A structural flaw

The events of recent weeks have revealed a structural flaw in and a dangerous feature of our political system insofar as the president can decide, practically speaking, whether or not the country goes to war irrespective of what Congress and the American people, even the president’s advisors, think is the best course of action.

While this has always been the case, it comes into sharp and bold relief in recent days and weeks as Trump’s decision to go to war against Iran was soley decided by a self described “genius.” Neither Congress nor the American people had any say in the matter. Nor did the views of even his own party and movement figure into the decision. And even if they did, it wouldn’t have mattered. In his mind, it was his decision alone.

While this feature of our political system can’t be changed overnight, it should be on the agenda of the American people going forward, including in the coming elections this fall. The stakes are too high for it not to be. Tump’s war against Iran starkly reminds us that it is a life and death question.