Lawmakers Sue President Obama Over “Illegal Libya War”

The illegal stuff only applies to Bush!

I bet you money Obama says it was Bush’s fault.

Can’t believe people are dumb enough to compare this to Bush. Bush, unlike Obama, asked for and received congressional approval. That congress had a democratic majority no less. If you don’t like Bush and for Obama that’s all fine but really making up BS is not acceptable.

And how much will this lawsuit cost taxpayers at a time when we’re suppose to be cutting costs? Will there be anyting to gain (a la Kenneth Starr)

For you libs bashing republicans for this lawsuit, Dennis Kucinich is a democrat.

I’m somewhat surprised any Republican would align himself with Kucinich…what a whack job! And Ajax, the War Powers Act is anything but “crystal clear” as you assert. There is a vast range of opinions amongst Constitutional scholars on the War Powers Act because of some of the nebulous language; in addition, some do not even think the War Powers Act IS constitutional. So if the experts can’t agree, what are we everyday folks supposed to think?

If we are to keep the Republic of the United States then we need to go back to checks and balances and remove the extra power that has been given to the executive branch over the past 3 presidential terms! The president MUST get consent of the Congress for any act of war on another country which includes no fly zones and sanctions! Obama recently ordered air strikes on Yemen and the mainstream media, which is controlled by the military industrial complex as well other corporate interests who support the power grabs and war for resources in in the Middle East, don’t seem to cover more of Obama’s egregious violation of the law by doing so…

Long past time. This administration is utterly lawless. They will do anything they please until stopped by force…either legal or physical.

I seem to remember a bunch of republicans screaming about how Obama was taking too long to enter into the conflict.
It’s just another waste of money.
Posted by: Debbie | Jun 15, 2011 12:45:46
HUH??? I dont remember that.

being from the UK i seem to remember us helping you guys out in an illegal war for oil, its only fair that you return the favour ;)

What happened to liberty, help the weak against tyrants, being a role model! Is this where we heading? Ignorance and by-stander?
Was it not the French who helped the American Revolution? How would you feel if France had to obtain approval from the Senate or National Assembly and were forced to pull out because of legality issues?
Remeber what Abraham Lincoln said: Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.
And believe me, no one is free when others are oppressed. As long as it is for the better good.

And weren’t the REPUBS the ones so damn eager to get in there and start dropping bombs….critisizing the Pres. for NOT doing so earlier?
Posted by: Matthew Smithfield | Jun 15, 2011 12:26:20 PM
Proof, please.

Matthew —– And if Bush would have done this without congresional approval?? — Aren’t we being a tad bit partisan?!?! — Obama knows he is wrong and needs to make a motion, but he is stalling to try to get whatever he wants accomplished first! — The BIG QUESTION is… just what are his goals??? — Europe gets their oil in Libya, not the US — Syria is even more of a humanitarian crisis, so why not there?? —- We need Obama to tell us his goal and ask for approval!!!

In support of Debbie’s comment which so many are reacting to: “It’s become the most ignored moment of the Libya story. On March 1, the United States Senate VOTED UNANIMOUSLY for a resolution calling for a no-fly zone from the United Nations. The Senate is on the record in favor of this action, at least before President Obama actually took action.” Look it up. Everywhere/anywhere. It’s on record.

The Constitution? What does the Constitution say about Reagan ILLEGALLY selling arms to the Iran contras?
Posted by: Matthew Smithfield | Jun 15, 2011 12:30:51 PM
Care to discuss Obama and Fast and Furious? Giving guns to Mexican drug cartels that has killed OUR border control officers?

Obama will not get my vote and financial support next time for going to grab oil in Lybia. North Korea was really smart to go for the big Bomb. It is the only way that scumbags like France will leave you alone and get off your back. Obama has joined the European rogues, who have raped and pillaged Africa since day one.

