Why in Bush's last speech did he say that congress has no right to decide where our troops should go?

Question

And congress should have only the right to fund them?

Isn't the reason we have a Democracy is so all that power isn't in the hands of one man?

Not saying we shouldn't have gone to war (I happen to know how grateful much of the populace is) but it seems to me he wants a bit too much power.

My opinion, whats yours?

THE PRESIDENT
"I'll work with Congress; I'll listen to Congress. Congress has got all the right to appropriate money. But the idea of telling our military how to conduct operations, for example, or how to deal with troop strength, I don't think it makes sense. I don't think it makes sense today, nor do I think it's a good precedent for the future. And so the role of the Commander-in-Chief is, of course, to consult with Congress. "

Q So if Reed-Levin or anything like it were to pass and set a --

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I would hope they wouldn't pass, Jim. But I --

Q But what if they've got --

THE PRESIDENT: Let me make sure you understand what I'm saying. Congress has all the right in the world to fund. That's their main involvement in this war, which is to provide funds for our troops. What you're asking is whether or not Congress ought to be basically determining how troops are positioned, or troop strength. And I don't think that would be good for the country.

If becksberger was a "real soldier" he would know the mistake of calling a Marine "soldier".

Answer 1

When Bush gets done with his stumbling speech NO BODY knows exactly what he said. He is a dumb A** and always has been.

Answer 2

The constitution clearly places the military under the executive branch. Congress is restricted to determining funding for the military and authorizing their use in conflicts. The plain fact is that a military campaign cannot be run by comittee. Vietnam was a perfect example of what can happen when a weak president starts allowing congress to dictate military operations. You get free fire zones where the enemy isnt, and no fire zones at his strongholds. You get bombing missions that flatten forests, but for gods sake dont bomb an enemy base! There are a lot of troops who are thankful that he has stood up to congress and told them to do their own job and let him do his. You may not like the man, but he is the one responsible for directing this concert.

Answer 3

The President is the only one who can decide to send troops anywhere. The Judicial or Legislative Branches can declare war, but only after the Presidents asks them to. However, it is up to the Legislative Branch to decide whether or not to fund the troops in an engagment. That is the checks and balances of our system. Without it, the Senate and Congress could declare war and fund it without the Presidents okay.

edit: Little fix there, got a bit wrong.

Answer 4

If you are a troop you would understand very clearly you can not have 600 plus politicians trying to decide when and where we are to carry out combat operations in a battle that has been declared. This is why the founding fathers made the president the commander in chief and the separation of powers.

Answer 5

Because it is true, Congress job is to fund them. If your a real soldier, you should know this already. A little to much power? A President does have that power, so why should he not use it, all other Presidents did. Congress is the ones stepping out of bounds on their real authority and job positions. If your a real soldier, thanks for serving, maybe I will see you in Iraq. Will be my third time there, I am ready. Bless you brother.

Answer 6

Ah.. but we do not have a Democracy.. and that one little person, even if he is a bit weird, does have the right to decide.. not very smart is it?

Our forefathers depended on that one person with that veto power who is supposed to have the countries interests at heart.. forgot that one day there may be someone as intelligence challenged as Bush.

And which populace are you talking about that are so grateful for the war???? if Bush's popularity is under 30%.. would that be who thinks war is great?

Answer 7

This is what happens when a tyrant comes to power illegally. His puppetmaster, Darth Cheney, controls his strings and the both of them are putting on the most deadly entertainment ever. Commander in thief bu$h doesn't listen to anyone, least of all the American people or adheres to the principles of the Constitution. He does what he wants, just like a common thug DICKtator. He has no ethics, no morals, no intelligence, and no compassion except for his law breaking friends.
Our democracy was destroyed on January of 2001 when that coke sniffing drunken cowboy stole the presidency and we've been paying the price ever since.

Answer 8

Congress has the power to declare war and the power of the purse. They cannot however command the troops. Go back to school.

Answer 9

It's not about opinion. It's about how we are set up as a Government.
Thus the Title "Commander in Chief"....
It's the Presidents call (Dem. or Rep.) to call the shots.
Same as FDR. Same as Truman.

Answer 10

I won't get in to whether or not he said that, but they don't. They have the ability to declare war, and to pull troops out after 90 days.