House Prepares to Give President Authority to Wage Worldwide War Forever

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.allgov.com/Top_Stories/ViewNews/House_Prepares_to_Give_President_Authority_to_Wage_Worldwide_War_Forever_110518

It isn’t often that Congress voluntarily gives up power to the President of the United States, but that appears to be the case with a terrorism-related provision added to a military authorization act.

Hidden within the National Defense Authorization Act is a provision giving the president of the United States unlimited power to wage war against terrorists anywhere in the world, without end.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has tried calling attention to the open-ended war authority, as has Representative John Garamendi (D-California). The Democratic congressman spoke against the language buried in the National Defense Authorization Act and offered an amendment to strike it, although he later withdrew the amendment.

The ACLU reports that the controversial provision has been around for three years, and was first proposed by the George W. Bush administration in response to the federal courts limiting the government’s efforts to do whatever it liked with Guantánamo prisoners.

More at the link --

[Jefferson23]

1. It never seems to fucking end. The Military Commission Act had

35 Democrats to sign on for its passage, most were Blue Dogs..what is the reason this time?

snip* There have been no hearings on the provision, nor has its necessity been explained by Rep. McKeon or anyone else in Congress.

The idea that Congress is about to pass new authority for a worldwide war as we're trying to ramp down our efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan is starting to get attention. We're hoping that the House Armed Serviced Committee, and the full House, will reconsider this troubling and dangerous provision. We'll keep you updated as this troubling provision progresses, but you can help now by telling your representative to oppose any new and expanded war authority.

http://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/unchecked-executive-war-power-could-slip-through-house

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. I really do not see how we are effecting much change thru voting.

We vote Dem, only to have some Dems change affiliation or vow they are Blue Dogs, or break their promises as they rake in the Corporate money. Even the staunchest of the dependable Dems ( I am thinking of Schumer's latest trick) are not supporting a progressive agenda.

[Jefferson23]

4. It is frustrating, absolutely. There was no hearing on this provision, that is outrageous. n/t

[Gravel Democrat]

2. ^

http://costofwar.com

[OffWithTheirHeads]

5. Ribbit...is it just me or is the water in this pot getting warmer? Ribbit

[bvar22]

6. Combined with the other new powers of the Unitary Executive,

...this would apply to suspected terrorists, foreign and domestic.

I had "HOPE" that Obama would disavow the Unitary Executive,
and return to the Constitution.
Oh Well.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-june-15-2010/respect-my-authoritah