Can government be trusted to conduct JUST wars?

I think the only two wars that America has ever fought that could be called "just" wars are the Civil War and World War 2. Every other one was an example of imperialism or expansionism.

We must always demand evidence.

Otherwise, the iron law of oligarchy will play itself out.

In a functioning republic where the citizens are informed and capable of critical thinking and are well-educated, the government is less likely to start a war of aggression, given that informed citizens generally do not elect warmongers if they can help it or elect people who favor empire building on other people's lands.

especially with wars

hence:

Article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution
Congress' powers are enumerated in Section Eight:

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

The enumerated powers are a list of items found in Article I, section 8 of the US Constitution that set forth the authoritative capacity of the United States Congress.<1> In summary, Congress may exercise the powers to which it is granted by the Constitution, and subject to explicit restrictions in the Bill of Rights and other protections found in the Constitutional text.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enumerated_powers

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If only Jefferson or Washington could comment on such bullshit as "kinetic military action"



Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.
Thomas Jefferson