The varied reactions in the last 96 hours (as we write this) to the massive attack on Iran by the FedGov and the State of Israel have again revealed the growing divides in American society. Not just but especially in civic and political matters.
This fragmentation is not just growing. The yawning gap in Americans’ opinions and positions also demonstrates the sources of the varying (and opposing) worldviews of our people. Including outright lies, twisted truth, crazy assumptions, and more. We can see it not just in the old parties, with the difference between blue and red States and politics. We see it too in libertarians. We are all over the place.
Even a quick and shallow review of the reactions to the situation published by a wide range of libertarian and mainstream political and media outlets shows this. We have hardened in our positions and in our opinions. And all too often it is misinformation or misunderstanding that separates and hardens our stances on all too many issues. Americans have formed tight cliches based on very specific views and positions, in direct conflict with other groups, and often as an immediate and long-term reactions (and over-reactions) to some perceived belief or attitude. The result? There is less and less cooperation, or even dialogue, between the various groups. Communication fails, and adds to the division. We gang up: “my people” and “you monsters.” And this ganging up reveals both the growing fractures and the realization that we that we are becoming more irrational, more emotional, more condemning of any deviation or differences.
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The Price of Liberty 
Iran, war, and the FedGov (anyone remember the Constitution?)
Who is right? What did Trump actually do? Whatever he did, TPOL’s bottom line is “A POX ON BOTH THEIR HOUSES!”
Many Democrats, and many libertarian (and Libertarians) have declared that The Donald ordering the attack on Iran last weekend was “unconstitutional” and/or “illegal” or just plain “wrong.” So let us here at TPOL throw some more wood on the fire.
For everyone saying the Limited Military Operation in Iran is “Unconstitutional,” we agree.
The problem is the 1973 War Powers Act. It was designed to curb Nixon’s “Imperial Presidency.” (Look it up.) That act of Congress allows an Executive to (a) commit troops/military action without either (i) a Declaration of War from Congress, or (b) any other sort of “Authority” from Congress; (b) provided the President informs Congress within 48 hours of taking the action, and (b) provided the actions are limited to 60 days without Congressional approval. (Up to 90 days if American troops need more time to ensure their own (relative) safety.)
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