In my lifetime I’ve seen a lot of betrayals come out of Washington DC. It may be the only net export of that city on the Potomac.
But last week may prove to be the worst, and most devastating for our national health.
A war powers resolution to end the war with Iran—started in tandem on February 28 by the United State (without congressional approval) and Israel—narrowly failed in both houses. It was practically a partisan affair; 53-47 in the U.S. Senate and 219-212 in the U.S. House, with crossover you could count on one hand.
Do not interpret this as positive assent for the war which the Pentagon now projects will last months (at least) amidst increasing talk of a U.S. invasion force.
Congress is not going to pass a declaration of war to try and give retroactive legal credence to this attack.
They will not even sign their names to a farce like the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) which President George W. Bush received.
No, last week’s vote signifies the death of congressional authority in foreign policy as the body decided, not to end the war or affirm the war, but to simply sit on its hands and remain silent.
So where does that leave us?
When I gathered together with other veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan in February 2019 to establish Bring Our Troops Home, there were many names I could have given it. But after some discussion, I decided that the name is the mission. It’s not only a declaration of belief to our allies and enemies, but helps steady us and keep us pointed at true north.
We oppose this undeclared, unjust war with Iran.
We favor an immediate end to hostilities, a diplomatic solution to any outstanding differences, and a recalibration of our national focus away from the Middle East and endless war and towards securing our own borders, solving our own domestic crises, and putting America First.
I remain firm in my belief that Defend the Guard legislation is only feasible solution for restoring representative government to this country. This bill would prohibit the deployment of your state’s National Guard into overseas combat unless Congress has first voted to declare war, as they’re required to do under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.
I need no greater example that Defend the Guard is the only path forward than last week’s non-vote in Washington. Contrast that with the success my organization has had—with minimal staff and funding—in state houses across the country.
War makes everything more difficult. From the risk to life and limb for our enlisted men and women, to higher energy costs domestically, to yes, passing legislation.
My job has just gotten harder, and I need you in my corner more than ever.
Simultaneously as Congress was stripping itself bare last Thursday afternoon, I and a half dozen veterans and concerned citizens were testifying for Defend the Guard in Maryland.
I informed those local legislators that their National Guard should not be deployed to any war that their elected representatives haven’t voted for, including Iran. I’ve done the same thing in New Hampshire, in Arizona, in Idaho, in Tennessee, in Montana, and dozens of other states.
This is where the fight is now.
America is a great nation. Our soldiers deserve our moral support. And the best way to give them that is to bring them home.
Don’t go MIA like Congress. Enlist in the movement to pass Defend the Guard in your state and others.
