American historians, including 11 Duke faculty members, have signed a petition encouraging lawmakers to engage in serious discussion and deliberation over the Iraqi threat, and to fulfill the Constitutional obligation of a formal declaration of war. A delegation will present the petition to Congress Sept. 25.
The appeal, which has amassed over 1,300 signatures, circulated via e-mail to academics across the country and represents an opportunity for scholars to voice their concerns on the issue.
"It reflects the dynamic of organizing in the Internet age," said Edward Balleisen, assistant professor of history. Some Duke professors received the e-mail through the Organization of American Historians, others from colleagues at peer institutions.
"Academics have absolutely no influence [with President George W. Bush's administration]," said signer and history chair John Thompson. "There has never been an administration like this; they have rejected the last 60 years of foreign policy." Thompson explained that regardless of political viewpoints on whether we should go to war with Iraq, a debate is imperative.
Balleisen agreed, calling Bush's potential war against Iraq deviant from previous policy. "The American people, through elected representatives, should have a full-fledged debate through Congress," he said.
In a speech to the United Nations last week, Bush outlined U.N. resolutions that he said the Iraqi government has not upheld, and added that until they are enforced, military action will remain an option. Iraqi officials said Tuesday that they would welcome back U.N. weapons inspectors, but after meeting with top Congressional members Wednesday, Bush said the move was Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's "latest ploy."
"I think it is important [for Congress to be consulted] because I believe that the president has no right to engage in a massive military action without discussion and debate with the peoples' representatives," said Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences William Chafe, a former president of the Organization of American Historians and a signer of the petition.
The petition has highlighted what many academics feel is a clear lack of discussion among the American public over political issues like Iraq. Professors cited a variety of causes for what is sometimes referred to as the "discourse gap," which range from media complacency to a general sense of American apathy.
"People do not speak out individually or collectively about what is concerning them," said Professor of History Peter Wood, also a signer. "The more reasonable discussion there is, the more all of us get a chance to examine our understanding of the issues and to learn and to change our minds," he said. "That's the beauty of debate." Wood added that everybody has an obligation to speak out both individually and at the workplace.
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