Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (7065)	9/22/2002 5:10:39 PM
From: stockman_scott	Respond to of 89467

Congress must carefully debate Iraq issue Lead Editorial The San Diego Union-Tribune September 21, 2002 By granting Congress the sole power to declare war, the framers of the Constitution envisioned a deliberative decision-making process before the nation engages in hostilities. As the Bush administration's confrontation with Iraq grows, lawmakers face no more-critical responsibility than debating a resolution authorizing the use of force against the Baghdad regime. The congressional resolution drafted by the White House amounts to a broad declaration of war in the event Saddam Hussein fails to abide by the disarmament directives adopted by the United Nations Security Council in 1991. Although the congressional document does not explicitly endorse "regime change," it would give the president ample power to overthrow the Iraqi government by military force if he chose to do so. The implications of the proposed resolution are far-reaching. They include not only a costly war in which American lives would be sacrificed, but also the potential requirement for a prolonged U.S. military occupation to rebuild Iraq and a host of destabilizing impacts throughout the region. Congress must debate these policy implications carefully and not engage in an election-year stampede to appear tough on Hussein, regardless of the consequences. At this stage, a congressional resolution approving U.S. military intervention could bolster President Bush's drive to get the Security Council to deal squarely with Iraq's flagrant violations of U.N. directives. It is essential, however, that the resolution do nothing to undercut the Security Council's effort to return arms inspectors to Iraq or undermine the chances for U.N. approval of a multilateral military campaign if inspections fail. Inspections under U.N. auspices must be given one more chance before resorting to war. Robust, unfettered weapons inspections or, failing that, U.N. authorization for military action against Iraq are both infinitely preferable to a go-it-alone war waged by the United States and Britain. signonsandiego.com