If perpetual war grants the President permanent extraordinary power, what's his incentive for peace?

Question

If the president benefits from being "a war time president" in a never-ending "War on Terror" in that he can suspend the Constitution at will, use "national security" to conduct normally illegal operations, investigate anyone and everyone in blanket searches without a warrant, grant people and corporations immunity to investigation, torture as he sees fit, etc. then why would he ever seek a peaceful resolution for anything?

Any kind of "peace" with anyone would be immediate grounds for him to lose these extra-ordinary powers. So what would his motivation be?

Are we now doomed to be in a perpetual state of war with newer and better fascist laws for eternity, all for the sake of security against our perpetual enemies?

Notice how I never said "Bush", we can continually elect a new president, but what incentive would that man or woman have to just say "Ok, the war is over, I'm relinquishing my power now." This dictatorial authority will not end when Bush leaves office. It may even end up in the hands of Hillary Clinton. Ouch.

If you think that at least half of our amendments in the Bill of Rights have not been suspended, completely twisted, limited, or completely gutted, I suggest you re-read your PATRIOTS acts 1 and 2. Oh, you didn't get a copy mailed to you for review? Neither did most of Congress before they voted on it.

Thank you Staple King for the absolutely most un-American comment I've ever seen posted with total honesty. This really shows that the true totalitarian fascists are out of the closet now. So tell me...do you have trouble keeping the lint off your black shirts?

Searching someone with absolutely NO REASON to suspect them is patently against our inalienable rights. It is implying that everyone is a suspect and criminal until proven innocent, which is the opposite of our traditional rule of law. Call me a conservative, but I like the rule of law, a lot. Suspension of the rule of law in pursuit of a political agenda based on keeping citizens fearful is tyrrany and extra-ordinary abuse of power. I don't care which person or party commits this.

Answer 1

Welcome to the Orwellian version of America.

Remember always that "war is peace"

Answer 2

This is a great question. By declaring an ethereal "War on Terror", where success or defeat can not be empirically assessed, the Bush administration will never declare victory.

The American people have three possible allies. If Congress would actually do their job and challenge the constant usurping of their authority, it might curtail the current administration.

If the courts would actually do their jobs, and protect our liberties,many of Bush's "extraordinary powers" would be stripped from him.

However, I don't see much being done on either of those fronts any time soon.

Fortunately, we have term-limits and elections. A Democrat in office would quickly restore order and Constitutionality to our government. Even the leading Republicans are likely to step back from the brink of insanity.

Answer 3

The Constitution has not been suspended. This is not World War III, although the Koreans may change that. Even in wartime, elections still happen, people are just loathe to oust someone in the midst of dealing with an emergency. But most people forgot that the attacks originated from AFGHANISTAN, not Iraq.

And this war is not a real war, it's an occupation for oil using one day's terrorist attacks as an excuse to justify past, present, and future actions.

We've had the war on drugs, and Reagan didn't suspend the Constitution, did he?

Answer 4

There are a lot of incentives for peace. This war on terror is going to be going on long after President Bush has left office. It has been going on since the late 70's, so hang on to your hat, because it's here to stay for while. You won't notice it so much when we bring our troops home from Iraq. Just like the troops Clinton sent to Bosnia for a few months in '98 are still there. You certainly wouldn't know it from our press would you?

Answer 5

There is no incentive at this point due to the fact he can't be re-elected. He fought his fathers war and won. He made his family millions (due to their private investments in weapon manufacturing companies). His job is coming to an end. The only hope "we the people" is for the slow acting checks and balances to take effect. By then it will be too late. We'll be on to the next president. Hopefully though, We will learn from this and make the next leader what we want. Who we want.

Answer 6

Only if you just rant and rave instead of making sure the Republicans lose control of at least the House of Representatives in November. Join MoveOn and Operation Democracy and make a difference.

Answer 7

everyone keeps forgetting---these people are not gods, the are politicians! they have to get re-elected. plus, he can't run again. war is not popular. i believe he is doing his best, but even though is is definitely out in 08, republicans are associated with him, and they need votes. if anyone even gets the idea that bush(and consequently his party) like war, or would allow a situation where soldiers die fighting for a purpose like political rank, he and republicans are done. its a matter of survival

Answer 8

I love how the crimals come out of the woodwork all worried about their "constitutional rights" being trampled upon all of a sudden. Anyone in their right mind will take the Govt. listenining in on their phone calls from time to time to find terrorists over being dead I would think. If you would prefer the latter....well, Maybe Its time for you to seek some therapy.

Answer 9

I think some of the lemmings in this country should join the Armed Forces and defeat the Islamo-fascist PIGS so They'll help bring "PEACE" faster!!!

Answer 10

Your question poignantly explains why Bush makes America TOTALITARIAN. (million times)

Does a country like this have any rights to point any fingers towards other countries for "human rights abuse" or use it as a political threat?

Answer 11

There is no incentive for peace. Bush will not stop until he is proclaimed Emperor.