An Issue I'd Like to See Discussed....

Many important questions regarding government and policy are never broached during presidential campaigns. While we quibble over trivial issues, serious ones are ignored. For example, every time I hear mention of the "war" in Iraq or the "war" in Afghanistan or a potential "war" in Iran, I shudder. The founders expressly placed the power of declaring war in the hands of the members of Congress. Why? Because the members of Congress are accountable to the people every two years (or at least, all of the representatives and one third of the senators are). The founders thought the members of Congress would be less willing to send citizens to war if they had to answer to the electorate in short order. But since World War II, U.S. presidents have usurped this power. Now, we have a situation in which Bush sends the troops to the war, the people indicate dissatisfaction with the policy, and the Congress, the branch most responsive to the people, is impotent. This situation could be avoided if the power of declaring war is placed back in the hands of Congress. Will any presidential candidate address this issue? I've sent an email to the Obama campaign and await his response. Similar emails to the Clinton and McCain campaigns are forthcoming.