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Dead Constitution See other Dead Constitution Articles Title: Obama Intends Lawless Aggression on Syria Obama Intends Lawless Aggression on Syria by Stephen Lendman On Saturday, he replicated John Kerry's Colin Powell moment. He lied like he always does. His war plans were delayed. They're not deterred. They're not halted. Obama plans aggressive war on Syria. He does so with or without Security Council and/or congressional approval. On August 31, a White House Office of the Press Secretary release reported his remarks. It headlined "Statement by the President on Syria," saying: "Ten days ago, the world watched in horror as men, women and children were massacred in Syria in the worst chemical weapons attack of the 21st century." "Yesterday the United States presented a powerful case that the Syrian government was responsible for this attack on its own people." "Our intelligence shows the Assad regime and its forces preparing to use chemical weapons, launching rockets in the highly populated suburbs of Damascus, and acknowledging that a chemical weapons attack took place." "And all of this corroborates what the world can plainly see - hospitals overflowing with victims; terrible images of the dead." "All told, well over 1,000 people were murdered. Several hundred of them were children - young girls and boys gassed to death by their own government." Fact Check Syria's government had nothing to do with August 21's chemical weapons attack. Obama, Kerry and other administration officials know it. They lied claiming otherwise. Western-enlisted death squads bear full responsibility. Clear evidence proves it. Obama's on track for more war. He plans lawless aggression. He does so based on lies. All wars are based on them. This time's no different. "This attack is an assault on human dignity," said Obama. "It also presents a serious danger to our national security." "It risks making a mockery of the global prohibition on the use of chemical weapons." "It endangers our friends and our partners along Syria’s borders, including Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq." "It could lead to escalating use of chemical weapons, or their proliferation to terrorist groups who would do our people harm." "In a world with many dangers, this menace must be confronted." Fact Check Reckless US policies endanger world security. Indeed this "menace" must be confronted. It's internally generated. It emanates from USA. Stopping it matters most. "Now, after careful deliberation, I have decided that the United States should take military action against Syrian regime target," Obama said. "This would not be an open-ended intervention. We would not put boots on the ground. Instead, our action would be designed to be limited in duration and scope." "But I'm confident we can hold the Assad regime accountable for their use of chemical weapons, deter this kind of behavior, and degrade their capacity to carry it out." "Our military has positioned assets in the region. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs has informed me that we are prepared to strike whenever we choose." "Moreover, the Chairman has indicated to me that our capacity to execute this mission is not time- sensitive; it will be effective tomorrow, or next week, or one month from now. And I'm prepared to give that order." Fact Check Waging war on Syria constitutes lawless aggression. International law is clear and unequivocal. No nation may attack another except in self-defense. It can only do so until the Security Council acts. It has final say. Presidents have no authority to wage war unilaterally. The Constitution's Article I, Section 8 affords warmaking powers solely to Congress. It can't declare war without Security Council authorization. It's not forthcoming. Russian and Chinese opposition assure it. Obama said he'll consult Congress. It doesn't matter. He'll wage war whether it approves or not. He'll do it without Security Council authorization. He's already a war criminal multiple times over. He'll add another crime to his rap sheet. Doing so may embroil the entire region. Global war might follow. It doesn't matter. It bears repeating. Advancing America's imperium counts most. "But having made my decision as Commander-in-Chief based on what I am convinced is our national security interests, I'm also mindful that I'm the President of the world's oldest constitutional democracy," Obama said. "I've long believed that our power is rooted not just in our military might, but in our example as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people." "And that's why I've made a second decision: I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people's representatives in Congress." "Over the last several days, we've heard from members of Congress who want their voices to be heard." "I absolutely agree. So this morning, I spoke with all four congressional leaders, and they've agreed to schedule a debate and then a vote as soon as Congress comes back into session." "In the coming days, my administration stands ready to provide every member with the information they need to understand what happened in Syria and why it has such profound implications for America's national security." "And all of us should