Despite weather the Kony video is accurate or not. Congress and only congress has the authority to wage war. What Panetta is saying in this video (if you don't feel like watching the whole thing) is that the administration doesn't need permission from congress to take military action. That is simply stunning, not to mention incorrect.
This whole Kony video feels very much like propaganda. I bet within a few days you will see the administration again taking unilateral action to intervene. Again without congressional permission, and probably again calling it a "kinetic military action" like they did last year with Libia.
actually the president doesn't need permission to tell HIS troops to do anything, he just has to notify congress and after a period of time get their support, for short operation he doesn't need to do ***, the president cannot declare war but he can certainly wage it.
That's even abiding by the war powers resolution which every president since it was passed believes it to be unconstitutional anyway, but that isn't here nor there.
Stop spreading your delusions.
Please don't insist I point out the obvious that if a law/act restricts the power of a president, then naturally presidents would view it in some kind of negative light. If the war power's act is so unconstitutional and wrong, why has it not been overturned?
The american people elect a president to protect them and their interests from mortal danger, not to go charging across the globe like some kind of internet white knight. Where is the immanent threat from Kony? Why do american solders need to be put in harm's way and DIE because on Kony? How does this action enable him as a military commander fulfill his oath to defend the constitution?
Please stop trying to sell the administration's flagrant abuse of OUR military, as heroic or just.
It's not really shady moreso shortsighted and heavy on emotion.
I think when information is manipulated and the organization itself is being question by multiple news outlets. Yes its shady, but that's just me
I'm not condoning the actions in Uganda. However, as others have pointed out- the US has other problems on its plate.
We have school teachers sleeping with students, teachers telling pregnant teens they are going to hell, civil rights issues, health care reform, "our own" citizens starving and homeless on the streets, etc...
I know I'll sound incredibly selfish when I say this. My tax dollars that come out of my pay check I'd prefer to see going to my own country rather than fix some other nation's mess.
I think when information is manipulated and the organization itself is being question by multiple news outlets. Yes its shady, but that's just me
I'm not condoning the actions in Uganda. However, as others have pointed out- the US has other problems on its plate.
We have school teachers sleeping with students, teachers telling pregnant teens they are going to hell, civil rights issues, health care reform, "our own" citizens starving and homeless on the streets, etc...
I know I'll sound incredibly selfish when I say this. My tax dollars that come out of my pay check I'd prefer to see going to my own country rather than fix some other nation's mess.
I don't consider it shady because it's the job of an activist group to bring a sense of urgency to whatever they have chosen to champion or else it'll never catch any attention. They're selling us a product and like any good advertisement you've got to bait the hook well or risk losing your catch.
I agree on many of the US domestic issues which is why I feel this movement while justified is simply outside of our capabilities as it stands. We've got problems here in the US we ignore daily, Africa is a swimming pool of issues, aid groups will do more than the US military can and ultimately it comes down to the citizens uniting against their threats.
Enough with the Team America: World Police thing I say. Syrians are dying daily under the Assad regime so should we not be there in full force bombing the hell out of his troops? What about the people in the Amazon being pushed out by loggers? Our own inner city youth being killed daily by the war on drugs? Child labor in SE Asia? The sex trafficking of women in Eastern Europe?
Enough with the Team America: World Police thing I say. Syrians are dying daily under the Assad regime so should we not be there in full force bombing the hell out of his troops? What about the people in the Amazon being pushed out by loggers? Our own inner city youth being killed daily by the war on drugs? Child labor in SE Asia? The sex trafficking of women in Eastern Europe?
I do empathize with those issues, particularly because I do believe in social awareness. I myself try to do what I can by taking part in non-pros: GLAAD, NOH8, AIDS Project Los Angeles and Covenant House California. (yes im liberal) So I suppose to some degree I'm biased, but that in large is because I see in my own community the dilemmas of HIV/AIDs, homeless, lack of basic health care etc. These are issues that affect the whole country.
