The IWR is not merely something that's in the past. It's as relevant today as it was 5 years ago.

[cali]

Every day, the unholy mess in Iraq should remind us of that. Every belligerent comment regarding Iran that issues from the White House should remind us of that. The IWR enables bushco to attack so-called terrorist groups anywhere on the planet. And designating Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terrorist group takes full advantage of the IWR.

To those who argue that it's in the past, I say it was a blank check then and it's still a blank check now. And the people who get to fill in that check are bush and cheney.

The IWR should be revoked.

"Mr. President, declaring war, or providing the authority to wage war, is the single most important responsibility given to Congress under the Constitution. As history has shown, wars inevitably have unforeseen, terrible consequences, especially for innocent civilians.

Blank-check resolutions, such as the one the President proposes, can likewise be misinterpreted or used in ways that we do not intend or expect. It has happened before, in ways that many people, including Members of Congress, came to regret. That is why a thorough debate is so necessary. And that is also why this Vermonter will not vote for a blank check for this President or any President. My conscience and the Constitution do not allow that."

<snip>

"The statements of Administration officials have been fraught with inconsistencies. They claim to speak for the American people, but average Americans are urging the Administration to proceed cautiously on Iraq and to work with the United Nations and the Congress. Our allies are confused and angry about the way this has been handled. Our friends in the Middle East are fearful of what lies ahead."

<snip>

"We have to remember that it is one thing to topple a regime, but it is equally important, and sometimes far more difficult, to rebuild a country to prevent it from becoming engulfed by factional fighting. If these nations cannot successfully rebuild, then they will once again become havens for terrorists."

<snip>

"So Mr. President, when we consider the resolution on Iraq, I hope we will remember those lessons, because under no circumstances should the Congress pass a blank check and let the Administration fill in the amount later. The Constitution does not allow that, and I will not do that."

http://leahy.senate.gov/press/200209/092602a.html

[jmp]

1. It needs to be de-funded.

All the talk of revoking the authorization is an excuse for inaction. It allows them to claim that they don't have the votes. That they would stop the war if only those dastardly Republicans didn't keep blocking it.

[cali]

2. Yes, of course the war should be defunded

but IWR still gives this admin or any admin following, the authority to attack any country that's supposedly harboring terrorists.

It not an either/or situation. Things rarely are.

It should be revoked.