It is déjà vu concerning the United States going to war against Iran. Back in a February of 2012 Republican presidential nomination race debate, Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) was asked about if the US should go to war against Iran because of the same purported threat that President Donald Trump is now using to support movement toward war on Iran — that Iran may soon have a nuclear weapon.
In answer, Paul stood out from his three opponents at the debate, arguing that the US government should not take the “risky” and “reckless” action of going to war. He then proceeded to say that, “if you are so determined to go to war, the only thing I plead with you for if this is the case is do it properly: Ask the people and ask the Congress for a declaration of war.”
Paul’s 2012 plea for respecting the constitutional requirement of a congressional declaration of war is something that Trump, who seems these 13 years later determined to decide all on his own whether to sic the US military on Iran, should consider. There is much wisdom in the United States Constitution. Disregarding its requirements can lead to decisions both foolish and destructive to peace, liberty, and prosperity.
“Why go to war so carelessly?” asked Paul in his debate comments after saying it is much better to talk with the Iran government than to fight it. That question resounds today.
Watch Paul’s comments from the debate here:
