The Reagan White House funded the Contras, Nicaraguan rebels who were attempting to overthrow the pro-Communist Sandanista government in their home country, all while keeping Congress completely in the dark about these activities.

Some critics argue that modern American presidents have seemingly forgotten that, according to the Constitution, only the Congress has a right to declare war. In their view, these "covert operations" are war, no matter what they're called. Furthermore, they say, it's not good for a democracy when its citizens are kept out of the loop when it comes to such important matters.

What do you think? Should a president be permitted to conduct covert operations?