I have mixed, complicated, and nuanced thoughts, perspectives — never-mind my mishmashed feelings — about the United States & Israeli attack on Iran initiated on 28 February, 2026.

So many, many thoughts, bits, emotions on this whole sad state of affairs … as a result I’m focused for the present on one central fact:

In the United States, the president cannot declare war on another country; yes, he is the commander and chief; however, only the United States Congress can declare war on behalf of our country.

Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the United States Constitution states:

“ the Congress shall have power to … provide for the common defense and general war for welfare of the United States…

“To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water.”

President Trump and his administration are therefore on the same illegal ground that other presidents have been on before; and because this president has such an inflated, engorged, and shameless disregard for the rule of law, I believe all the more that the lawmakers in our US Congress need to reassert their role as a co-equal branch of government and reign Trump in.

This particular post may not be “good”, but it’s necessary.