Where Will This Take Us?


 

 

It’s difficult to know whether the two-week wait Trump announced last week was a way to throw the Iranian government off guard or whether the bombing late Saturday was just more evidence of his mercurial decision-making.  In spite of his boast that three nuclear development sites were “completely obliterated,” the White House had to walk back the boast.

 

What was just as disturbing as a bombing on a country we were not in war with, was the closing statement which made God a part of the bombing, not to mention the posting yesterday about regime change.  Didn’t we learn our lesson in Afghanistan or Iraq?

 

Once the dogs of war are unleashed, it’s very difficult to pull them back in. One question now becomes, “Now, what?” But, perhaps a more important question is how will or can Congress pull a check on Presidential power?  The bombing not only violates the Constitution but the 1973 War Powers Act, which was passed by a Congress over Nixon’s veto with at least more spine than the present one.

 

Prayer for the Day

 

Indeed, O God, we are in troublesome times,

   Knowing not what to think, which way to turn;

We bemoan our lack of control over decisions made,

   Often without care or consideration for others.

Guide us, O Lord, in the midst of our anxiety and fear,

   So we are able to work for peace, not war.

In the name of the Prince of Peace,

   Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.   

 

Thoughts for the Day

 

This is not about the merits of Iran’s nuclear program. No president has the authority to bomb another country that does not pose an imminent threat to the US without the approval of Congress. 

            Sean Caste, U.S. Representative (D-IL)

 

The President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances.

            War Powers Act, 1973

 

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.

   I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold.

      I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me.   

            Psalm 69: 1-2