Obama Would Veto ‘Forever War’ Language in Defense Bill

[jefferson_dem]

Obama Would Veto ‘Forever War’ Language in Defense Bill
Susan Crabtree

The White House is threatening to veto the annual must-pass House Defense Authorization bill over language dramatically expanding the president's power to wage the war on terror indefinitely, among other provisions.

In addition, the administration for the first time, is threatening to veto the bill over language limiting his ability to transfer detainees overseas or try them in civilian court.

Now that Osama bin Laden is dead, House Republicans, led by Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA), are attempting to update the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force -- the legal underpinning of the war on terror -- so it doesn't phase out as the connection between existing terrorist groups and the September 11 attacks themselves becomes more and more tenuous over time.

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The new language jettisons references to September 11, and instead focuses on the authorization on "armed conflict with al-Qaeda, the Taliban and associated forces," though "associated forces" is not defined. It replaces the authority to target "organizations" and "persons" domestically with the power to target "all entities that continue to pose a threat to the United States and its citizens, both domestically and abroad."

Progressive Democrats and anti-war activists argue that the looser language will allow the President to initiate military action even more broadly, and without the consent of Congress -- effectively perpetuating the war indefinitely.

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http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/obama-would-veto-forever-war-language-in-defense-bill.php

[Wilms]

1. There ya go. Like THAT!

[jenmito]

2. How 'bout that? I thought he was down with the "MIC." n/t

[msongs]

3. if your'e going to perpetuate the police state, might as well have a forever war too nt

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

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[jefferson_dem]

6. Oh good lord...

That's such a stretch... Just admit it. You despise Obama and will never say you agree with anything he does as president.

[Vattel]

5. That's a positive sign.

I'm not sure anymore what his position is on whether he even needs Congressional authorization to take military action, but I'm glad he doesn't want the Congress to authorize perpetual war.

[Adam Notsmith]

7. Wimp!

:sarcasm:

[ZombieHorde]

8. I am honestly surprised to read this after his indefinite detention speech. nt

[boppers]

9. Hm. Makes sense.

"all entities that continue to pose a threat to the United States and its citizens, both domestically and abroad"... has waaaay too many possible interpretations.

[Martin Eden]

10. Glad to hear it. n/t