Yesterday, President Obama asked Congress to authorize the use of military force against ISIS.
Am I mistaken, or haven’t we been dropping bombs on them for several months now? And am I somehow wrong in believing that dropping bombs constitutes military force?
Of course, to this President and others before him, it doesn’t seem to matter. In fact, at the same time Obama asked Congress for authorization, he made it clear that he doesn’t really think he needs that authorization.
Given the President’s view — again, a view shared by his predecessors, it’s obvious that his request to Congress has nothing to do with following the Constitution and the law. Rather, it is entirely about wanting Congress to share the blame if this latest military campaign doesn’t turn out well.
What’s missing in all this is a real and serious discussion in Washington about a plan, and a real debate about whether the bombs we are dropping are making us safer.
That’s one of the many reasons why, before next year’s elections, we must insure that the Presidential Debates are real debates that include not just the Republican and Democrat candidates — who will likely agree with one another that dropping bombs on ISIS is a good plan. And that’s why Our America needs your help in our fight to change the debates.
Imagine a presidential debate in which a candidate actually raised the question: “As much their barbarism and cruelty deserve punishment, is dropping bombs in Syria and Iraq actually making America more secure and Americans here at home more safe?” What if someone reminded voters that the vow to “destroy” ISIS sounds a lot like the vows to destroy the Taliban and Al Qaeda — both of which are thriving today, despite the thousands of military lives lost and hundreds of billions of dollars spent in our attempts at destruction.
None of the politicians who dominate the airwaves today are asking those questions — or demanding answers to them. REAL Presidential Debates would change that. Will you help us accomplish that change with a contribution today at Our America’s Debate Challenge?
I’m counting on your help. Together, we can change the debates — and change America.
Thank you.
Gov. Gary Johnson
Honorary Chairman
P.S. Last night, I joined Neil Cavuto on Fox Business to talk about the federal government’s ever-increasing interference in state issues. You can watch it here: Cavuto: States rebel against feds