http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2006/01/10/DI2006011001265.htmlFriday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. ET
"The Powers of War and Peace"
The Constitution and Foreign Affairs after 9/11
John Yoo
Professor of Law, University of California at Berkeley School of Law
Friday, January 13, 2006; 1:00 PM
"The Powers of War and Peace," by John Yoo (Courtesy University of Chicago Press)
Opponents of the the war in Iraq has often includes the argument that President Bush lacked the constitutional authority to wage the war. Legal scholar John Yoo wrote a secret memo to then White House counsel Alberto Gonzales which argued that the executive had the right to use military force preemptively against terrorists or nations that harbored them. In his new book, "The Powers of War and Peace: The Constitution and Foreign Affairs after 9/11," Yoo outlines a defense of his position and examines constitutional history and the Framers' intent for presidential power. "The Powers of War and Peace" also looks at the role of Congress in the funding the use of military forces overseas.
John Yoo, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley School of Law and former counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee, will be online Friday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. ET to discuss his new book, "The Powers of War and Peace: The Constitution and Foreign Affairs after 9/11."
Submit your questions and comments before or during today's discussion.
Here's mine:
Professor Yoo, James Madison takes issue with your view point:
"Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. In war, too, the discretionary power of the Executive is extended; its influence in dealing out offices, honors, and emoluments is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds, are added to those of subduing the force, of the people. . . . <There is also an> inequality of fortunes, and the opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war, and . . . degeneracy of manners and of morals. . . . No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. . . ."
How do you respond to President Madison?