be accountable as we move forward, and that can only be accomplished with a vote." Fact Check Attacking Syria has nothing to do with protecting US national security. Syria doesn't threaten America. Obama lied suggesting otherwise. America's no democracy. It never was. It's not now. It's government solely of, by and for wealth, power and privilege. Popular interests are entirely excluded. Full-blown tyranny approaches. Obama bears full responsibility. He represents the worst of rogue leadership. He exceeded Bush's most egregious crimes. He's got more in mind to commit. He plans lots more mass killing and destruction. Impeaching him is a national imperative. He's more despot than democrat. He belongs in prison, not high office. "I'm confident in the case our government has made without waiting for U.N. inspectors," he said. "I'm comfortable going forward without the approval of a United Nations Security Council that, so far, has been completely paralyzed and unwilling to hold Assad accountable." "As a consequence, many people have advised against taking this decision to Congress, and undoubtedly, they were impacted by what we saw happen in the United Kingdom this week when the Parliament of our closest ally failed to pass a resolution with a similar goal, even as the Prime Minister supported taking action." "Yet, while I believe I have the authority to carry out this military action without specific congressional authorization, I know that the country will be stronger if we take this course, and our actions will be even more effective." Fact Check Obama's only authority is what he usurps. He does it lawlessly. He's waging war on humanity. He's the greatest menace of our time. He threatens world peace. "We should have this debate, because the issues are too big for business as usual," he said. "And this morning, John Boehner, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell agreed that this is the right thing to do for our democracy." Fact check UN investigators are analyzing whether evidence of toxic chemicals use was found. Their report will exclude attribution. It doesn't matter either way. Obama already made up his mind. He plans war on Syria with or without Security Council and/or congressional authorization. Doing so's a criminal act. It constitutes lawless aggression. "A country faces few decisions as grave as using military force, even when that force is limited," said Obama. "I respect the views of those who call for caution, particularly as our country emerges from a time of war that I was elected in part to end." "But if we really do want to turn away from taking appropriate action in the face of such an unspeakable outrage, then we just acknowledge the costs of doing nothing." "Here's my question for every member of Congress and every member of the global community: What message will we send if a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price?" "What's the purpose of the international system that we've built if a prohibition on the use of chemical weapons that has been agreed to by the governments of 98 percent of the world's people and approved overwhelmingly by the Congress of the United States is not enforced?" "Make no mistake - this has implications beyond chemical warfare." "If we won't enforce accountability in the face of this heinous act, what does it say about our resolve to stand up to others who flout fundamental international rules?" "To governments who would choose to build nuclear arms? To terrorist who would spread biological weapons? To armies who carry out genocide?" "We cannot raise our children in a world where we will not follow through on the things we say, the accords we sign, the values that define us." "So just as I will take this case to Congress, I will also deliver this message to the world." "While the UN investigation has some time to report on its findings, we will insist that an atrocity committed with chemical weapons is not simply investigated, it must be confronted." "I don't expect every nation to agree with the decision we have made. Privately we’ve heard many expressions of support from our friends." "But I will ask those who care about the writ of the international community to stand publicly behind our action." "And finally, let me say this to the American people: I know well that we are weary of war." "We've ended one war in Iraq. Were ending another in Afghanistan." "And the American people have the good sense to know we cannot resolve the underlying conflict in Syria with our military." "In that part of the world, there are ancient sectarian differences, and the hopes of the Arab Spring have unleashed forces of change that are going to take many years to resolve." "And that's why we’re not contemplating putting our troops in the middle of someone else's war." "Instead, we'll continue to support the Syrian people through our pressure on the Assad regime, our commitment to the opposition, our care for the displaced, and our pursuit of a political resolution that achieves a government that respects the dignity of its people." "But we are the United States of America, and we cannot and must not turn a blind eye to what happened in Damascus." Fact Check Obama lied claiming Assad used chemical weapons. Clear evidence proves otherwise. Insurgent