So its really hard for me as a US citizen to say we should go put money into international issues. When we need more funding here at home on things like affordable HIV/AIDS treatment, more homeless housing, more food banks, basic healthcare etc.
*** propaganda, not our problem. They have the guns, they have the man power and they have the brain. Let them rebel and fight their own war. We should've learn by now that everytime we send our men and women to die for other country's problem and years later those countries end up with another dictator again and again. Look at libya, Iraq, and many others in those region. I don't see how we can bring Kony to justice without a war.
*** propaganda, not our problem. They have the guns, they have the man power and they have the brain. Let them rebel and fight their own war.
What a small, narrow, ignorant perspective.
Who then, pray-tell, should be responsible for bringing one of the most despicable men on the planet to justice for his innumerable crimes against humanity?
"Eh? It's not in our backyard, so big whoop."
Pathetic.
If you don't want to join the military, don't.
If you don't care about Africa, fine.
If you don't like that other Americans actually give a ***about what happens outside our borders, whatever.
But don't delude yourself even for a moment into thinking that we, the American people, don't have some degree of responsibility in maintaining world order ... ESPECIALLY when it comes to disgusting pigs of men who abuse CHILDREN to suit their needs.
If your next-door neighbor was found to be physically or sexually abusing even just one child ... it would be a HUGE deal for your community, and I bet you'd be pretty uncomfortable living next-door to him. This Kony guy is responsible for the kidnapping, abuse, rape, disfigurement, and murder or literally tens of thousands of children ... and you're willing to speak up AGAINST taking action?
The USA has no business waging a full-scale war in Central Africa. However, undoubtedly the American populace can do SOMETHING. Hell, look at what 3 dudes from California did in the video. It's pretty obvious that international awareness and pressure has to be stepped-up to get this Kony guy ousted from his current role, and brought before an international court to stand trial. For that to happen, people have to be AWARE of what's going on, and WILLING to tell their elected government officials to DO something about it. If we can't do that, as Americans, then we have FAILED in the role of world leader that we so often purport ourselves to be.
That's... the scariest form of irony I've ever seen. I knew about this when it was "relevant," and the idea that this could re-empower the guy is, like they said, irresponsible.
*** propaganda, not our problem. They have the guns, they have the man power and they have the brain. Let them rebel and fight their own war.
What a small, narrow, ignorant perspective.
Who then, pray-tell, should be responsible for bringing one of the most despicable men on the planet to justice for his innumerable crimes against humanity?
"Eh? It's not in our backyard, so big whoop."
Pathetic.
If you don't want to join the military, don't.
If you don't care about Africa, fine.
If you don't like that other Americans actually give a ***about what happens outside our borders, whatever.
But don't delude yourself even for a moment into thinking that we, the American people, don't have some degree of responsibility in maintaining world order ... ESPECIALLY when it comes to disgusting pigs of men who abuse CHILDREN to suit their needs.
If your next-door neighbor was found to be physically or sexually abusing even just one child ... it would be a HUGE deal for your community, and I bet you'd be pretty uncomfortable living next-door to him. This Kony guy is responsible for the kidnapping, abuse, rape, disfigurement, and murder or literally tens of thousands of children ... and you're willing to speak up AGAINST taking action?
The USA has no business waging a full-scale war in Central Africa. However, undoubtedly the American populace can do SOMETHING. Hell, look at what 3 dudes from California did in the video. It's pretty obvious that international awareness and pressure has to be stepped-up to get this Kony guy ousted from his current role, and brought before an international court to stand trial. For that to happen, people have to be AWARE of what's going on, and WILLING to tell their elected government officials to DO something about it. If we can't do that, as Americans, then we have FAILED in the role of world leader that we so often purport ourselves to be.
So much White Man's Burden.
We're in the Internet era, you can get your information directly from Ugandan citizens if you look hard enough...
Mahayaya, (as usual, *sigh*) I have no frickin' clue why you think your response is relevant or contextual.
