Reply #17: What a great speech by Henry Clay [View All]

[Time for change]

A declaration of war is the highest and most awful exercise of sovereignty. The Convention, which framed our federal constitution, had learned from the pages of history that it had been often and greatly abused...

if it be contended that a war having been once commenced, the President of the United States may direct it to the accomplishment of any objects he pleases, without consulting and without any regard to the will of Congress, the Convention will have utterly failed in guarding the nation against the abuses and ambition of a single individual.

This speech could just as well have been given to today's Congress regarding George Bush's war. Our Congress ought to read it, and so ought all Americans.