Who Decides When America Goes to War? Navy Veteran Mike Bedenbaugh on Restoring Constitutional Governance
In an era defined by deep partisan gridlock, endless foreign policy entanglements, and an expanding executive branch, public discourse has largely devolved into a toxic spectator sport. Instead of debating substantive policy solutions to monumental challenges, Washington often appears trapped in short-term posturing and partisan warfare.
Yet, according to U.S. Navy veteran, author, and former independent congressional candidate Mike Bedenbaugh, the remedy to our nation’s political malaise is not hidden in novel political theories—it is waiting in our founding documents.
On a compelling segment of The Weruché® Show, Host and Editor-in-Chief Weruché Uzoka sat down with Bedenbaugh to examine the vital themes of his book, Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America. Drawing on his service aboard the nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser USS South Carolina (CGN-37) and a profound study of American history, Bedenbaugh offered a sobering, nonpartisan critique of modern governance and a practical blueprint for national renewal.
Revisiting the Owner's Manual: George Washington and the Constitution
Bedenbaugh’s work draws direct inspiration from Martin Luther’s historic 95 Theses, reimagining them as a modern catalyst for civic conversation and structural reform. Central to his philosophy is the wisdom left behind by George Washington in his Farewell Address—what Bedenbaugh describes as the "owner's manual" for the American experiment.
During their discussion, Bedenbaugh and Uzoka unpacked several core pillars of constitutional restoration:
The War Powers Crisis: Bedenbaugh emphasizes that modern conflicts and expanding executive authority have largely sidelined Congress, violating the constitutional separation of powers that requires a formal congressional declaration before sending troops into harm's way.
The Danger of Factionalism: Echoing Washington’s timeless warnings, the conversation highlighted how hyper-partisanship agitates the citizenry with false alarms and paralyzes public administration.
Foreign Policy and Neutrality: Moving away from endless foreign interventions, Bedenbaugh advocates for realigning foreign policy with America’s founding principles of commercial engagement and strategic neutrality.
A Call for Intentional Citizenship
Rather than offering quick partisan fixes, Bedenbaugh challenges Americans to look past personality-driven politics and place long-term national principles first. His framework addresses structural modernization—including electoral reforms, term limits, and curbing the undue influence of concentrated power—to return governance to "We the People".
For anyone concerned about the future of American democracy, Bedenbaugh’s insights provide a refreshing, historically grounded roadmap for civic participation and lasting reform.
To watch the complete, illuminating interview with Mike Bedenbaugh, tune in to The Weruché® Show on YouTube.