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Duplicitous Congressional Posturing on Libya - by Stephen Lendman
In Washington, hypocrisy and duplicity substitute for resolute action to obey international and constitutional law. In fact, they're mere artifacts long ago discarded to advance America's imperium.
All Washington's wars are illegal. International law permits them only in self-defense. Constitutional law only lets Congress, not the president, declare or wage them overtly, covertly or any other way for any reason unless America was attacked.
Moreover, the principle of non-intervention (a cornerstone of international law pertaining to national sovereignty) prohibits meddling in the internal affairs of other countries as stipulated in the UN Charter's Article 2 (7), stating:
"Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter; but this principle shall not prejudice the application of enforcement measures under Chapter VII," pertaining to threats to peace, its breaches, or acts of aggression.
These issues don't apply to America's wars against Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, and numerous proxy ones. Congress can easily stop them with a simple up or down vote to end funding, as well as another with teeth, holding the president accountable unless hostilities are immediately halted.
Moreover, so-called "humanitarian intervention" is modern-day colonialism dressed up in rhetorical mumbo jumbo to justify aggression. As a result, when America intervenes, it's for policy goals, not human rights, civil liberties, democratic values, or humanitarian priorities, presidents and lawmakers don't give a damn about and never did, abroad or at home.
Nonetheless, on June 15, Obama claimed legitimacy for America's war on Libya, telling Congress:
"The President is of the view that the current US military operations in Libya are consistent with the War Powers Resolution and do not under that law require further congressional authorization, because US military operations are distinct from the kind of 'hostilities' contemplated by the Resolution's 60 day termination provision."
Calling America's role "constrained," he added other duplicitously reasons for another illegal war against a nonbelligerent country.
Moreover, claiming War Powers Resolution authority is a red herring. It applies only to legal wars in self-defense as defined under international and constitutional laws. No exceptions apply. Presidents can't subvert them. Congress can hold them accountable by cutting off funding and impeachment for usurping illegal executive supremacy.
In fact, failure to do so violates the Constitution's Article VI, Clause 3 Oath of Office provision. The first Congress instituted a binding pledge, stating:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States."
In April 1861, Lincoln expanded it to include all federal civilian employees. In 1884, the modern version was enacted, stating:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
Virtually all congressional members violate constitutional law, governing contrary to this oath, rendering it null and void, thus making them complicit in presidential crimes, their rhetorical posturing notwithstanding.
