In 2002 Congress passed an Authorization for the Use of Military Force as a basis for the Iraq war. Eighteen years later the President is employing this 2002 AUMF as the basis for a drone attack killing Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, along with a senior Iraqi militia leader.
I am part of a local group of friends advocating for the repeal of the 2001 and 2002 military force authorizations that have moved the United States military into 30 countries in the Middle East and Africa over the last two decades.
The Soleimani attack was launched without congressional consultation on its tactical necessity or strategic consequences.
It was never the founder’s intent that the president alone make the weighty choices involved in military action. We cannot leave the power of violence to one person or to a handful of advisors in a bunkered situation room year after year after year. The health of our country and the wellbeing of the world depend on thoughtful debate among the representatives of the people and ongoing conversation among us all concerning the real risks and costs of armed conflict.
It is imperative that Congress repeal the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs. We the people must support renewed efforts to prevent endless war.
Craig Rennebohm
Nordland