Just Libya? What about Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? We had no reason to go into Iraq except to save an Arab tyranny. Our punitive mission, in Afghanistan lasted ten years, and the perpetrator not caught till twelve years after his first appearance. Why? Think about all the monopolies that prosper from war and that gives you the answer. This is just more smoke and mirrors signifying nothing.
If they mean it then let the American people decide on all these wars by calling for a Nationwide Plebiscite to decide the issue! Vote on it; let the American people decide where our money is spent, especially on these wars of so-called security!

Could you imagine the uproar from the right wing media if ANYBODY sued Bush to stop his illegal invasion of Iraq?
Posted by: dan | Jun 15, 2011 2:50:34 PM
Why is it that libs always forget the small details, like BUSH RECEIVED CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL?
I did not favor the Iraqi war, but you can’t blame it all on Bush. The vote was bipartisan to enter the war. Hillary was right there voting for it.
The “uproar” is that Obama had time to go to NATO and the UN, but not Congress. He seems to forget what country he works for.

And Loyal, under the WPA he DOES have the power to provide SUPPORT for NATO. This is not a war…and he has one more day to decide if he’s going to go to Congress. The point is, isn’t it interesting that the Senate gave full approval for no-fly, but Republicans are having hairy conniptions? So, as of today, Obama has done nothing wrong. If you don’t like WPA, call your congressman.

“The “uproar” is that Obama had time to go to NATO and the UN, but not Congress. He seems to forget what country he works for.”
And the Euros are running out of ammo and pulling out. Not a joke.

Funny thing is, there was an article yesterday mentioning how interesting it is that this resolution received soooo little media attention.
Is it legal? No. But it does clearly demonstrate the hypocritical nature of what’s happening now.
Not to mention, IMO, they are ALL doing this bit for “show” – Congress will “start” a suit, the administration will respond and in the last moment it will all get settled with both sides patting themselves on the back.

ZAGGS, i’m fully well aware of the symbolic nature of the resolution. My point was that one of the houses was fully in support (almost badgering) of our involvement in Libya but nowwww, what with the GOP scrambling to find a viable candidate, they’re using Libya to grandstand.
It’s like telling your kid to stand up for himself to the bully and when he knocks the kid down and hurts him, trying to claim that you “never” told your child to “hit” him.

Dennis, Dennis, Dennis … We Ohioans have had to put up with Kucinich for over three decades now, and he has always proven to be a mixed blessing: a wonderful independent mind who often evinces incredibly poor timing or impractical judgement as often as not. His lawsuit is surely an action of conscience, and although I admire his courage such a lawsuit now simply seems to be more motivated by the fact that his seat in Congress is about to be voided due to a decease in our State’s population; i.e., an act of political desperation. I myself don’t think highly of the Lybian affair, but the UN sanctioned the no-fly zone, after all, so the operation is not the illegal war which Bush stated against Iraq. Sorry, Dennis. I personally have been behind you on several occasions, but I can’t be behind you on this.

“section 1543(a)(1) is particularly significant because it can trigger a 60 day time limit on the use of U.S. forces under section 1544(b).” Yes. And on the 60th day, Congress notified Obama they wanted to hear from him. The administration replied. THAT action set the clock ticking for a 30-day “grace period” (MY words) which expires tomorrow (or “very soon”). Therefore, Obama is, today, within his granted rights.

baronnightwolf — funny… but I never saw that section in the Constitution… or the War Powers Act… that allowed the UNITED NATIONS to authorize American troops into harn’s way!! — Please enlighten me!!

Okay Loyal, let’s accept that grandstanding is true for both parties: did I say it was good or bad for either party? No. My point was, this is being “used” right now by one side when this whole kerfuffle is really no big deal. Each side is taking the appropriate action required – filing the paperwork, if you will – but ONE side is broadcasting their actions to the public for political gain. To show how big and strong they are. Yet some of you here are making it an indictment of Obama, when you really don’t have all the facts, allowing yourselves to be led by the “show”. Look how many people had no idea that the entire Senate was supportive of action against Libya. I’m out. Lunch is over.

As a Democrat I am against all involvements of war in any other country, including libya, Iraq, and Afganistan for oil. Its ridiculous to sacrifice American lives for these people who hates us no matter how much we help them.

