Having used the War Powers Act to ignore the Constitution, Obama now ignores the War Powers Act

[Karmadillo]

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/05/white-house-on-war-powers-deadline-limited-us-role-in-libya-means-no-need-to-get-congressional-autho.html

White House on War Powers Deadline: 'Limited' US Role in Libya Means No Need to Get Congressional Authorization
Jake Tapper

In an effort to satisfy those arguing he needs to seek congressional authorization to continue US military activity in accordance with the War Powers Resolution, President Obama wrote a letter to congressional leaders this afternoon suggesting that the role is now so “limited” he does not need to seek congressional approval.

“Since April 4,” the president wrote, “U.S. participation has consisted of: (1) non-kinetic support to the NATO-led operation, including intelligence, logistical support, and search and rescue assistance; (2) aircraft that have assisted in the suppression and destruction of air defenses in support of the no-fly zone; and (3) since April 23, precision strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles against a limited set of clearly defined targets in support of the NATO-led coalition's efforts.”

<edit>

From the beginning of the U.S. military intervention in Libya, the Obama administration has cited the 1973 War Powers Act as the legal basis of its ability to conduct military activities for 60 days without first seeking a declaration of war from Congress. The military intervention started on March 19; Congress was notified on March 21. Those 60 days expire today.

more...

[ixion]

1. k/r

despite the 'stay on message' unrec crew...

[TheWraith]

2. Such made up bullshit.

People trying to ignore the fact that there are no longer any US planes involved in Libya, no US combat forces of any kind, no missile strikes, no support guns... zilch.

[uppityperson]

5. Seriously, they are reaching and it gets very old

[guruoo]

6. I've overheard the same

'Obama...Libya...Obama...unconstitutional...Obama...illegal...Obama...too-many-wars'
yaddayadda at work from our resident RWers.

[G_j]

7. funny how Rachel was saying that exact thing a few days ago

RW?

[guruoo]

8. Video: 'Maddow And O’Donnell Praise Obama’s Libya Speech'

YAWN
Google - rachel maddow obama libya
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&biw=1600&bih=725&q=rachel+maddow+obama+libya&aq=0&aqi=g1&aql=f&oq=Rachel+maddow+obama+libya&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=1481dff27c4bff55


Maddow And O’Donnell Praise Obama’s Libya Speech, Compare To Nobel Prize Message
video
by Frances Martel | 9:19 pm, March 28th, 2011

President Barack Obama finally provided the nation with a long-form explanation of his decision to enter the fray in Libya tonight, and despite the many critiques from the left on opening up yet another warfront for America, the reception to his statements from Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell tonight was overwhelmingly positive. While O’Donnell focused on how practical Obama presented the mission, Maddow appreciated his focus on greater national interests.

Among the most prominent concerns on both the left and right with the intervention in Libya was the fact that the revolts there did not happen in a vacuum– Syria, Tunisia, Morocco, Yemen, and other Middle Eastern nations also face similar conflict, and many wondered whether stepping into one fight would necessitate further action elsewhere. President Obama’s speech tonight eliminated that possibility for both Maddow and O’Donnell. “We looked at this theater of war and decided we could win here,” O’Donnell paraphrased, highlighting how practical the president made the mission sound, and how much he emphasized the humanitarian and not political side of the effort.

Maddow agreed, noting that the speech’s main goal was to distinguish Libya from Syria, Yemen, et al. Noting in particular the possibilities of an influx of refugees as well as credibility with the UN as points the President was correct to emphasize, Maddow noted that all these issues legitimized the effort. What’s more, the speech to her solidified the very America perspective that there is “human value that transcends politics,” and in this she surprisingly compared it to President Bush’s second inaugural address, praising the latter.

Maddow also compared the speech to President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize award speech, much to O’Donnell’s chagrin, and concluded that the former echoed the latter significantly. “He was making the same case,” she asserted, to his benefit.

[G_j]

9. that's nice

however, a few nights ago she explained how Obama was on the verge of breaking the law.
:shrug:

[guruoo]

17. Can't find it.

Don't watch TV, so I didn't catch it.
However, I'd bet she was most likely posing it as a question,
as opposed to drawing a conclusion.
I've researched this to death, and the whole issue is quite legally convoluted.
That's why I recommend that it be taken before SCOTUS for a definitive ruling.

[guruoo]

11. Video: Maddow - Obama on Libya consistent with past positions

Video: Obama on Libya consistent with past positions
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/42315001#42315001

[guruoo]

12. Maddow-Hayes: gop struggles to oppose obama

Video:
Chris Hayes, Washington editor of The Nation, talk with Rachel Maddow about how the U.S. role in military action in Libya is playing out politically at home, particularly with Republicans who are trying to find a way to criticize President Obama
http://www.clicker.com/tv/the-rachel-maddow-show/gop-struggles-to-oppose-obama-without-contradiction-1558624/

[guruoo]

13. And from someone named "Federaljacktube4": Video: Rachel Maddow Shills For Obama

MEDIA FAIL: Rachel Maddow Shills For Obama ...
15 min - Mar 29, 2011 - Uploaded by Federaljacktube4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp5ISIzN_BA

[Exilednight]

10. Maybe you missed you this part

“Since April 4,” the president wrote, “U.S. participation has consisted of: (1) non-kinetic support to the NATO-led operation, including intelligence, logistical support, and search and rescue assistance; (2) aircraft that have assisted in the suppression and destruction of air defenses in support of the no-fly zone; and (3) since April 23, precision strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles against a limited set of clearly defined targets in support of the NATO-led coalition's efforts.”

[joshcryer]

16. There hasn't been a drone strike in almost a month. Nice try though.

[Exilednight]

18. Two days ago the global post reported that US warships took part in an attack on Libyan ports. So

this presents a choice, I can believe a news agency, or my government? My government has lied to me more than anyone else.

[StarburstClock]

3. The U.S. created and maintains torture camps, laws and acts do not matter

Nor does most forms of reality, it's mostly created by propaganda writers and repeated by media robots.

[Angry Dragon]

4. Empire builders have no need of rules

[indepat]

14. Well, junior clarified that the Constitution is just a piece of paper and I do not recall vociferous

condemnation of his contemptuous disrespect and disregard for this piece of paper his oath of office required him to preserve, protect, and defend. :patriot:

[joshcryer]

15. Name *one* example of US hostilities currently happening in Libya.

Good fucking luck.