The most effective time to prevent wars is before they even start, particularly for regime change, wars of choice, or opportunistic conflicts.
This tactic is a classic one used by hawks. They often employ various general justifications, keeping their true intentions under wraps due to concerns that the public won’t support them.
Take the 9/11 attacks, for instance. Somehow, they led to the invasion of Iraq, a nation with no ties to the terrorists involved. However, the hawkish elements had long harbored ambitions for action in Iraq. Thus, excuses were concocted, falsehoods were spread, and the conflict intensified.
In the Trump administration, certain officials, particularly Secretary of State Rubio, have long pushed for regime change in Venezuela. Rubio even voiced these notions in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Realizing it wouldn’t happen organically, a strategy was devised. It involved designating Venezuelan drug gangs as terrorists, followed by a plan to illegally bombard their boats along the South American coast.
At that point, I felt it was necessary to speak out: “That’s not acceptable. It’s an act of war, and it requires Congressional approval.” In that moment, I was isolated within the party.
The regime responded by launching missiles, taking out several individuals alleged to be drug traffickers, and inching closer to the brink of war.
The very act of bombing raised constitutional questions, but it was crucial to engage in a debate and vote on war authorization, even for those who disagree with me. Because then you might wonder: What follows next? What if Venezuela decides to retaliate? Are we genuinely pursuing regime change in a country that most Americans don’t support?
If this is truly about combating drugs, why aren’t Mexican forces actually securing the border, which is where most of the drugs come from? Is it really a matter of a few speedboats thousands of miles away being the main threat in this drug war?
So, why focus on them now? Is it about regime change in Venezuela?
Why are public hearings and new congressional resolutions suddenly springing up in December? Probably because, back in September, too many of my peers overlooked this critical situation.
Remaining a solitary voice amid crises isn’t easy. From Fauci to the response to COVID-19, to Afghan refugees, and now Venezuelan boats—eventually, people seem to notice and engage, but often it’s too late for effective intervention.
I welcome the upcoming hearing and plan to introduce a resolution this week aimed at curbing the administration’s military involvement in conflicts the American public doesn’t support.
However, I want to emphasize that I raised concerns months ago. It’s vital we don’t allow unchecked power to reside in this or any administration. It’s Congress’s duty to declare war, and for far too long, we’ve permitted the administration to overreach its authority.
