Proper Democracy is consensual. To say the least, the notion that government can manipulate rights by popular vote provides a shaky foundation for a nation. It provides a shaky foundation for our nation, and I am glad that certain representatives are willing to fight for rights and legality. Recently, President Trump authorized an act of war, against a nation that was not directly attacking the United States. This is something President Trump may have admitted to being unconstitutional only a few years ago. The foundational principle of accountable government is; a government can not partake in unnecessary actions without the consensus of its citizens. Citizens of this country should check, and be involved in their own affairs. Failure to do so will result in overall failure.

“To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;” -Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. constitution

Article 1 of the Constitution explains the role of the Congress. One thing evident in section 2, is that Congress has a lot of responsibilities. One of these is to decide when it is proper to make war when not first warred upon. Article 2 deals with the executive branch. Article 2, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution gives the President limited powers as Commander-in-Chief. Much of the Constitution, is open to interpretation, but when not facing a direct attack, it is beneficial for a debate regarding war to ensue in Congress. President Trump likely realized this common knowledge in August of 2013, when he tweeted, “What will we get for bombing Syria besides more debt and a possible long-term conflict? Obama needs Congressional approval.” Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky adamantly defended the Constitution and called President Trump out on his hypocrisy. Paul re-tweeted Pres. Trump’s tweet with the following comment, “This remains true today as it was in 2013. Both parts.” This battle between legality and non-legality is in many ways a war between consensual action and non-consensual action. If the government cannot receive the necessary amount of volunteers and funds for a war, without using force than the war doesn’t need to be fought. This is universally true, especially, with congressional approval. Just like compulsory service should never be necessary and isn’t ever actually necessary. Congressionally disapproved acts of war, against nations that have not attacked us, are not necessary.

However, the government should not just be accountable, it’s unnecessary actions should be subjected to proper consent and support. According to Reuters, the border wall or fence could cost up to 25 billion dollars. CNN states that estimates range from 12 to 20 billion. Mexico is not going to pay for the border wall so Americans would pay in taxpayers money, or federal debt, for this wall. To judge the importance of this wall, what we need is some type of federal “GoFundMe”. I’m serious! If Trump’s wall is so important, he can easily raise 13 billion dollars for it. This goes for many other unnecessary government actions. The money all comes from citizens anyways. If what the government is doing is important, they won’t have a shortage of funds, so long as taxes aren’t compulsory. The government should seriously consider lowering taxes, and crowdfunding instead. Not because it will always be able to do what it wants, but because it can better act in the interests of its citizens, without screwing up private industry.

Do you want war in the Middle East? If so; Then you should be willing to die in the middle east. Do you better border security? If so; Then you should be willing to donate a good portion of your income to funding this one project. Be interested. This system only works, if the people keep their government accountable. The idea of crowdfunding for federal projects is new for me, but I think it would be a great advance. The idea of congressional approval for acts of war should be new to no one.