“So Mr. Kucinich and Jones, you would have us abandon NATO after we created it?…”
The sooner the better. NATO = US Forces. Let the Russians have Europe. They could be in Paris in a week if the US wasn’t there (8 days if they drink too much vodka).

Illegal war???? really? So, let me get this straight, Obama simply bombs, JUST bombs, a dictator that was IN THE PROCESS of mass murder of his people, AFTER getting the Arab league to agree, AFTER forming a NATO coalition and AFTER getting NATO to do the bulk of the work and NEVER putting one boot on the ground. THAT is “illegal” – an actual REAL REASON – save people from slaughtered BUT George Bush tells inspectors to get OUT of Iraq AFTER he decides, alone, without proof, without evidence, wihtout any ethnic or any kid of killing going on at all, at the time, NO REASON WHAT SO EVER to go to war, Bush goes in to a soveriegn country full throttle, air force, army, navy, TENS OF THOUSANDS of boots on the ground get five THOUSAND PLUS Americans killed for ZERO reason and nobody says ‘boo’ about that??? THAT was FINE< but Obama saving people from getting slaughtered with massive international help and approval, oh THAT is unforgivable?????? the hypocracy is freakn ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!

I seem to remember a bunch of republicans screaming about how Obama was taking too long to enter into the conflict.
It’s just another waste of money.
Posted by: Debbie | Jun 15, 2011 12:45:46
HUH??? I dont remember that.______________How would you. Too busy watching “Dancing with the stars?” The entire Republican camp was screaming that Obama was “dithering.” about Libya. Anything to make Obama look bad is OK with the GOP. Their hypocrisy is glaring.

________Care to discuss Obama and Fast and Furious? Giving guns to Mexican drug cartels that has killed OUR border control officers? POSTED BY: WHERESMYMONEY | JUN 15, 2011 2:26:40 PM_____________Oh, please, stop. You must be smoking something you have no business smoking.

(CNN)-Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin slammed the Obama administration for “dithering” on Libya

__________”section 1543(a)(1) is particularly significant because it can trigger a 60 day time limit on the use of U.S. forces under section 1544(b).” Yes. And on the 60th day, Congress notified Obama they wanted to hear from him. The administration replied. THAT action set the clock ticking for a 30-day “grace period” (MY words) which expires tomorrow (or “very soon”). Therefore, Obama is, today, within his granted rights. POSTED BY: PUPPYFEET217 | JUN 15, 2011 3:49:52 PM________This bogus law suit may be a stunt orchestrated by a Republican plant. A lot of the tea party bloggers on this board seem to think that Obama sat through law school, taught constitutional law for ten years, and became president without knowing anything about the law.

a 60 day time limit on the use of U.S. forces—there are no boots on the ground!!!! we aren’;t using any forces!!!! Duh!!!!! We use drones every now and then to help NATO while NATO uses THEIR forces you freakn idiots! You are DOUCHBAGS On this!! THEre are no words to express HOW LOW you have sunk on this one! You WILL PAY come 2012! He had over 70% approval to do something and he took our planes out of rotation to bombing long ago. I hope he b-slaps you HARD on his rebuttal and drags in bush and all his foregies, broken promises, inaccurate/lies/misinformations on leading us into and making excuses/lies to bring un into war with Iraq nevermind never getting Bin LAden when that was supposed tobe the ONLY reason for going into AFghanistan and FIVE YEARS OBL was in that house and bush never got him. Obama gets him in two. Wow. I mean, wow. I never thought you all could be THIS MUCH of dirt bad pond scum. Sueing Obama for saving people from being slaughtered. wow. HOpe you KNOW you are NOT Christians!!!!!

The Senate resolution is S. RES. 85, that was passed on March 1, 2011.
It can be found at thomas.loc.gov as are ALL bills and resolutions in both houses.
It’s not very long, so there is NO reason to not read it. Don’t rely on what other people tell you is in it. Read it for yourself.

what667, agreed! TSprague, I posted a link to the March 1 resolution earlier. You can’t believe how many people spout off without having all the information. And once you present the details, are so firmly entrenched they refuse to re-think, re-consider or simply say “I didn’t know about that.”

