America made a collective decision to go to war with Iraq. Can the president alone be blamed now?

Question

Every one knew that weapons of mass destruction can not exist after 11 years of stringent sanctions. Even food was obtained by bartering Oil. Hundreds of Children died without medicine. But the US public did not protest then as they do now.
Is that right?

Answer 1

Well over 70 percent of the American public supported the decision. Congress authorize "all necessary means." The President doesn't make decisions in a vacuum--he has advisors.

I opposed the war, but I don't think we can blame President Bush alone. President Harry Truman said, "The Buck stops here!" meaning at his desk. What he didn't say is that there was a lot of buck passing before it got to him.

We all have our share of blame.

Yes, going to Iraq was a bad thing. WMD, connections to UBL and AQ, none of which proved true. Manipulated information; likely. Before we say, "Well, Saddam was a bad man who had to go ..." ask yourself how many bad men are in charge of countries and need to go. Also, who makes the decision. History has already taught us about Mosadeq and Diem.

Just some extra thought.

Answer 2

Actually you make a VERY good point... CONGRESS authorized the President to use military force in Iraq (Hpuse 296-133, Senate 77-23) Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public law 107-243, 116 Stat. 1497-1502)

However WMD can't exist after 10 years ? Israel, Russian, China, France, India, Pakistan, China, Britain, and the USA have nucs... Pakistan created theirs under restrictions from the IAEA. Chem weapons.... you can make them in a high-school science lab and an ice-cream factory !!

Oh, the US protested... President Bill Clinton recommended regime-change !! We were the ones who put Oil for Food before the UN did.

Oh: Hillary, Kerry, Edwards, Murtha, Feinstein , and Murthat all voted for it. Only Feinstein hasn't said she was "for it before I was against it".

I still can't see ANY info that suggests that "Al Qeda" was running 9/11 for Iraq... other that odd sites. I guess I have to ask THAT question... Al Gore on "The Daily Show" suggested that 50% of the public thought 9/11 was caused my Iraq :O

Answer 3

Most people would rather try to forget that over 250 congressmen and over 75 senators voted for authorization of hostilities, TWICE. So to blame just the President is naive, but to blame their congressman or senator would be blaming themselves for electing them as their representative. At any point in time congress can pass legislation forcing a removal of forces from Iraq but the have not done that. Instead they play politics for votes, bickering over funding. Most people in this country that believe that WMD's were the reason for hostilities are helplessly clueless and would rather claim they were lied to, that to make any effort to understand the situation. They are the ones that will believe anything they see on the news and any propaganda that fits their political agenda.

Answer 4

After reading the answers to this question, I have to say that it is such a shame that we are a nation of ignorance. It is just amazing that people think this whole thing is about oil or its just a personal thing for the president. No, the president can not be blamed alone but he will take the rap for it.

Answer 5

A collective decision? I don't agree. A majority of reps and senators did support it unfortunately. Wrong as it was, the question remains, WHY?

It is CLEARLY evident that the terrorist acts of 9/11, along with faulty intelligence, were manipulated in order to promote and initiate this war. The Bush admin. unequivocally seized the moment to prey upon the justifiable and understandable fears of the population. Was that right?

The realization of these facts, slow as it was, resulted in the defeat of the GOP's hold on congress in '06. I admit that it is too little too late. Moreover, the lack of accountability is shameful. It is sad that our citizens are so easily fooled and manipulated.

FYI I think you should reconsider the fact that certain WMD's (nuclear), last longer than 11 yrs. Furthermore, look at how many times the excuses for the Iraqi invasion changed! Was it right to continually accommodate these blatant lies?

Yeah... Pres. Bush and his cronies are to blame, and should be held criminally accountable!

Hopefully, this great country of ours will learn something from this!

p.s. Let me offer a word of advice. I suggest that you modify your research skills if you intend to posit legitimate and credible claims in the future. Regardless of your position on issues, your ability to support and defend it, will determine your credibility.

Answer 6

What do you mean collective decision? In a game, the captain takes the decision and no one questions him even if there is dissent. Did Bush ask his countrymen to vote for the decision he took?
Like the head of the family takes decisions, and the family trusts him, so does a nation trust the discretion of its President. Alas! sometimes he can go wrong. though not intentionally.
When Abraham Lincoln decided in favour of the civil war, was he wrong? In the end he was the winner.

Answer 7

It is an interesting question. But it is like blaming all Germans for Hitler's actions. Of course, if Germans did not support Hitler, he would have never succeeded in taking them to war. But they did follow him because of several reasons. One of these is propaganda.

The same here in the US. All the reasons for going to war have been discredited but some Americans would still tell you that it was ok to go to war. These peoople are brainwashed. But that is not an enough reason. Many people care about their careers and they know that if they opposed the war they might get into trouble. In fact, most people who spoke openly against the war lost their jobs and have been constantly harrassed.

Be reminded, however, that many people in the US did demonstrate against the war and still are to this date. This is far better than in Nazi Germany where not a single German would have protested.

It is also possible that some Americans do not want to give away that nice feeling that they are the Superpower and that they are free to do whatever they wish. It makes them feel good.

Others feel sad to know that their government betrays them. They want to believe that their government is always good. It is soothing and comforting.

But, no, I would not blame all americans. And in fact, they are doing the right thing: they are voting Bush out. So, as you can see, it is in some way a democracy.

I am prepared for as many thumbs down as possible cos i am not looking for the best answer. But keep living in denial while the world at large is telling you what you do in Iraq is wrong. If you think you can invade countries on a pack of lies and people will think you are right and support you then I think you are seriously wrong.

Answer 8

Absolutely!

Answer 9

Yes, because the ultimate decision rested with him. And there are many many instances where he has vetoed the popular political advices. Why so much allicrity in the case of Iraq only?

I think, he just wanted to please senior Bush.

Answer 10

There was no "collective decision". Cite your references. Better, yet, produce the Congressional declaration of war, either on Iraq or King Georgie's favorite, "terrorism".

For your reference: Article I, Section 8 or the U.S. Constitution: "Section 8. The Congress shall have power ...
To declare war" A power not granted to GWB the First.

Addendum: Sorry, but the act produced is an abdication of power by a spinless congress, not a declaration of war. Its operative words are

"the president is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons HE determines "

There is no specific dealacation against anyone except whomever King Georgie chooses in his own deranged dream world.