Re: Prudent Belligernce

Invid Fan <invid@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

>Rich Rostrom <rrostrom.21stcentury@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>
>> A great speech to make in opposition to
>> the declaration of war. If made as an
>> excuse for refusing to execute the war
>> already declared by Congress, it would
>> merit impeachment. At the very least,
>> Marshall would be called on either to
>> fight the war or to resign from office.
>
>How would fighting a defensive war merit impeachment?

When the U.S. declared war on Germany, it
was with the expectation that the U.S.
would fight to defeat Germany. That means
attacking. At the very least, it means
contributing to the land battle in France,
not sitting back while German troops
march in to Paris (say).

I don't know whether there was any explicit
discussion of this in the debate before the
declaration vote. It would be possible for
the U.S. to declare war, without intending
to participate in the European land battle.
Japan did as much. But I am pretty sure
this was brought up in the debate and ruled
out.
-- 
| People say "There's a Stradivarius for sale for a  |
| million," and you say "Oh, really? What's wrong    |
| with it?" - Yitzhak Perlman                        |