The most vital function of the government is to protect and defend its citizens from threats posed by foreign governments and aggressive groups. We support a modern and efficient military, foreign military action only upon a Declaration of War by US Congress except in cases of an imminent attack and the issuance of Letters of Marque and reprisal against rogue terrorist elements. We favor a clear strategy for entrance into and conclusion of any foreign engagement and a definable goal that constitutes victory.
The defense of the nation against foreign military aggression is a proper constitutional power and responsibility of the federal government. To provide for the common defense, congress it is authorized to raise and support armies, declare war, enter into treaties and grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal. Except in the face of an immediate and direct attack on the United States, it is the constitutional responsibility of Congress to declare war before commencing major military operations and the President is to direct the war once it is declared. This rule was scrupulously followed throughout American history until 1950 and the Korean War. Short of a full- fledged declaration of war, in lesser conflicts congress authorized hostilities by legislation. Any exception to this general rule involved military activities so minor and on such small scale as hardly to be worth mentioning.
Additionally, few realize that the U.S. constitution anticipated attacks against America by rogue groups that do not represent sovereign nations. In fact the founding fathers had experienced attacks in the high seas by pirates and other criminal elements. Unable to “declare war” against individuals or groups, the U.S. Constitution granted Congress authority under Article I, Section 8, paragraph 11 of the U.S. Constitution to “grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water.” These Letters issued by congress would grant Americans and foreigners under U.S. and international law authority to legally seek, target and seize those who have harmed America and to receive a bounty for their capture.
The Letters combined with high rewards for the capture of terrorists would create an incentive for Americans to conduct these operations. It would supplement U.S. government activity such as seeking out and eliminating the financial networks that terrorists use.
The RLC supports the maintenance of the means to ward off and defeat any possible foreign threat to the lives, liberty, and peaceful stability of every person within the borders of this nation. We favor an all voluntary military primarily comprised of ready state national guard and reserve troops supplemented by U.S. army, navy and air force powers, as well as space communication and anti-ballistic missile capabilities, suitable to detect and decisively counter any strategic danger. An essential component of national defense is a complete respect for the individual right to keep and bear arms as the ultimate reserve for repelling invasion or tyranny.
We oppose any mandatory draft registration or conscription in that the draft. The draft is a totalitarian institution based on the idea that the government owns and can dispose of the lives of our people as it wishes.
We oppose any federal legislation or presidential signing letter or directive that allows the federal government to assume command of the Florida National Guard or ready military units without consent by the people of Florida. We oppose any treaty or international agreement that puts American troops under the control or authority of any other executive or administrative power.
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