Rep. Dellums on Iraq Crisis

We need more representatives like Ron Dellums (D-Berkeley) to preserve this democracy (Column Left, “Can Congress Rein In the Dogs of War?” Commentary, Nov. 5). The Constitution, as he points out, gives Congress sole authority to declare war. Our forefathers took the greatest pains to avoid any kind of despotism--and especially on this most crucial of questions, the declaration of war.

Dellums tells us, “Recent Pentagon estimates indicate that more Americans might be killed in the first 14 weeks of a war with Iraq than were killed during the 14 years of our combat role in Indochina.” And this is to be decided by one man, overriding any judgment of the people most concerned, and contrary to the Constitution?

President Eisenhower warned of the influence of the military-industrial complex--still further reason for those who must pay the price to hold fast to their constitutional right to decide, through representation.

NEDRA DeLARA, Sherman Oaks