Unless you've been living in a cave you've probably heard the United States is at war.
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, then you’ve probably heard that the United States is at war. And if you were in a cave, then you probably ran into Osama bin Laden, and then he told you, so you really don’t have an excuse.
It all started back with the attack on September 11, which led to the US invasion of Afghanistan, which led to an invasion of Iraq, which looks like it could lead to several other invasions. Who knows? Maybe Canada.
The point is, our military’s out there blowing stuff up, and there are lots of people who are very upset about it. They’re looking for some answers, for some information, and most importantly, for someone to blame.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the President of the United States. Unfortunately, he didn’t accept our invitation to be on the show. Shocking, I know, but the receptionist at the White House told us he’s busy.
It’s true that historically the executive branch of our government has vast power for committing military forces overseas, but it’s held on a very tight leash, a leash held by the Congress.
James Madison said that the Congress’s power of the purse would control the executive sword. So, without any money the President can’t send any troops anywhere. Because you see jet fuel, is expensive. And so are bombs.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give the people equally responsible for the war, the United States Congress. Unfortunately, the United States Congress chose not to accept our offer to be on the show today.
Well what was their excuse? Are they even in session? Oh, campaigning.
In the constitution Congress is the one with express power to declare war. But strangely enough, they don’t really use it much. In fact, we haven’t officially declared war since 1941. In 2002 Congress issued the authorisation for use of military force against Iraq resolution, and authorised the President to quote, ‘Use United States armed forces pursuant to the United Nations’ Security Council resolution 678.’
Wait a minute. I didn’t hear the word war in there. (Authorisation of military force etc.) Nope, it’s not in there. And no declaration of war either. Just Congressional permission for military action. So I guess we’re not technically at war. They just look like wars. And it’s easier to say war.
Like Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, The Persian Gulf War, Kosovo and Afghanistan, Iraq is just another in a long line of what we can call, police actions. Many of these conflicts were approved, and all of them were funded by Congress.
It’s funny and a little bit frustrating to me because the news is so slanted when it comes to accountability. I read a website recently that said, ‘In June 2008 President Bush signed a bill approving $200 billion more for the war, which brings the accumulative total to close to $800 billion.’
They make it sound like the President just sat down his desk and wrote himself a cheque for 200 Billion dollars, but he just signed a bill the was approved by Congress. All he did was chose not to veto it.
‘I asked Congress for 200 Billion more dollars for renovations in the Middle East.’
One thing seems clear, there is a major problem in politics, and it’s a lack of accountability. Sure, hold the President accountable for his decisions, but when it comes time to elect Congressional officials, you know the ones who supported the war when everyone was mad but now they oppose it because their supporters are mad, don’t forget who’s been writing cheques the whole time.
Pro is the opposite of con, so that makes congress the opposite of progress.
It’s time to spank the President. It’s the only option we have left.
Transcribed by: Kid in Oz
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26 Comments
ItzMeRon
I agree with this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHeMgpp8NgYthegreatone
sorry to waste time, but correct me if i'm wrong-isn't pro translated into for and con into with,which would undermine ...lobe
The news is definitely slanted. I just returned from Anbar province (home of Ramadi and Fallujah, to name a few). ...Frank
THANKYOUSOMUCH! Finaly Congress is responsible for their actions. You are a credit to your country.Nospinplease
THANK YOU!! Maybe people will actually listen!! I really like this video!kahrytan
You're right. Congress is responsible for most of the things the country does. Funny thing is that current Congress ...Robert
Your site is very interesting and usefultlook behind you
i just signed a check for myself for 200 billion dollars.....strangly enough when i brought it to the bank they ...Snowmanincave [22]
I agree with the shirt-making of Chief-spanking. In other news, please leave Canada alone. We just got indoor plumbing.thorondor {207}
I think the media only talks about the bad because the good doesn't pay nearly as well as the bad ...Michelle {207}
Thanks for another great video. I think this should be required viewing for all those who love to lay ...JD
when i was bad my mom spanked me with a wooden spoon, and when i was really bad it was ...kd
wow that was a great episode! T-Shirt idea "It's time to spank the President"steph {207}
Awesome episode! Now one of my favorites! All of it is true and because the media and the the news ...Grace
I think it is interesting how you are able to present information without slanting it or forcing an opinion on ...Meandering {207}
Great show, needed to be said. The media hardly does a thorough enough job to say that blame should ...CFTW {207}
Only in America do they describe the progress so well... "Poli-" in Latin meaning "Many" and "Tics" meaning "Bloodsucking Creatures".Marc
I think I totally made up the word sourly... either way, I meant sorely.Marc
Okay, your G.W.B impersonation is sourly lacking.Rabble of Redheads [22]
i say..........give me chocolate or give me wafflesRabble of Redheads [22]
So can we pay congress less...you know...for every bill they pass we take it out of their paychecks...or would that ...Rabble of Redheads [22]
check please!!!Ray
Good Job.Curtis
Excellent episode. There's enough blame to go 'round the world with this mess. Prez, VP, Congress, Cabinet, UN, Media, ...Tristan Gray
Great episode!!!Tristan Gray
First comment!!!!