So, since a young Ugandan lady goes on YouTube to mildly criticize the "Kony 2012" video, we should just dismiss the idea that we Americans could or should assist the people of Central Africa?
I had to stop watching this lady's blabbering at about 2:30 into her video. She makes a big deal about how the "Kony 2012" footage describes the situation in Uganda as it was roughly 5-6 years ago. Duh. The film's narrator even spells that out for us during the Kony 2012 video. Yes, he's moved out of Northern Uganda ... so now he's wrecking the same havoc and abusing a new crop of children in neighboring countries.
So, since everything's a bit more peaceful in Uganda now, we should just let Kony walk away without justice or punishment for the blood of tens of thousands that's on Kony's hands?
Please.
Eliminating or incarcerating Kony won't magically turn Africa into Utopia, and it won't undo his innumerable heinous crimes. However, if we DON'T step-up and make him pay for his crimes, then that's equivalent to condoning his crimes.
I'm sorry, that's unacceptable.
I'm glad that things are better in Uganda today then they were 5 years ago. But don't be foolish enough to think we Americans, as self-appointed leaders among civilized nations, don't have some degree of responsibility to take SOME action to discourage people like Kony.
Dear God, Elana, you have zero understanding of international politics, foreign policy, and pragmatism and reading your condensed *** makes my head nearly implode.
Dear God, Elana, you have zero understanding of international politics, foreign policy, and pragmatism and reading your condensed *** makes my head nearly implode.
What a bunch of horse dung, Jinjo.
Perhaps to your annoyance, I have a VIVID and WIDE understanding of international politics and foreign policy.
However, if I cause your head to implode, I'll take that as a compliment.
Alright, so your substantial knowledge of global affairs should clue you in on the fat that we've been militarily involved in the situation pertaining to LRA uprisings for nearly a decade at the minimum?
And that if we make any further move without it being sanctioned by the countries/continent we're operating in, we're going to do irreversible damage and cost innocent lives while not actually fixing anything?
Mahayaya, (as usual, *sigh*) I have no frickin' clue why you think your response is relevant or contextual.
So, since a young Ugandan lady goes on YouTube to mildly criticize the "Kony 2012" video, we should just dismiss the idea that we Americans could or should assist the people of Central Africa?
I had to stop watching this lady's blabbering at about 2:30 into her video. She makes a big deal about how the "Kony 2012" footage describes the situation in Uganda as it was roughly 5-6 years ago. Duh. The film's narrator even spells that out for us during the Kony 2012 video. Yes, he's moved out of Northern Uganda ... so now he's wrecking the same havoc and abusing a new crop of children in neighboring countries.
So, since everything's a bit more peaceful in Uganda now, we should just let Kony walk away without justice or punishment for the blood of tens of thousands that's on Kony's hands?
Please.
Eliminating or incarcerating Kony won't magically turn Africa into Utopia, and it won't undo his innumerable heinous crimes. However, if we DON'T step-up and make him pay for his crimes, then that's equivalent to condoning his crimes.
I'm sorry, that's unacceptable.
I'm glad that things are better in Uganda today then they were 5 years ago. But don't be foolish enough to think we Americans, as self-appointed leaders among civilized nations, don't have some degree of responsibility to take SOME action to discourage people like Kony.
It's completely relevant and directly attacks your previous post.
Your post was focused on the assumption that America needs to be the driving force in changes in Africa. An assumption that America has to be the world police in order for things to run properly. Had you actually watched the entire video, she goes on to say that the change should come from Uganda, Sudan, etc, not some "benevolent gift" from Mommy 'Merica. That there needs to be lasting governmental changes, not a one-time donation bomb.
Also, wtf? I'm guessing you spent 30 minutes watching a video that's made mostly by people not from Uganda, but don't have the time to listen to less than 7 minutes of SOMEONE ACTUALLY FROM UGANDA??
Alright, so your substantial knowledge of global affairs should clue you in on the fat that we've been militarily involved in the situation pertaining to LRA uprisings for nearly a decade at the minimum?
