Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has spoken out against President Barack Obama's decision to order American troops to take part in a multi-national military action against Libya, Politico.com reports. According to Kucinich, Obama did not have the constitutional authority to launch the missile attack.
The site reports that this weekend, when Kucinich was sharing a conference call with other liberal lawmakers, he asked why the attack is not an impeachable offense.
Kucinich is just one of a group of Democrats who are sharply critical of Obama's decision. Reps. Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.), Donna Edwards (Md.), Mike Capuano (Mass.), Dennis Kucinich (Ohio), Maxine Waters (Calif.), Rob Andrews (N.J.), Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas), Barbara Lee (Calif.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.) �all strongly raised objections to the constitutionality of the president�s actions," according to two anonymous Democratic lawmakers who spoke to Politico.com.
The group of lawmakers has complained that Obama did not formally consult congress before the attack, and they worry that "Operation Odyssey Dawn" could provoke a third American war in the Muslim world.
Obama has enjoyed support from some powerful Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and key members of the Foreign Affairs, Armed Services and Intelligence committees. But the site reports that the objections of the anti-war Democrats could prove to be a serious political liability for Obama if "Operation Odyssey Dawn" does not go well and it sets off a larger conflict, leads to many American casualties or Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi remains in power.
"Operation Odyssey Dawn" began Saturday when U.S. warships launched more than 100 Tomahawk cruise missles against Libya�s air-defense systems. Obama ordered the attacks citing the threat posed to civilians by Moamer Qadhafi's forces, as well as the no-fly zone mandated by the UN.
Kucinich has previously wanted to bring impeachment articles against former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney over Iraq.
Kucinich Critical of Obama's Decision on Libya
Mar 22, 2011, 14:26 by Greg Stacy