Libya: it's not a war if Americans can't get hurt

[xchrom]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/jun/22/libya-war-kinetic-military-action

The Obama administration has come up with a remarkable justification for going to war against Libya without the congressional approval required by the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

American planes are taking off, they are entering Libyan air space, they are locating targets, they are dropping bombs, and the bombs are killing and injuring people and destroying things. It is war. Some say it is a good war and some say it is a bad war, but surely it is a war.

Nonetheless, the Obama administration insists it is not a war. Why?

Because, according to "United States Activities in Libya", a 32-page report that the administration released last week, "U.S. operations do not involve sustained fighting or active exchanges of fire with hostile forces, nor do they involve the presence of U.S. ground troops, U.S. casualties or a serious threat thereof, or any significant chance of escalation into a conflict characterised by those factors."

[dipsydoodle]

1. Americans can't get hurt ?

That's what they thought prior to 11th September 2001 which had followed attacks in Afghanistan.

Americans can't get hurt ?

[MrDiaz]

2. I'm disappointed

That is something I would of expected from BUSH.

[formernaderite]

3. mhmmmm

so far Obama likes wars just as much as the last one.

[Poll_Blind]

4. What is the future? Is it using robot soldiers and flying drones to make endless war under...

...the supposed loophole that if Americans can't get hurt it's not war?

How 'bout if we blow somebody else's head off but we don't lose our own. Is that war?

PB

[Bonobo]

5. Worthy of Bush. Surprising and sad from Obama. nt

[Prometheus Bound]

6. My brave country Canada has dropped 240 bombs on Libya.

And we want to buy 1,300 more.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/05/25/240-canadian-bombs_n_867238.html

I can think of only one reason. To kill people. The no-fly zone was established long ago.

Doesn't it just make you proud to be a Canadian?

[xchrom]

7. i feel your pain. nt

[Aryo]

8. Days not weeks

I am so sick of being lied to.

[bigwillq]

9. K and R (nt)

[gratuitous]

10. Is this 32-page report getting any play stateside?

Because I have a sneaking suspicion that if another country was flying into our airspace, indiscriminately dropping bombs and firing missiles into population centers, we'd probably think it was an act of war on their part.

But not when we do it. Must be because we're so exceptional. Or our motives are pure. Or some other reason.

[bvar22]

11. That is TWISTED,

and very, VERY sick....beyond Orwellian,

and TOPS any rationalization the Bush administration ever invented to justify their actions.

[amborin]

12. K&R