And that if we make any further move without it being sanctioned by the countries/continent we're operating in, we're going to do irreversible damage and cost innocent lives while not actually fixing anything?
I won't contend with any of that.
However, the LRA is still functioning, still enslaving children, still killing/raping/disfiguring people, including children, by the thousands.
So, it's still a HUGE problem, and frankly, if a few apparently well-educated white dudes from California want to raise international awareness about the situation by fundraising and making YouTube Videos to support that cause, then that's praiseworthy, period.
The "Kony 2012" creators aren't calling for a nuclear bomb to be dropped on the LRA compounds.
They're asking us to pick up the muther-forking telephone to call our US Senators and Congressmen/women.
Is that too much to ask?
Is that a "bad" thing to do?
But don't be foolish enough to think we Americans, as self-appointed leaders among civilized nations, don't have some degree of responsibility to take SOME action to discourage people like Kony.
Don't be foolish enough to think that we Americans, as self-appointed leaders of democracy among civilized nations, don't have some degree of responsibility to ensure that the people of other countries represent themselves, rather than send a regime to interfere with affairs that we aren't being asked to interfere in.
Despite weather the Kony video is accurate or not. Congress and only congress has the authority to wage war. What Panetta is saying in this video (if you don't feel like watching the whole thing) is that the administration doesn't need permission from congress to take military action. That is simply stunning, not to mention incorrect.
This whole Kony video feels very much like propaganda. I bet within a few days you will see the administration again taking unilateral action to intervene. Again without congressional permission, and probably again calling it a "kinetic military action" like they did last year with Libia.
actually the president doesn't need permission to tell HIS troops to do anything, he just has to notify congress and after a period of time get their support, for short operation he doesn't need to do ***, the president cannot declare war but he can certainly wage it.
That's even abiding by the war powers resolution which every president since it was passed believes it to be unconstitutional anyway, but that isn't here nor there.
Stop spreading your delusions.
Please don't insist I point out the obvious that if a law/act restricts the power of a president, then naturally presidents would view it in some kind of negative light. If the war power's act is so unconstitutional and wrong, why has it not been overturned?
The american people elect a president to protect them and their interests from mortal danger, not to go charging across the globe like some kind of internet white knight. Where is the immanent threat from Kony? Why do american solders need to be put in harm's way and DIE because on Kony? How does this action enable him as a military commander fulfill his oath to defend the constitution?
Please stop trying to sell the administration's flagrant abuse of OUR military, as heroic or just.
from somebody who cries all the time about not holding true to the constitution you don't seem to know much...
as for why it hasn't been overturned, the same reason a lot of other laws haven't been, it's hard to get a law passed even harder to get it overturned.
Also I'm sorry to tell you but the american people don't elect the president, the electoral college does.
As for the actual thing that spawned this thread, I haven't looked into it in the least so I can't comment directly on it, just pointing out your severe inaccuracies.
However removing leaders who kill their own people is definitely not an abuse of our military power, it's a damn well good use for it.
Alright, so your substantial knowledge of global affairs should clue you in on the fat that we've been militarily involved in the situation pertaining to LRA uprisings for nearly a decade at the minimum?
And that if we make any further move without it being sanctioned by the countries/continent we're operating in, we're going to do irreversible damage and cost innocent lives while not actually fixing anything?
I won't contend with any of that.
However, the LRA is still functioning, still enslaving children, still killing/raping/disfiguring people, including children, by the thousands.
So, it's still a HUGE problem, and frankly, if a few apparently well-educated white dudes from California want to raise international awareness about the situation by fundraising and making YouTube Videos to support that cause, then that's praiseworthy, period.
The "Kony 2012" creators aren't calling for a nuclear bomb to be dropped on the LRA compounds.
They're asking us to pick up the muther-forking telephone to call our US Senators and Congressmen/women.
Is that too much to ask?
Is that a "bad" thing to do?
No.
