate into a two-continent war from Algeria to Afghanistan, with the United States and Israel left to fight alone against a half-dozen Arab and Muslim states.
Is it just me, or has any one else noticed that the president seems habitually annoyed, irritated, and angry? And do you notice how many times he uses the first person pronoun I when referring to your future? Im running out of patience, Im getting sick and tired, etc. Well, I dont like it. Its almost as if the Constitution doesnt exist any more, not to mention the sweet reasonableness of our (putative) European allies, many of whom are vociferously calling for restraint, to no apparent avail.
The question I have is this: Why would Iraq launch a suicidal strike against the United States or any of our allies? It has no air force, no navy, no defense against U.S. air power, and a weakened economy. As George Bush Senior might have said, Nope, dudnt make sense. In 1812, Great Britain didnt want war with America. We gave them one anyway. In 1861, the Confederate States of America were desperate to avoid a conflict if a way could be found to do so with honor. Lincoln had other plans. After the sinking of the Lusitania, German Kaiser Wilhelm curtailed submarine warfare for two years to avoid bringing America into World War I. We came in anyway. As for World War II, why did Japan, with one tenth of our industrial power, launch a sneak attack on the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor and draw America into a war to the death? Were the Japanese insane? Hardly. The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor only when our oil embargo left them no other way to avert an economic disaster at home. Finally, after our Cold War triumph, when we had a chance to beef up our defenses and reduce our international commitments, we did the opposite, expanding our obligations to Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Gulf, and Central Asia, all the while reducing our armed forces by fifty percent.
Before we commit billions of dollars and God knows how many American lives in yet another foreign adventure, we had better be sure that the threat is both real and imminent. I am open to considering any additional evidence the president might put forward to prove a threat to American national security. Meanwhile, theres enough to keep us busy trying to guard our porous borders. And lets not forget one other bothersome detail. Its unconstitutional (i.e., illegal) to go to war, even a preemptive war, without a congressional declaration. On this issue, as on so many others, Pat Buchanan is spot on: Keep America the greatest power on earth, first on land, sea, in the air and space. Strike hard any enemy that strikes us. Hold high the torch of liberty, republicanism. But keep the bravest of Americas young out of wars where no vital interest is at risk, and do not send our wealth abroad in foreign aid to balance the budgets of foreign regimes when we cannot even balance our own.
Meanwhile, I will pray for a regime changenot one in Iraq necessarily, but one right here at home. I will pray that Americans will have enough courage and sense to elect a President and Congress who will fulfill their solemn oaths of office and adhere strictly to the principles spelled out in the United States Constitution. And I will pray for George Washingtons vision of friendly commerce with all and entangling alliances with none.
Appendix: America First Partys Resolution on War with Iraq
Resolution of the National Convention To Condemn any Unlawful and Improper War with Iraq
(Adopted by overwhelming vote of the National Convention of the America First Party on August 10, 2002)
Whereas, the United States Constitution vests the power to make war exclusively in the United States Congress; and
Whereas, the making of war by the United States of America may only be justified when the safety and security of our people and our homeland are imperiled; and
Whereas, our nation has experienced the bitter fruit of adventurous and undeclared wars that have sullied the rightness of our cause, damaged our reputation abroad, imperiled our brave fighting men and women, and shed innocent blood;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NATIONAL CONVENTION:
That it is not the business of the United States to solve the world’s problems, babysit bickering factions abroad, or defend the interests and safety of any nation other than our own; and
That this nation has no cause for war with Iraq, her people, or their leaders, unless they seek to harm our people or this beloved land; and
That unless and until the nation of Iraq lifts its hand against our people, our homes, or our countryland, there can be no just, moral, legal, or practical cause for armed conflict between us; and
That we deplore the growing efforts to foment hatred and fear of the nation of Iraq solely for the purpose of fanning the flames of war hysteria; and
That calls for armed attack against Iraq are at present unjustified; and
That the President’s plan to launch an unjustified war against Iraq without the mandatory Congressional Declaration of War is repugnant to our Constitution, to the principles and ideals of our nation, to basic principles of morality and justice, and to the peace and security of the United States; and
That should the President institute unlawful and improper use of the armed forces of the United States, the America First Party shall call for his immediate impeachment and removal from office.
February 10, 2003
David Alan Black is the editor of www.daveblackonline.com.