Hey guys,
In last
weekend’s reading (the Jefferson articles) there was a piece titled “To the
Shores of Tripoli”, that detailed Thomas Jefferson’s military actions against
the Barbary States of North Africa. The author describes how these states were,
in effect, pirates threatening world trade. He remarks that Jefferson (a
proponent of establishing both a navy and a national army thus creating a more
powerful central government, ) desired to declare war on the Barbary States
without either notifying or receiving Congress’ approval.
This passage has striking
similarities with the Obama administration’s current handling of the alleged
(has yet to be confirmed by UN) Syrian chemical weapons attack. However, unlike
Jefferson, Obama requested the consent of Congress to begin military action
against the Syrian government even though as
President he believes that he has the “the authority to carry out this military
action without specific congressional authorization”. The main argument behind a unilateral
military strike is to punish the Assad regime for breaking a United Nations’
mandate against use of chemical weapons. Despite these recent developments, the
majority of the United States does not support involvement in another Middle
Eastern war.
Was the President correct in his interpretation of his
powers granted by the Constitution? Does he need Congressional approval unlike Thomas Jefferson? Should
the United States become involved in Syria?
Very interesting parallel, Nick. The only thing that confuses me a little bit is that from my understanding, Jefferson did not want a stronger centralized government, but in fact wanted to deal with a situation which he felt was a threat to liberty. Maybe I'm just interpreting your meaning incorrectly, but it seems to me that you are saying that Jefferson's support of a navy and army was in turn a support of a powerful central government.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good comparison, Nick. While I think that President Obama was correct in requesting Congress's consent before beginning military action, I'm still not sure whether or not I think the US should be involved in Syria - although I'm leaning towards no. Rebecca, in the Jefferson Articles that we read over the weekend, I remember that one article said Jefferson did not want a stronger centralized government, except when he was president. When Jefferson himself was president, he had no qualms about stretching the powers of the president to do whatever he saw fit, and I think this is what Nick might have been referring to - Nick, can you confirm that?
ReplyDeleteYes, I should have clarified that connection.
DeleteYes, I should have clarified that connection.
DeleteYes, I should have clarified that connection.
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