====== FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ======
America First Party
1630 A 30th Street #111
Boulder, Colorado 80301
http://www.AmericaFirstParty.org
Tuesday, 27 August 2002
PLAY BY THE RULES, NO WAR WITHOUT DECLARATION
Boulder, CO -On August 10th, the Founding Convention of the America First
Party overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning any "Unlawful and
Improper War with Iraq." The resolution states that an armed attack against
Iraq is presently unjustified, and calls for the impeachment of the
president if he takes this country to war without a constitutionally
mandated Declaration of War.
National Chairman Dan Charles said, "Our nation should not be bullied into
war by a President who assembled a war-cabinet before he even took office.
As talking heads beat the war drums, the White House lawyers claim that
President Bush can send our sons and daughters into combat to destroy Iraq
because his father was authorized to expel Saddam Hussein from Kuwait more
than a decade ago. Our Founding Fathers put the power to declare war solely
in the hands of Congress--not presidential whim. The power to take this
country to war is an awesome power, and they understood that discussions in
the legislative body would shine the light of day on the necessity for a
Declaration of War."
Mr. Charles continued, "Iraq is not a threat to the United States. Saddam
Hussein is an evil man, but the case has not been made that he is a threat
to the American people. However, if he is a threat to us, then an
undeclared war is not the solution we advocate. We should secure our
borders. We should defend our nation, not preemptively kill the innocent
people that Saddam Hussein will place between our tanks and his backside."
Participation in hostilities is costly to the country in life, money, and
principles and is a dangerous road to travel without full compliance with
the Constitution. It is a decision that must rest on the wisdom and careful
consideration of the American people. For this reason, it was the framers'
intention that the decision to go to war be made by the people through their
elected representatives in Congress.
Press Secretary Romelle Winters said, "It is imperative that all actions
taken by the government be in conformity with the Constitution. No elected
official should suggest that it is acceptable to disregard our Constitution
for any reason. Congress and the President take oaths to protect and abide
by the Constitution and should uphold their promise to their constituents
and the people of the United States."
Resolution author and National Secretary John Pittman Hey said, "At the
present time, we are not convinced that a war with Iraq is advisable or
essential for the well being and safety of this country. Just because we
can do a thing does not mean we should do it. A formal Declaration of War
by Congress is necessary to assure that the American people are committed to
a conflict with another sovereign nation. It is vital to the continuation
of this country that its basic structure--the Constitution--be upheld. The
rule of law should prevail. If President Bush will not adhere to his oath
of office, then he should be impeached."
Contacts:
Dan Charles, National Chairman, 1-866-SOS-USA1, ext. 4
Romelle Winters, Press Secretary, 1-866-SOS-USA1, ext. 2
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