"I'm not saying that we have signed any treaties that require us to get the U.N.'s permission to go to war, but if we did, there is nothing in the Constitution to prohibit it."
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Richard....
I disagree and believe that the Constitution reserves the right to declare war solely to congress (actual declaration of war) or the President as commander in chief of the armed forces has the power to deploy troops and engage an enemy at his discretion. It has been held before by the Supreme Court that the branches of government cannot give up powers and responsibilities given them by the Constitution.
But all this is academic. If we decided to go to war against Saddam's regime, we most certainly have the right to do so - and in this particular instance I believe it is the correct thing to do, although I would prefer that we at least try to get some partners in the venture. I personally believe that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional and the President has the power to act on his own, but it would not be a good idea from a political standpoint in this instance, and getting the approval of Congress would be best.
mlsoft