I propose the War Amendment to the Constitution

[Lydia Leftcoast]

9. After 9/11, a lot of people would have voted "yes"--I have a better idea

Here's my amendment:

1. No American military troops may be deployed overseas nor may any military attack be launched upon a foreign country from within the borders of the United States without a 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress.
("What about a surprise attack by a foreign power?" you ask. Note that Congress managed to meet after Pearl Harbor and pass a formal declaration of war, and this was during a time of much less developed communications and transportation. Even if the attack occurred during a recess, no Congresscritter is so far away from Washington that he or she couldn't come back for an emergency session in 24 hours.)
2.Such a declaration of war shall automatically trigger a nationwide draft of male and female citizens between the ages of 18 and 25, starting with the first and second-degree relatives of the president, the White House staff, the Cabinet, and the members of Congress.
(During World War II, President Roosevelt and most members of Congress had close relatives in the armed forces. During the Iraq War, only one Congressman did. If the Congresscritters do not think a war is important enough for their own children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews to fight, then it should not be fought. Would Bush have started the Iraq War if it had meant that Jenna and Barbara would be headed for boot camp?)