"I wish the press were paying more attention to the erosion of the Constitution and the slippery slope that we're getting into, by giving up the right of the Congress to talk about when and how and where we go to war"

Barbara Lee's quote highlights her deep concern about the state of democratic governance and constitutional adherence in the United States, especially relating to the critical issue of war-making powers. She calls attention to the absence of media concentrate on what she views as a steady erosion of constitutional principles, especially those associated to the separation of powers. In the U.S. Constitution, the power to declare war is vested clearly in Congress. This is developed as a check and balance to avoid the executive branch from unilaterally engaging the nation in military disputes without wider legal deliberation and approval.

By mentioning "the erosion of the Constitution and the slippery slope", Lee warns of a hazardous pattern where the fundamental document of American democracy is being bypassed or weakened. The phrase "slippery slope" recommends that small discrepancies from constitutional norms can cause more substantial advancements in time, potentially modifying the balance of power completely and causing decisions that might not show the will of individuals.

Lee's focus on "quiting the right of the Congress" highlights her belief that Congress is ceding its constitutional role, either through complacency or external pressures, to the executive branch. By doing so, Congress may be lessening its own authority and obligations, fundamentally altering the representative nature of democratic governance.

The media's role, as suggested by Lee, is essential in making sure openness and accountability in governmental actions. Her call for journalism to pay more attention is an appeal for heightened public scrutiny and conversation on these issues. The underlying message is that the public, possibly through the impact of the media, need to hold their representatives liable for maintaining constitutional stability.

Eventually, Lee's issues show a more comprehensive debate within American politics about the balance of power between branches of government and the mechanisms by which the United States chooses to engage in military action. Her declaration functions as a tip of the importance of keeping democratic concepts and the vigilance needed to protect them.