The war resolution that Kerry and Edwards voted for

Also, lest anyone forget, Senators Kerry and Edwards both voted for the Congressional resolution in October 2002 that authorized the president to use force against Iraq as he deemed necessary. Notwithstanding Kerry’s endlessly repeated lie on this matter, the resolution did not say or remotely imply that the president was only authorized to use force on the condition that he had assembled an international coalition against Iraq or that the United Nations Security Council supported military action. In fact, the resolution stipulated just the opposite. To proceed with the use of force, the president merely had to to inform the Congress that in his judgment further diplomatic means would not suffice to protect America’s national security or lead to enforcement of UN resolutions concerning Iraq.

Here is the relevant text:

(a) AUTHORIZATION- The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to

(1) defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and

(2) enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.

(b) PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION- In connection with the exercise of the authority granted in subsection (a) to use force the President shall, prior to such exercise or as soon thereafter as may be feasible, but no later than 48 hours after exercising such authority, make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that

(1) reliance by the United States on further diplomatic or other peaceful means alone either (A) will not adequately protect the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq or (B) is not likely to lead to enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq; and

(2) acting pursuant to this resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorists attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Posted by Lawrence Auster at January 25, 2004 11:30 PM | Send