The media frenzy over the Libyan leader Moammar Khadafy's war crimes, tactful and equally harmful, is to substantial to ignore. President Barack Obama on Tuesday expressed hope that Libya's opposition movement, given new protection by a U.S. led military mission, can organize itself to revive enough enthusiasm for political change and oust Moammar Gadhafi from power. In efforts to apply even more pressure on Gadhafi's army the United States and its coalition partners, including NATO allies and Arab states, are establishing a no-fly zone over Libya, with U.S. forces taking out Khadafy's air defense systems. A smart move and very promising, yet still has come under heavy opposition from Republicans. Democrats have also joined in. Arguing that the funding and preparation isn't secure enough to act against a regime unwilling to suspend attacks on civilian opposition in Libya.
After declaring President Obama's decision to order airstrikes on Libya a potential "impeachable offense," Ohio Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich is calling for an immediate halt to all funds for any further military action in the conflict.
"Now the immediate thing that Congress needs to do when it returns is to cut off any funds for continuing in Libya and I intend to bring forward such an amendment," Kucinich said to CNN, speaking on the Congressional recess. White House officials insist the President's actions are within the law, referencing a letter sent by Mr. Obama to House Speaker John Boehner. The letter explains the airstrikes are part of an international mission to enforce a "no-fly zone" authorized by a United Nations Security Council Resolution. The letter, the administration argues, satisfies the War Powers Act which requires the President to inform Congress within 48 hours of engaging in any military action.
Kucinich points to Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution which places the power to "declare war" in the hands of Congress.
"It is very clear that what President Obama did is beyond what the Constitution permits a president to do. That really isn't disputable," Kucinich argued.
In a series of interviews on Monday, Kucinich suggested the President could be impeached for his actions.
"Now, impeachment is a process. I haven't gotten into that. I raised the question as to whether or not he exceeded his authority and raising the question as to whether or not it is an impeachable offense," Kucinich said.
Whether or not Kucinich hasn't acted on the process of impeachment, why even bother mentioning it? Is he cognizant of the fact that Khadafy has literally been utilizing tanks and rumored to have even used snipers to prevent expansion of the opposition in Misrata. What Obama has done is nothing unfamiliar. Many of his predecessors have utilized the 48 hr rule. It amazes me how disillusioned agendas, especially in the government refuse to grasp the severity of situations. Honestly, Kucinich, wait after the congressional recess to deal with Libya?
The fact remains that America being a super power comes with obligations to our fellow nations. Obama has especially emphasized this in his campaign, rebuilding foreign relations. So this is a perfect opportunity. Not to mention what has happened in Egypt inadvertently has caused a rift between dictators and those oppressed. It seems as if though society as a whole, countries idealistically connected have regained that fervent belief in being free. If aiding and promoting opposition against regimes threatening a free society is not priority I don't know what is, on a global scale.
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