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Collins calls on president to follow Constitution on use of force in Syria

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) released the following statement today on potential military action in Syria:

“Today I signed a letter from Representative Scott Rigell (VA-2) to President Obama urging the President to consult and receive authorization from Congress before ordering the use of U.S. military force in Syria.

The images coming out of Syria are deeply troubling. There is also no question that the circumstances on the ground are complex and any military response by the United States will not only impact the ongoing civil war within Syria but possibly have ramifications throughout the region. For those reasons alone, I believe the President has an obligation to consult Congress and communicate with the American people about what our response should be.

President Obama himself wrote that 'the President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation' in a 2007 response to a Boston Globe questionnaire.

It is my hope that President Obama will remember these words and call for Congress to reconvene for discussion should he deem military action in Syria necessary.”

John Woodworth JR

King Obama does not require permission. He is the almight and answers to no one. Have you peasants not learn yet that, he does what he wants, when he wants and how he wants? Aren't those of you who voted for King Obama proud of your educated (sarcasm) vote. Obama is part of the reason for the chaos in the Middle East region by supporting the Muslim Brotherhood who are radical and not about democracy. Shia Law not freedom. Obama actions seem to be on track to start a world war. What Syria did is wrong but, it is a "Civil War." Why do Liberals have such a double standard? Obama's actions also seem to have cause a great divide in this country not just with the wealthy, middle class and poor but, with race too. BTW, Jimmy Carter speech today just confirms that, he is a f-ing idiot. Maybe he is upset that, Obama is replacing him as the worst U.S. President in U.S. history.

Aug 28, 2013, 11:35pm Permalink
Kyle Slocum

He was against "Wars of choice" before he was for "Wars of choice". Anti-war protests against Dear Leader in...

Oh, yah, I forgot, Dear Leader is a Democrat and beyond any criticism. At least any criticism worthy of mainstream media attention.

Now, if he was a Republican, hell, we would have 24/7 coverage of how much of an evil war munger he is.

Aug 29, 2013, 9:43pm Permalink
John Woodworth JR

They should revoke his award. Let's see if, VP Biden sticks to his words and Impeach Obama if, he follows through. Interesting chess game now with UK out and Russia sending its navy in.

Kyle, not all Democrats back Obama. What pisses me off is that, after defending this country for 23 years I have his name on my retirement. Its a dishonor to have his name on my certificate. I guess I know how those who served under Carter feel.

Aug 29, 2013, 11:40pm Permalink
Kyle Slocum

John,

My Commission is signed by Sec. Brownlee. If I ever get within GW's hearing I will ask for his signature on my Commission. I was kicked to the curb as medically unfit under this president. Not his fault, nor mine.

Why the hell you all elected him while I was out of the country is beyond me and water under the bridge. But, I will not be leaving the country during an election year again, that I am telling you.

Aug 30, 2013, 12:45am Permalink
John Stone

To 'run' the United States is not enough for Obama. He means to be in charge of the world, and if it means an illegal, unilateral attack on Syria, then there is no stopping him. He HAS made up his mind, and he will likely do it "Obama-style": During a holiday weekend... He even has it covered if those Patriots show up everywhere to protest! (Theres a reason he had his smurfs order 1.6 billion rounds of lethal ammunition!)
Y'all just enjoy the evil you chose to live under! It's going to get ugly beyond your wildest imagination!

(We, personally are locked, stocked, and ready to rock! The powder is dry, and we're keeping it that way!)

Aug 30, 2013, 7:39am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

How is Obama any different than Bush?

Until people stop making it about Obama or making it about Bush, the problem isn't going to change. You're still going to have imperial presidencies.

Growing up, my mom was no particular fan of Richard Nixon, but she hated as much the people who called him Tricky Dick. She taught me, you may not respect the man, but respect the office.

I would be proud to have any official document with the president's signature on it, regardless of who the president is. Any other attitude strikes me as patently unpatriotic. It's the friggin' president of the United States for crying out loud. That means something.

We've really lost our way as a country when partisanship and differences over policy outweigh what it means to be an American. Particularly when so-called conservatives do it.

Aug 30, 2013, 8:23am Permalink
Jeff Allen

You have to give conservatives some room to call-out hypocrites for the all out bashing we took on behalf of Bush now that Obama has shown himself to be exactly what we said he would be . Where is Code Pink, MoveOn.org, where are the protestors camped out on Obama's lawn calling him a war monger, where are the impeachment calls for overstepping the Constitution in order to put America into another armed conflict, where is Cindy Sheehan, where is MSNBC, CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC leading with calls for Obama to honor his campaign promises and his "Constitutional professor creds" when it comes to leading America in armed conflict? Where are the calls for not going it alone, not running off like cowboys now that Great Britain bailed, NATO bailed, and the toughest talk yet has come from France of all places. Where are all the dyed in the wool Obama supporters here on TheBatavian who tried to convince us the he was going to bring peace and harmony, dignity and respect for us as a country, wield "Smart Power", restore the proper workings of a fair and transparent government that abides by the checks and balances of a tripartite system? WHERE?....WHERE?

Aug 30, 2013, 4:01pm Permalink

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