terrorists used them multiple times. They used them on August 21 in Ghouta. Previous articles explained. Who gave America the right to be the world's policeman? Who appointed Obama judge, jury and executioner? Who lets any leader operate extrajudicially? Who permits circumventing inviolable rule of law principles? Who decided waging war is just? Who gave America the right to target one country after another? Who permits doing so based on lies? Big Lies launch wars. Syria's an authoritarian government. Assad's no dictator. In early 2012, he ordered a new Constitution drafted. It was put to a national referendum. Despite opposition boycotts, 89.4% of eligible voters approved it. Another 9% opposed. A scant 1.2% of ballots were invalid. The Constitution includes 157 articles. They include real reforms. Political pluralism was established for the first time. So was press freedom. Presidential term limits are mandated. Western officials derided what happened. Media scoundrels regurgitated their condemnation. They suppressed good news. They did again after first time ever parliamentary elections. It was a milestone political event. Independent candidates participated. Voting went smoothly. Independent monitors supervised the process. They included intellectuals, legislators and judicial authorities. They came from other countries. Ba'ath party members won a 60% majority. Previously they held just over 50% control. With support from independent MPs, they comprise 90% of Syria's parliament. Opposition party members were also elected. Washington called elections farcical. US and other Western reports mocked them. They vilified legitimate democratic change. They want subservient puppet governance running Syria. They want Syrians having no say. "Out of the ashes of world war, we built an international order and enforced the rules that gave it meaning," said Obama. "And we did so because we believe that the rights of individuals to live in peace and dignity depends on the responsibilities of nations. We aren’t perfect, but this nation more than any other has been willing to meet those responsibilities." Fact Check America's post-WW II order prioritized unchallenged US dominance. Permanent wars are waged to achieve it. Millions died. Millions more suffer enormously. America bears full responsibility. It created charnel house conditions globally. It deplores peace. It glorifies wars. It does so ruthlessly. It does it unaccountably. It menaces humanity. Obama lied suggesting otherwise. "So to all members of Congress of both parties, I ask you to take this vote for our national security," he said. "I am looking forward to the debate. And in doing so, I ask you, members of Congress, to consider that some things are more important than partisan differences or the politics of the moment." "Ultimately, this is not about who occupies this office at any given time; it’s about who we are as a country." "I believe that the people's representatives must be invested in what America does abroad, and now is the time to show the world that America keeps our commitments." "We do what we say. And we lead with the belief that right makes might - not the other way around." "We all know there are no easy options. But I wasn’t elected to avoid hard decisions." "And neither were the members of the House and the Senate. I’ve told you what I believe, that our security and our values demand that we cannot turn away from the massacre of countless civilians with chemical weapons." "And our democracy is stronger when the President and the people’s representatives stand together." "I'm ready to act in the face of this outrage. Today I'm asking Congress to send a message to the world that we are ready to move forward together as one nation." Fact Check America's only threats are ones it creates. Waging war has nothing to do with national security. It's solely for unchallenged world dominance. America's a global menace. It threatens humanity's survival. Obama represents the worst of rogue leadership. He's a war criminal multiple times over. Stopping him matters most. Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. His new book is titled "Banker Occupation: Waging Financial War on Humanity." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanII.html Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network. It airs Fridays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening. http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: Stephen Lendman (#0)
What price did Bill Clinton pay for using chemical weapons (CS gas which is illegal to use against the enemy in war) against the innocent men, women and children at Waco, Texas in 1993? Not one day in prison, never impeached and living the high life on other people's money to this day. Just like Obama. Paul Craig Roberts
Attacking Syria has nothing to do with protecting US national security. Syria doesn't threaten America. That's right. Weird how there's no mention from "officials" of attacking the rebels in retaliation for chemical warfare or false flag stagings by them to endanger our Military personnel by tricking us into war, which is what the evidence actually shows. ------- "They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
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