At 02:43 AM 9/20/01 -0700, Samantha wrote:
>I am a little confused on what seems to be so basic a point that
>it is embarrassing to still be confused about it. Yet I don't
>sse much in the coverage of this crisis or most discussion on it
>that resolves my confusion so I'll just have to ask.
>
>Has the US actually made a formal declaration of war?
The President has declared a "war on terrorism" not a war on any one
particular country.
> Is such
>necessary for us to actually be "in a state of war" and most
>importantly, for wartime rules and powers to apply?
Not yet. In that it is a war on terroism it is more the theory and
practice of terrorism than a what has been typically known as a "war".
> If such a
>declaration is necessary and if it has not been made then why does
>anyone take seriously the claim of wartime powers and special privileges?
>If such a formal declaration is needed does it need to be against some
>nation or other?
Not yet.
best,
Natasha
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