Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
I also note that no where in the Constitution is the President authorized to declare war. He may convene the Congress at his discretion for such purposes, but he is not authorized to declare war. Only The Congress may do this.
Now you can cite precedent all you want. We also have a precedent for slavery. It does not make it right. We also now have a precedent for federalizing schools, which is also blatantly and completely unconstitutional.
While we're on the subject of UNCONSTITUTIONAL actions, which are so readily accepted around here by "conservatives", the PARTRIOT BILL is one of the most Orwellian, UNCONSTITUTIONAL and over-reaching pieces of legislation to hit the books en masse. Usually the Democrats and Republicans do such things piece-meal -- one law at a time, until one finds out that their body is no longer unalienable -- now it belongs to the state (unless that person wants to murder their unborn child -- then suddenly, she has the RIGHT because it is her body)
Yep the Prez and The Congress really whipped people into a frenzy! Now they'll swallow ANYTHING, as long as we have a Republican President. (Move over Monica were ready to swallow the government's big fat intrusive Nazi games so mind the stains.) Conservatives and Liberals alike are practically breaking their arms to pat one another on the back. Oh, how very patriotic.
If it were Bill Clinton conducting this "bogus" non-war, he would be doing everything EXACTLY the same way, and most people would be screaming to high heaven. Since it is a Republican -- well, everything is AOK. Hypocrisy is the word, which comes to mind.
I do not object to our national defense, but it MUST be done per the Constitution, or I will NOT support it. I swore an oath to uphold and protect the CONSTITUTION of the UNITED STATES. Should the President or The Congress choose to ignore it, I am under NO obligation to obey -- and I will not. I am a LOYAL American!
Now flame away. I have discovered that the constitution is an inconvenient document to 99.9% of the people in this country (unless it is something "they" want a.k.a. MOB RULE). Which means that there are a lot of treasonous individuals running around, waving the flag, as if that somehow makes them loyal.
I have found that "Conservatives" have a great deal in common with the "Liberals", in that they give far-reaching authority to government (if it isn't in the Constitution then it IS allowed unless it says it isn't) -- while at the same time, destroying the rights of the individual, by saying that privacy, property and other rights aren't really rights because it isn't in the Constitution -- when NOTHING could be further from the truth!
Our public schools have done a real mind job on THE PEOPLE. It has effectively convinced the masses that the omnipotent state has power when ever it says it has, even though NO ONE can quote the authority per the Constitution. At the same time "those individuals over there" should NOT have "rights" because they are doing something in pursuit of their happiness, which purverse voyeurs find objectionable, even though it is peaceful and private.
Since no war was declared, then no end must be acknowledged. And just like the drug war, whose pattern they are using to conduct this War on Terrorism, it will still be going long after you're dead. Not to worry, the PATRIOT ACT has all the bases covered. By then your children will be used to armed military everywhere. They will be used to cameras everywhere. They will be used to unwarrented searches and seizures. They will be used to body cavity searches, and a complete reversal of common law, on which the Constitution was patterned. Now you will be guilty UNTIL and UNLESS you can prove your innocence. They probably won't mind too terribly much when ever they are stopped outside their sector, and asked for their papers either. People adjust. I WILL NOT!
Please don't tell me this can't happen to "Americans". Many of these things already do. Legislation has been purverted beyond pale. ASScroft has ALREADY used RICO (a bill designed to go after Mafia Dons) to persecute pro-life protesters. And warrentless searches and seizures, once reserved only for drug king-pins, is commonly practiced today for a variety of crimes (oh did I say crimes) I meant, if any old agent of the omnipotent state suspects you are committing a crime. There used to be a time when these thugs of government had to go before a judge and present evidence. Not anymore!
Now that our TREASONOUS President has signed the Patriot Bill, it will only get much, much worse.
"Conservatives" are engaged in the whole sale slaughter of our rights, while at the same time giving unconstitutional authority to the government -- and yet they continue to wave that flag. The terrorists WON!!! They won big time! Most people are just too blind to realize it.
Nope. I do NOT support the prez. or anyone who thumb their nose at the Constitution. I am not required to be loyal to him. I am required to be loyal to that great document.
Actually, you are not even required to be loyal to that great document. But if that's what you like, have at it.
Personally, I want my government to protect my kids from scumbag terrorists. The terrorists and their supporters (many Moslems here in the US cheered the acts of terror) are the ones who created the "profile". I say round them up, sit them in hard wooden chairs under bright, hot lamps, deprive them of sleep, and make them squeal like stuck pigs.
I don't think Attorney General Ashcroft has used RICO against prolife protesters, yet. Janet Reno did, however, and too many of the lower level bureaucrats and local law enforcment agents may still be threatening and arresting with this in mind. I heard they're still arresting doctors under threat of these laws.
Have you heard of a case that I missed?
Give it a break J Rad. The constitution provides congress with the power to make laws, even ones you don't like. Some may or may not be constitutional, depending on the eye of the beholder. But unless it is challenged in the courts, and a decision is rendered that said laws are unconstitutional, these laws remain the law of the land.
Hence, if you don't like the new Patriot Act, get off your duff, raise the money if you have to, take it to the Supreme Court, and get a decision. Otherwise, me thinks you doth protest too much....