Ted Rall for October 01, 2014
Transcript:
America used to declare war. Or at least ask congress for legal authorization. (Man: A date which will live in infamy.) Not anymore. Obama is pointing to old documents for old wars to justify his new attacks on ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Master ex-constitutional lawyer Obama's novel exploration of archival legal documents opens up awesome new possibilities. (Man 2: Nothing in this "emancipation proclamation" prevents us from invading Russia. Putin's "slaves" must be freed!) Any writing, no matter how ancient or irrelevant, can be used to justify anything. (Man 2: This hittie restaurant receipt clearly allows us to demand a refund... in the form of the nation of Syria! (Man 3: Congress?!? Who needs 'em?)
Possibly even “The Epic of Gilgamesh” could be looked to for justification. Apart from its general portrayal of insidious ancient intrigues and political violence (obviously still prevalent in that area of the world), it provides these lines that politicians might specifically use to build multinational support:.“If your heart is fearful throw away fear; if there is terror in it throw away terror. Take your axe in your hand and attack. He who leaves the fight unfinished is not at peace.”.Probably even the cave paintings of Lascaux contain relevant justification if we look hard enough.