At least some in Congress care about Obama’s usurpation of warmaking power

This evening Politico reports:

President Barack Obama is facing growing anger from lawmakers who believe he overstepped his authority by launching missile strikes into Libya without first seeking the consent of Congress.

The criticism is from all directions: from moderates, like Sens. Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Dick Lugar (R-Ind.); from those on the far left and right, like Reps. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) and Ron Paul (R-Texas), who believe the president acted outside the Constitution; and from the establishment on both sides, including House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson of Connecticut and Republican Rep. Candice Miller of Michigan, a self-described “hawk.”

Notice any names missing from that catalogue? The Republican leaders. Speaker Boehner’s mild criticism of the president for making war on a foreign government without consulting Congress was milquetoast, it carried no force at all, it was clear the issue of constitutionality didn’t matter to him, because all he really cares about is being the world’s democracy spreader. No everyone is so indifferent to tyranny in our own country. Sen. Cornyn said that Obama is treating the Congress like “a potted plant,” while Rep. Walter Jones, a Republican from North Carolina, said, “We’re neutered as a Congress. It’s like we don’t exist.” That’s what Boehner should have said (though more grammatically).

Posted by Lawrence Auster at March 22, 2011 12:31 AM | Send