General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I'm astonished so many DUers are cool with ending Habeas Corpus [View all]DissedByBush
(3,342 posts)"by the Constitution, without the sanction of Congress, to go beyond the line of defense"
Congress has given its authorization.
"Although Congress never voted on a formal declaration of war, they did authorize the President to instruct the commanders of armed American vessels to seize all vessels and goods of the Pasha of Tripoli "
Siezing a vessel, especially in those days, is an act of war. Without a "formal declaration of war" Congress authorized wartime actions, and nobody had a problem with the constitutionality. If you doubt:
"and also to cause to be done all such other acts of precaution or hostility as the state of war will justify"
Whatever label they put on it, the important part is that Congress must authorize wars. That was done. Case closed.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to log off. I may be violating the Internet Posting Act of 2315 and don't want to get in trouble.