Yes, these things are still happening but I ask you: What do you think calling your elected officials will do to solve the problem? Would it not be a vote for intervention? What type of intervention do you think is going to stop these atrocities? Military strikes? Kony dies and then what? Mission Accomplished? Nation building? Occupying a foreign nation? Throwing money at 'leaders' who we hope do the right thing?
America isn't going to solve this problem and as tragic as that reality may be they're kids suffering all around the world living life out as child soldiers, sex slaves, factory workers and other unimaginable jobs we all in the 1st world would cringe at.
Do I like this fact? No.
Do I have no choice but accept it as fact? Yes.
A vote for intervention in Uganda means we should also be crusading against these acts of violence against children all over the world. From Kony's acts in Africa right down to Syrian children being shelled by Assad, Somali children being lured into piracy, Eastern European children being smuggled to meet prostitution demands and still further to the far reaches of Southeast Asia where children live in filth and squalor.
This is unsustainable and self-defeating.
As Americans we can offer monetary aid to organizations championing noble causes, devote our lives to said causes if we see fit, raise awareness and assist the people living in these regions through food, education, healthcare but what we cannot do is solve problems that are the challenges of the people who live in these regions. The people must come to their own realizations, aspire to a goal and though there will be loss of life what matters is that the movement is legitimate and imprinted upon the future generations.
America rushing in to the rescue does nothing more than provide an outlet for residents to blame the 'outsiders' and further involve our country in foreign conflicts as our own domestic crises pile up.
*** propaganda, not our problem. They have the guns, they have the man power and they have the brain. Let them rebel and fight their own war.
What a small, narrow, ignorant perspective.
Who then, pray-tell, should be responsible for bringing one of the most despicable men on the planet to justice for his innumerable crimes against humanity?
"Eh? It's not in our backyard, so big whoop."
Pathetic.
If you don't want to join the military, don't.
If you don't care about Africa, fine.
If you don't like that other Americans actually give a ***about what happens outside our borders, whatever.
But don't delude yourself even for a moment into thinking that we, the American people, don't have some degree of responsibility in maintaining world order ... ESPECIALLY when it comes to disgusting pigs of men who abuse CHILDREN to suit their needs.
If your next-door neighbor was found to be physically or sexually abusing even just one child ... it would be a HUGE deal for your community, and I bet you'd be pretty uncomfortable living next-door to him. This Kony guy is responsible for the kidnapping, abuse, rape, disfigurement, and murder or literally tens of thousands of children ... and you're willing to speak up AGAINST taking action?
The USA has no business waging a full-scale war in Central Africa. However, undoubtedly the American populace can do SOMETHING. Hell, look at what 3 dudes from California did in the video. It's pretty obvious that international awareness and pressure has to be stepped-up to get this Kony guy ousted from his current role, and brought before an international court to stand trial. For that to happen, people have to be AWARE of what's going on, and WILLING to tell their elected government officials to DO something about it. If we can't do that, as Americans, then we have FAILED in the role of world leader that we so often purport ourselves to be.
So you are saying that because you want to help people in Africa, American soldiers who volunteered to defend America and the US Constitution should go overseas and conduct your business?
It isn't America's job, we have no obligation, no such obligation is defined in our Constitution and in fact the very opposite of that obligation is expressly defined by many of the founding fathers are something we should not do.
I have a better idea, go buy some guns and do it yourself. You've never killed anyone, you've never seen someone die, you've never lost your brothers as a result of pointless wars.
Until you do, go find a fleshlight and proceed to use it on yourself.
why do people go on about American military action when there has been no call for it? The American intervention is to send an advisory group to help co-ordinate the UGANDAN military. They are raising awareness so that the American people will show support for keeping the advisers in Africa long enough to allow the Ugandan military to do what they feel needs to be done.
At least, this is all that is mentioned in the KonY 2012 video campaign. Has there been some official mention of American militarisation, or is this just interweb speculation and the usual lack-of-facts-assumption-making-conclusion-jumping ignorance?
