WHO HOLDS THE POWER TO DECLARE WAR?
In 1787, Founder Benjamin Franklin’s proclamation at the Constitutional Convention was a defining moment in American history, solidifying the nation as a republic where supreme power rests with the people as exercised through their elected representatives; we were to rule ourselves!
At same time, and urgently, Franklin cautioned that the Republic would be lost if essential citizen responsibilities were abdicated, and descent back to tyranny would result; no responsibilty more crucial than decisions regarding war and peace.
Have we not as Franklin warned lost our Republic? How can we credibly call ourselves a constitutional republic if, in war—the gravest of state matters—we abdicate our decision-making responsibilities for self-defense to a self-appointed elite? These few make our war decisions while others fight them. Instead of active decision-making, we offer a perfunctory “Thanks for your service” without even knowing which war a uniformed military individual might have come from or is heading to. Not knowing affects us little as we continue on our merry way, with urgency seeking out the latest scores!
The truth is that we have formed a shameful wall of silence around our wars, despite lost wars in Afghanistan and Iraq , in regime change follies in Libya and Syria. even though, we read little about our conflicts in the papers, on the web, or nor were discussed in our coffee houses. Even the last presidential campaign ended without comment on these wars, and to date, this 2024 campaign season has offered little national debate over our newest conflict, the so-called Ukraine Proxy War with Russia. Think about that! We are engaged in a war with Russia, a nuclear power, and we, the citizens, are not involved in the debate, even though recent polls show that over 90% of the American people disapprove of this war and want peace.
The staggering toll of wars since 9/11, as estimated by Brown University’s Watson Institute, underscores the urgent need for citizen engagement in matters of national defense. Yet nothing seems to stir the American Citizen to action; not the millions of lives lost and displaced, $ 8 trillion war debt , fully 24% of our nation’s $33 trillion debt! And how can we count the cost of the republic’s lost reputation as liberator and promoter of self-determination. The consequences of this unchecked elite militarism are severe. The shift towards a professionalized military and reliance on contractors raises demonstrates without doubt the erosion of democratic values and the sustainability of perpetual warfare.
To reverse this trend and uphold the principles of self-governance enshrined in the Constitution, Americans must reclaim their agency in decisions of war and peace. This necessitates educating themselves on the genuine national security interests at stake, advocating for transparency and accountability in military actions, and actively engaging with elected representatives to ensure that war decisions align with the people’s will. By demanding a return to the constitutional requirement of a formal declaration of war or withholding financial support for unauthorized military engagements, citizens can exert their influence and safeguard the republic from the perils of unchecked militarism.The choice rests with the American Citizenry: to restore the republic’s foundations and preserve the liberties it guarantees or to continue toward tyranny and subjugation. By embracing their civic responsibilities and actively participating in decisions of war and peace, citizens can uphold the democratic ideals upon which the nation was founded and ensure a future guided by the principles of self-rule and collective well-being.
CALL to ACTION
RECLAIM OUR CONSTITUTIONAL WAR POWER- CITIZENS COMMUNICATE WITH THEMSELVES ON CITIZEN WAR RESPONSIBILITIES AND IN TOWN HALLS WITH THEIR CONGRESSMEN. NOTIFY EACH CONGRESSMAN THEY MUST VOTE ON ANY WAR AND WILL DO SO ONLY AFTER HOLDING WAR AND PEACE TOWN HALLS WITH HIS EMPLOYER, THE CITIZEN. THEY WILL VOTE AS WE SAY, OR THEY WILL BE VOTED OUT!
About Tom Raquer
Tom is a passionate advocate for the American Constitutional Republic, drawing from a lifetime of diverse travel experiences to emphasize the importance of self-governance and the crucial role of American citizens in upholding democratic principles. With a background in the United States Air Force and local government campaigns, Tom brings a wealth of experience in promoting civic engagement and democratic practices combined with “on-the-ground-experience” as a U.S. Air Force Southeast Foreign Area Officer in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos, each of which shaped his deep devotion to our constitutional republic, inspiring him to raise awareness of the core tenets of the American Constitutional Republic through his blog.Tom resides in Florida with his wife, Ena, a proud American citizen who immigrated over 50 years ago, and their loyal dog, Yogi, joining them on their journey.
