THE WARTIME PRESIDENCY

Last week, the New York Times reported:

"Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales suggested on Thursday for the first time that the president might have the legal authority to order wiretapping without a warrant on communications between Americans that occur exclusively within the United States.

'I'm not going to rule it out,' Mr. Gonzales said when asked about that possibility at a House Judiciary Committee hearing."

Those who defend the Bush administration's warrantless eavesdropping, as well as its refusal to release pertinent information, often cite his powers as commander-in-chief during wartime.
But what is war and are we in it? Is a period of increased security alertness the same as wartime?

So, in what sense is this a wartime presidency? Is it the Iraq war? But, hurtful as it is for our troops, this is an occupation turmoil, not a war. Is it the war on terror? Yes, terrorist groups have staged attacks against us and other countries around the world. We must aggressively protect and defend against possible further incidents, but is it wise to consider this as a war? (Using the label of war on terror invites comparison with the war on drugs).

The danger of terrorist attacks may well go on for years and years. In addition to homeland defense, any long term solution lies in the realm of culture, foreign policy, and actions coordinated with other countries of the West. Considering this danger a war runs the risk of claims of presidential wartime powers lasting for decades.

As an aside, it does not seem like wartime in the U.S. Except for sacrifice by members of the armed forces and their families, life here is mostly business as usual. Tax cuts continue, no belt tightening, the mounting deficits to be the burden of our children and grandchildren.