Sal316's Journal - "He determines". Two words that changed America.

So, there I am, involved in a discussion about the Iraq war on another board, looking up the AUMF to use as a hammer to defeat a neocon talking point that the AUMF made the Iraq war legal when it hit me.

It is.

Believe me, it causes me no joy to admit this, as it goes against everything in me. Before I don my flame-retardant suit, allow me to explain.

From the AUMF (Public Law 107-40) itself:

SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.

(a) IN GENERAL- That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons.

FindLaw Link

Did you see it?

No?

Read it again.

There are two words in there that make "The Decider" the ultimate arbiter of 'Murikan justice around the world.

"He determines".

It doesn't matter what the facts are, what the truth is, or anything. The only thing that matters is what 'he determines'.

I, personally, am ashamed that it has taken me nearly five and a half years to catch this. I feel as if I've been hit in the gut. Somehow our elected Senators voted to give the Dunce a big hammer to smash whomever 'he determines'. There are no provisions for evidence, fact, consultation, or confirmation in the AUMF.

"He determines".... and flushed this country down the toilet.