WHO HOLDS THE POWER TO DECLARE WAR?
In 1787, Founder Benjamin Franklin’s proclamation at the Constitutional Convention was a defining moment in American history, solidifying the nation as a republic where supreme power rests with the people as exercised through their elected representatives; we were to rule ourselves!
At same time, and urgently, Franklin cautioned that the Republic would be lost if essential citizen responsibilities were abdicated, and descent back to tyranny would result; no responsibilty more crucial than decisions regarding war and peace.
Have we not as Franklin warned lost our Republic? How can we credibly call ourselves a constitutional republic if, in war—the gravest of state matters—we abdicate our decision-making responsibilities for self-defense to a self-appointed elite? These few make our war decisions while others fight them. Instead of active decision-making, we offer a perfunctory “Thanks for your service” without even knowing which war a uniformed military individual might have come from or is heading to. Not knowing affects us little as we continue on our merry way, with urgency seeking out the latest scores!
The truth is that we have formed a shameful wall of silence around our wars, despite lost wars in Afghanistan and Iraq , in regime change follies in Libya and Syria. even though, we read little about our conflicts in the papers, on the web, or nor were discussed in our coffee houses. Even the last presidential campaign ended without comment on these wars, and to date, this 2024 campaign season has offered little national debate over our newest conflict, the so-called Ukraine Proxy War with Russia. Think about that! We are engaged in a war with Russia, a nuclear power, and we, the citizens, are not involved in the debate, even though recent polls show that over 90% of the American people disapprove of this war and want peace.
The staggering toll of wars since 9/11, as estimated by Brown University’s Watson Institute, underscores the urgent need for citizen engagement in matters of national defense. Yet nothing seems to stir the American Citizen to action; not the millions of lives lost and displaced, $ 8 trillion war debt , fully 24% of our nation’s $33 trillion debt! And how can we count the cost of the republic’s lost reputation as liberator and promoter of self-determination. The consequences of this unchecked elite militarism are severe. The shift towards a professionalized military and reliance on contractors raises demonstrates without doubt the erosion of democratic values and the sustainability of perpetual warfare.
To reverse this trend and uphold the principles of self-governance enshrined in the Constitution, Americans must reclaim their agency in decisions of war and peace. This necessitates educating themselves on the genuine national security interests at stake, advocating for transparency and accountability in military actions, and actively engaging with elected representatives to ensure that war decisions align with the people’s will. By demanding a return to the constitutional requirement of a formal declaration of war or withholding financial support for unauthorized military engagements, citizens can exert their influence and safeguard the republic from the perils of unchecked militarism.The choice rests with the American Citizenry: to restore the republic’s foundations and preserve the liberties it guarantees or to continue toward tyranny and subjugation. By embracing their civic responsibilities and actively participating in decisions of war and peace, citizens can uphold the democratic ideals upon which the nation was founded and ensure a future guided by the principles of self-rule and collective well-being.
CALL to ACTION
RECLAIM OUR CONSTITUTIONAL WAR POWER- CITIZENS COMMUNICATE WITH THEMSELVES ON CITIZEN WAR RESPONSIBILITIES AND IN TOWN HALLS WITH THEIR CONGRESSMEN. NOTIFY EACH CONGRESSMAN THEY MUST VOTE ON ANY WAR AND WILL DO SO ONLY AFTER HOLDING WAR AND PEACE TOWN HALLS WITH HIS EMPLOYER, THE CITIZEN. THEY WILL VOTE AS WE SAY, OR THEY WILL BE VOTED OUT!
About Tom Raquer
Tom is a passionate advocate for the American Constitutional Republic, drawing from a lifetime of diverse travel experiences to emphasize the importance of self-governance and the crucial role of American citizens in upholding democratic principles. With a background in the United States Air Force and local government campaigns, Tom brings a wealth of experience in promoting civic engagement and democratic practices combined with “on-the-ground-experience” as a U.S. Air Force Southeast Foreign Area Officer in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos, each of which shaped his deep devotion to our constitutional republic, inspiring him to raise awareness of the core tenets of the American Constitutional Republic through his blog.Tom resides in Florida with his wife, Ena, a proud American citizen who immigrated over 50 years ago, and their loyal dog, Yogi, joining them on their journey.
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