Repeal power to declare war

Once again, Memorial Day wasn’t taken as an opportunity to reflect on the costs of war, not only in lost life and limb, but also to urge Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority to declare war. The Executive Branch has no constitutional authority to declare war, yet Presidents Bush and Obama have taken us into war without Congressional consent.

Many of us believe that war is not the answer, but until our country’s attitudes change, at a minimum, it is advisable that more citizens consider war a political choice they are involved in, not a fait accompli they must accept.

After 13 years of war in Iraq, what has been accomplished? Some voices are calling for a broader U.S. war in the Middle East. We can put the brakes on endless war by urging Congress to repeal the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force, which was passed just days after 9/11. Bush and Obama have used AUMF as their rationale to wage war outside the constraints of the Constitution.

Please contact Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and tell them to take back Congressional power to declare war by repealing the 2001 AUMF. That would be a good first step in honoring the men and women who lost their lives in the line of service.

Micki Jackson

Bellingham