U.N. Approves Military Action Against Iraq

As a member of the Armed Forces, I have taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution embodies the ideals that bind us together as a nation.

It gives a specific procedure to be followed for the declaration of war. It also gives Congress the absolute authority to fund the foreign policy of the United States.

This authority was clearly disregarded by the Reagan Administration during what is now known as the Iran-Contra Affair. The law as set forth in the Constitution was disregarded in favor of the Administration’s desire to implement foreign policy.

If the Constitution is once again disregarded in implementing the foreign policy of the Bush Administration, then what becomes of the ideals which bind us together? Does the Constitution then become merely a bunch of words on paper? Has the experiment in democracy our forefathers set into motion with the creation of the Constitution failed?

Sadly, I believe this would be the case if, once again, a president is allowed to implement his policies without being bridled by constitutional checks and balances.

If the Congress sees fit to declare war, then I will gladly give my services.

I have a difficult time at best putting blind faith in the policy of an Administration that owes its political success to Oliver North’s paper shredder.

WILLIAM B. BURKE, Santa Ana