WantingBalance, who was talking about a UN resolution? Several of us are talking about the March 1 SENATE resolution in support of action against Libya…which belies the outrage that the HOUSE is blaring today.

“Kucinich is a Democrat. You were saying?”
Lying is lying. It doesn’t matter who is doing it.

Obama is not interested in the United States. Don’t listen to his words, look at his actions. He’s more interested in other countries than he is in Americans. He’d rather help feed people in other countries, versus feeding the poor in America. The Federal government has a mind of its’ own and no longer represents the American public.

Lying is lying. It doesn’t matter who is doing it.
Posted by: Tsprague | Jun 15, 2011 6:48:59 PM
But you stated that the GOP is “blatently lying.” Your Obama goggles are showing.

The US government encourages citizens in other countries to peacefully demonstrate against their governments and call for changes. Example: Egypt calling for the removal of Mubaric (poor spelling). What would happen if millions of Americans marched on DC and demanded for Obama to leave office. Could be Kent State University all over again! OUR government is increasingly becoming anti-American and extremely focused on world events. A bit radical I admit, but keep watching what they do and NOT what they say.

“I agree that the war in Libya was a necessary move and think the president did the right thing ….”
Posted by: wandering cowboy | Jun 15, 2011 4:57:52 PM
A necessary move? How so? We had no national interests in Libya and there was no imminent threat. Congress did not authorize our attacks on Libya, a sovereign country. This is clearly an illegal war.

“I did not favor the Iraqi war, but you can’t blame it all on Bush. The vote was bipartisan to enter the war. Hillary was right there voting for it.”
Posted by: wheresmymoney | Jun 15, 2011 3:01:07 PM
I remember Democratic members of Congress being interviewed and threatening to IMPEACH Bush if he DIDN’T go to war with Iraq.

“Why is it that libs always forget the small details, like BUSH RECEIVED CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL? ”
The approval was based on false information that the Bush Administration gave to Congress.
Your argument holds no water.

wheresmymoney posted “”Why is it that libs always forget the small details, like BUSH RECEIVED CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL?
….The vote was bipartisan to enter the war. Hillary was right there voting for it.”
Actually 60% of the Democrats in Congress voted against the war. Furthermore there are many of us who feel the War Powers Act should be declared unconstitutional. Our founding fathers were very clear who could declare war and under what circumstances they should declare it. They did NOT want the final decision to go to war left up to the President. It is the duty of Congress to ORDER the President to go to war. The Congress hasn’t declared war since WW II and look how many wars we’ve been in since.

But you stated that the GOP is “blatantly lying.” Your Obama goggles are showing.”
lol In what way is posting facts wearing Obama goggles? And what ARE Obama goggles?
If you mean that I don’t take every action that Obama does as being wrong, yes, I am wearing Obama goggles. If you mean that I don’t take everything Obama says as being wrong then, yes, I am wearing Obama goggles.
But I, also, freely admit that there are some things that I disagreed with that he didn’t do (like get rid of the Patriot Act). There were, also, things that he did that I agreed with (HCR Law, Stimulus, Auto company loans).
And I’m VERY upset with the Dem’s for not explaining what is happening. Like that the debt ceiling has NOTHING to do with future spending. It will be raised to pay the bills that have already been authorized. It’s either a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote. If you, or anyone else want budget cuts put it in the budget. Not in something that has already been approved.
NOBODY is all good, or all bad. Life just doesn’t work that way.

Justin posted “You didn’t invalidate my point. Some of the most aggressive proponents of going to war with Iraq were very prominent Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Robert Byrd.”
But your point was that the Democrats were EQUALLY eager to go to war with Iraq and that just isn’t the case.
You have brought up a point that supports my argument that the War Powers Act should be declared unconstitutional. Our founding fathers wanted the Congress to make the final decision to go to war. By using the WPA, people like Hillary can stand up and give speeches TO go to war to make herself look Presidential one second and later on when things started to go poorly it allowed her to stand up and blame Bush for going to war. The WPA makes it too easy for us to get into war after war after war after war………….

