FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Quite a few members of Congress are not happy with President Obama over his decision to allow U.S. air attacks in Libya. They feel they weren't given any say in the whole matter…which they weren't. And the criticism of the president is coming in from everywhere.
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Republican Congressman Ron Paul of Texas says the no-fly zone is unconstitutional. Liberal Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich from Ohio has brought up the idea of impeachment hearings for President Obama's actions. No surprise there... but it's not just the far right and the far left up in arms. Moderates like Democratic Senator and former Navy Secretary Jim Webb and Republican Senator Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican member of the Foreign Relations Committee. They aren't happy with the president either.
Yesterday the President sent an official letter to Congress asserting his authority to make the decision on Libya based on the Constitution and War Powers Resolution. The letter said he was acting in the "national security and foreign policy interests of the United States."
The president did hold a briefing for congressional party and committee leaders in the White House Situation Room on Friday before any attacks were launched. But many lawmakers say that wasn't enough.
Here’s my question to you: Should President Obama have consulted with Congress before sending the U.S. military against Libya?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Lorne in San Luis Obispo, California:
If consulting with Congress was constitutionally required in this matter - and there seems to be plenty of confusion as to whether it was or not - then yes. If not, no. Members of Congress criticized him for going too slow. Members are currently criticizing him for going too fast. As in most political conundrums, hindsight is the court of last resort. If the Libyan "war" goes well, he's right; if not, he's wrong.
Mike in New Hampshire:
Jack, he complied with the letter of the law regarding the War Powers Act. That being said, during the weeks he schmoozed the Arab League and UN, he certainly could have been working Congress harder.
Tom in Kansas City, Missouri:
There hasn't been a declaration of war since 1942. Obama notified the leaders of Congress on Friday before any military action by the U.S. occurred.
Jim in Lehighton, Pennsylvania:
Congress? We don't need no stinkin’ Congress. Just follow the Bush doctrine…err…make that the Cheney doctrine. Hey it worked for Iraq version 1.0 and 2.0. Why not for Libya version 3.0?
Andy in Vancouver, British Columbia:
Constitutionally? Certainly. Practically? Nope. All of these representatives that accuse Obama of "dithering" should realize that they've been pushing the due date for the budget back for months. Who knows how long it would have taken them to figure out what to do with Libya.
Cy:
Is there a wrong way to do the right thing? Our basis for action is much more solid and truthful than the sham that got us into Iraq. The critics of this venture fall into two camps: those that abhor war under any circumstances and those who attack Barack Obama under any circumstances.
Kevin:
What suddenly makes Congress so important anyway? What have they done for us lately?