The checks and balances of the war powers is either broken or was imperfect in the first place. I agree with IJR's comments and I add that Congress must not grant the power to declare war as it has in the two Gulf Wars and the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in the Viet Nam era.
The war powers are divided among the power to make war, the power to declare war, and the power to sustain war. The President has the first power and Congress has the latter two.
If Congress would jealously guard its powers, it could restore some of the balance. If the President would make war in violation of Congress' wishes, that is an impeachable offense.
If Congress would only go to war after a declaration, then the system would work. These unconstitutional wars that we fight wear down the constitution. Where are the conservatives who constantly harp about usurpation of constitional powers or the ignoring of constitutional prohibitions? Let's start being consistent!