“What would happen if millions of Americans marched on DC and demanded for Obama to leave office.”
Since we have regular elections, which means that we are not, in any way, in the same situation as the country’s in the ME, what would be the point? You don’t like Obama? Don’t vote for him next year. That’s pretty simple.
If the majority of voters agree with you, then we get a different President. If the majority of voters disagree with you, we keep Obama as President.
I’m sorry, but I don’t see the problem. Other than you lost elections and are not accepting it. In no way does it mean that we need some kind of revolution in the this country. YOU LOST AN ELECTION! And you people are acting as though our country has been taken over by deep sea monsters. It hasn’t. At all. You simply lost an election.
Neither the right or the left want this country’s laws or Constitution changed. Neither the right or the left want our country to fail (although one of the talking heads has said that he wanted it). Both sides want unemployment lower, both sides want our most vulnerable citizens protected.
The difference, the ONLY difference, is how and when to do it. The left wants to wait until the economy is more stable. The right wants to do it right now. There are plus’s and minus’s to each side.
I happen to lean toward the left. I feel that enacting the drastic cuts that the right want to do will send out country into a depression. It will put millions more people out of work, because the cutbacks are cutting jobs, too.
We have had these deficit’s for over 30 years, they do not have to brought down all at once. While I agree that we have to bring the total down, I don’t agree that it has to be done right now. The lowering of our credit rating is not because of the amount of debt. It is because our Congress is extremely apart from each other on expenditures.

All I can say is they are totally lost on priorities. Unemployment, Economy and nothing being done. Go figure. They are all losers in my book.

The above comments overwhelmingly are reguritations of misinformation from misinformation sources. Big news (misinformation sources) have a terrible record of predicting future events (just go back in time to review their stuff) so why argue based upon what they present on T.V., newspapers, or their internet sites??? Truth is worth the large amount of time and effort required to find it. Those that have the time to post the above comments should take that time instead to research from many VARIOUS sources online (or if possible.. IN PERSON) what they are focused on. If you have superior logic, analysis, etc. to mine here, please post that…

All you Bush did this and Bush did that Libs and lefties where are you today?? Why is not Shehan parked at Obama’s house? Where is John Kerry and Jane Fonda? If this is an illegal war where are you you fat mouthed criers? Man if it does not suit your agenda to make news then you sit back and get fat waiting for some one to b—- about.

The man Obama is just trying his best to protect his people in which ever way he can. If we are threatened by other outer forces in such ways would you sit back and watch your country, people, and family sit in fear? I sure as hell wouldn’t. I would defend my people the best I know how. And fight my heart out for you all. And i dont care if i die doing it. Most of us take for granit that we are a country together. We must support our cause not shame it for a load of money.

its funny how Republicans like Gingrich were bitching up a storm about how this “incompetent” adminstration wasn’t doing enough to get Kaddaffi out of power…labeling Obama as an appeaser and whatnot…now that we’ve used NATO to launch strikes against Kaddafi’s forces, Republicans are now bitching about this “illegal war”
…truly disgusting how the GOP has been playing politics with EVERY issue that faces the nation…making it almost impossible to get anything done…Republicans are holding the country hostage with their petty political games.

There were actually 2 events that happened in US history that have to do with this: 1) 1862 the passing of the Lieber Code by Lincoln, and 2)FDR declaring a National Emergency in 1934. The Lieber Code declared that the country is under Military Juridiction until released and the national emergency until released. Since there was never a peace treaty to the Civil War or notification of the end of the National Emergency have they ever been lifted. The Gov’t is not obligied to tell us. This was the main reason FOR the War Powers Act and it still never sorted it out. So the main question is, IS THE CONSTITUTION STILL SUSPENDED?

A Pentagon memo shows that the cost of America’s involvement in the war in Libya is around $2 million per day, putting the cost well ahead of previous estimates of $40 million a month to more like $60 million a month. Antiwar
WAR CRIMES and Bush and his NWO are running Obama and The Racist crap card.Obama has been set up for the fall of USA.