Does ISIS understand great forces will soon align against them?

[aristotle]

In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation authorizing the construction of the US Military Academy at West Point,NY to ensure our fledgling nation would have a professional officer corps. With the vast territorial expansion gained by the Louisiana Purchase, Jackson Purchase and subsequent acquisitions, it became clear the United States was developing into a continental nation. Some have called this rapid growth "manifest destiny." Our early leaders realized a mighty empire was springing up from sea to shining sea. As our nation's role and responsibility in the world grew, our nation's military grew to meet its obligations. A mighty nation requires a mighty military. There are no examples where the reverse is true.

 

[rollincoal]

Protecting our own country is one thing. Starting never ending wars against manufactured, real and imaginary, enemies is another thing altogether. It's been 25 years of on again off again with Iraq. No end in sight. ISIS, an enemy we manufactured is the pretext for invading Syria toppling a regime unfriendly to us and more sympathetic with the Russians. Anyone really want to go out on a limb and suggest we have a need to meddle in Syrian affairs or install a new puppet regime there? We're fighting a covert proxy war against Russia in the Ukraine right now. They're dangerously close to pushing that one into a hot war. Do you have an interest one way or another in Ukrainian politics? I don't think you can use the founding fathers as justification for this type of practically criminal policy that is bankrupting our great nation and has already ripped to shreds it's constitution. I somehow doubt Jefferson would see the need to go fight wars in Syria or Ukraine.

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[aristotle]

Protecting our own country is one thing. Starting never ending wars against manufactured, real and imaginary, enemies is another thing altogether. It's been 25 years of on again off again with Iraq. No end in sight. ISIS, an enemy we manufactured is the pretext for invading Syria toppling a regime unfriendly to us and more sympathetic with the Russians. Anyone really want to go out on a limb and suggest we have a need to meddle in Syrian affairs or install a new puppet regime there? We're fighting a covert proxy war against Russia in the Ukraine right now. They're dangerously close to pushing that one into a hot war. Do you have an interest one way or another in Ukrainian politics? I don't think you can use the founding fathers as justification for this type of practically criminal policy that is bankrupting our great nation and has already ripped to shreds it's constitution. I somehow doubt Jefferson would see the need to go fight wars in Syria or Ukraine.

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I was responding to the statement asserting the US was never intended to have a standing army, when in fact we have had one from the early days of this republic. As the nation grew, our military grew. Read up on "American exceptionalism" as the US has a rather unique history of meteoric growth from a few colonies to a vast and mighty nation.

War is a prominent characteristic of human history. Humans are disputatious. War will always be with us. It is Pollyannish to think otherwise. Understanding this fact of life, we must build and maintain a military second to none. When a US President feels compelled to respond to a threat to ourselves or an ally, that's the way the American system operates.

 

[rollincoal]

I'm not opposed to war per se. Nor foolish enough to think we can all embrace and sing kumbahyah. What I am opposed to is the blatant abuse of power the executive gets away with. They can go start a war anywhere for any reason and are not accountable. It's rotten and corrupt. Not what is outlined in our founding documents.

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[aristotle]

I'm not opposed to war per se. Nor foolish enough to think we can all embrace and sing kumbahyah. What I am opposed to is the blatant abuse of power the executive gets away with. They can go start a war anywhere for any reason and are not accountable. It's rotten and corrupt. Not what is outlined in our founding documents.

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I agree our Executive branch has consolidated too much power unto itself. I would be all for a vigorous debate in Congress before undertaking serious military action. The recent trend of the executive branch doing pretty much as it pleases needs to be stopped in its tracks. Congress has failed in its duty to keep the Executive branch in check. So, Obama will announce tomorrow night his plan to confront ISIS. Do not expect Obama to ask Congress for a vote to approve military action.

 

[rollincoal]

And so it continues. Obama will announce tonight, without the need for congressional approval, that he's going to order air strikes in Syria. Against a group armed, funded, and trained directly or indirectly by us. Ain't that just the craziest thing when you think about it? He's using the same dictatorial powers as when he ordered military strikes to topple the Libyan government a few years ago. So Syria will likely join Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and others as another failed nation state. Thanks to our policy. To what end is all of this? And what purpose does it serve?

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[davekc]

I'm not opposed to war per se. Nor foolish enough to think we can all embrace and sing kumbahyah. What I am opposed to is the blatant abuse of power the executive gets away with. They can go start a war anywhere for any reason and are not accountable. It's rotten and corrupt. Not what is outlined in our founding documents.

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We shouldn't be surprised. Too many are focused on getting free stuff to notice. He is doing what he has always been doing. He bypasses Congress on pretty much anything. He will act alone here because democrats don't want this on their record. Pretty simple. Will be no different when the immigration overhaul comes after the midterm elections.

 

[layoutshooter]

He is acting alone because he has NO regard for the People OR the Constitution. They are just in his way. He does NOT believe in our way of life, or our laws, and we are letting him get away with it.