To the Editor:
We are now just days into the American military action in Iran. On social media, many of my political colleagues have promoted themselves to the rank of armchair general as they enthusiastically applaud President Trump or vehemently condemn the attack.
My own thoughts are, however, more conflicted. While there are many questions requiring answers, I remain an admirer of Senator Arthur Vandenberg’s belief that there are times when politics must stop at the water’s edge. This is one of those times. I will reserve judgment on the wisdom of Trump’s decision until such time, as our servicewomen and servicemen are no longer in imminent danger. Still, there must be a day of reckoning. And when that day comes, it will not serve our nation well if the inquiry is obscured by partisan bickering. The American people are entitled to an unvarnished account of why our nation is now engaged in military action.
Iran’s conservative and fundamentalist regime is primitive. It murders its people and stifles dissent. It bankrolls those whose bloodlust is just as primitive and attacks the advance of liberal democracy in the Middle East. I take no joy in anyone’s death. At the same time, I take no joy knowing that some who dedicate themselves to torture and murder continue to thrive. The world is much better off, at least for the moment, without Khamenei and his henchmen.
Our current experience in the Middle East cannot be evaluated in a vacuum. In the 13 months of Trump’s presidency, he ordered an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, announcing that the sites “have been completely obliterated.” He directed our military to attack Nigeria on Christmas Day. He directed our military to attack “drug boats” in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. He directed our military to attack Venezuela and capture its former president.
Americans of good faith share a concern that the president is inclined to exercise military power in a manner that turns a blind eye to the mandate of Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, providing that Congress alone shall have the power “To declare War.”
American troops have lost their lives in this operation. As Lincoln phrased it, they have given “the last full measure of devotion” in service to our nation. It is now the solemn obligation of Congress to shoulder its responsibility under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, requiring that hostility begun by the President may not last more than 60 days unless specifically authorized by Congress (50 USC Ch 33).
Our democracy is the product of our Constitution, which defines the distinct powers delegated to each of our three branches of government. For good reason, the founders entrusted Congress to declare war, not the president. For American democracy to survive, Congress must re-establish its authority.
— Charles Lavine
Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) represents New York’s 13th Assembly District in Nassau County. He presently serves as Chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Committees on Codes, Ethics and Guidance, Insurance, and Rules. Lavine previously served as Chair of the Election Law Committee, Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Guidance, co-Chair of the New York State Legislative Ethics Commission, and as Chair of the bipartisan Taskforce that produced the Assembly Speaker’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Retaliation and Discrimination. Lavine is also President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators and a member of its National Board of Directors.