Arrogance Unbound

What is the most handy way for a president to circumvent checks and balances necessary for America to engage in foreign military action? Pretend they don't exist.

Of course, to do this you have to have a propaganda machine deeply within your pocket, champing at the bit to deflect all criticism as right-wing lunacy. And it helps to have formerly anti-war liberals and RINOs of the establishment defect to your cause.

The rationale behind the interjection of American military influence in Libya could be a lengthy discussion. The proposed presence of Al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood alone should be enough to warrant a detailed debate as to the merits our actions as they pertain to American interests. But like anthropogenic climate change, the left positions the discussion as "over" despite having never taken place. The verdict is in, and it says that Gaddafi must be out.

"Shoot first, ask questions later" seems to now be the policy of Barack Obama, Barbara Boxer, Nancy Pelosi, and John Kerry. For the latter to even have an influential opinion on American foreign intervention represents an enduring travesty for Congress, after having accused his fellow soldiers of fabricated crimes as a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War organization. But nonetheless, it's curious how quickly these former peaceniks have shifted position on foreign intervention to oust dictators since the Iraq War that had Congressional and international support.

And now Obama is suggesting that he doesn't need Congressional support to intervene in Libya; our efforts is too limited. But the fact is, regardless of how limited our role is in the war, it is costing a tremendous amount of American money and effort, and has now been going on for a substantial amount of time. And as our role in Libya shapes the perception of our nation, America and it's elected officials as a whole should be represented. Many of whom would disagree with his course of action.

Perhaps Barack Obama needs to be reminded that the country's path was never meant to be at his discretion alone. But somehow, I think he knows that. He just doesn't care.

William Sullivan