A Radical Idea for the Congress

In defiance of a warning from President Obama not to use poison gas against its own citizens, the Syrian government has reputedly done so. Now the President must take some action or else the worldwide faith in the U.S. Government’s word will be severely eroded. He is seeking approval from Congress to initiate a “limited” military strike, and this presents a serious dilemma for Congresspersons.

The Republicans operate under a “go to war first, ask questions later” principle a la George Bush and the Iraq war. But they are also beholden to the tea party, hence the “If Obama is for it, we’re against it” rule.

The Democrats want to support their President, but they also remember that he was the anti-war activist who called the U.S. Government “the greatest purveyor of violence in the world,” which turned out to be a winning campaign strategy. In addition, some of the rebels are sympathetic to al Qaida, which raises the question whether the replacement government would be any better than the current regime. And they also fear the “slippery slope” possibility.

What to do, what to do?

Let’s take a look at the Constitution for a possible solution. The Preamble states that “We the People of the United States . . . establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Article I, Section 2 states “The House of Representatives shall be . . . chosen every second year by the people of the several states.” Amendment XVII states that “The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected by the people thereof.”

I could find no reference anywhere in the document which implies that Congresspersons answer to a political party, a tea party, a president, or any other institution. Neither could I find anything which indicates that the United States must act as the policeman for the world.

So I suggest that you try something new: represent your constituents, who, according to all polls, are opposed to intervention in the affairs of Syria. It’s your job. You are not smarter than they are; after all, the Constitution was created by the People, not by the Congress.

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My books, “There Are Only Seven Jokes” and “The Spirit Runs Through It” are available in paperback or Kindle at Amazon.