- I believe in this beautiful country. I have studied
its roots and gloried in the wisdom of its magnificent Constitution. I
have marveled at the wisdom of its founders and framers. Generation after
generation of Americans has understood the lofty ideals that underlie our
great Republic. I have been inspired by the story of their sacrifice and
their strength.
-
- But, today I weep for my country. I have watched the
events of recent months with a heavy, heavy heart. No more is the image
of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America
has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed,
our intentions are questioned.
-
- Instead of reasoning with those with whom we disagree,
we demand obedience or threaten recrimination. Instead of isolating Saddam
Hussein, we seem to have isolated ourselves. We proclaim a new doctrine
of preemption which is understood by few and feared by many. We say that
the United States has the right to turn its firepower on any corner of
the globe which might be suspect in the war on terrorism. We assert that
right without the sanction of any international body. As a result, the
world has become a much more dangerous place.
-
- We flaunt our superpower status with arrogance. We treat
UN Security Council members like ingrates who offend our princely dignity
by lifting their heads from the carpet. Valuable alliances are split.
After war has ended, the United States will have to rebuild much more
than the country of Iraq. We will have to rebuild America's image around
the globe.
-
- The case this Administration tries to make to justify
its fixation with war is tainted by charges of falsified documents and
circumstantial evidence. We cannot convince the world of the necessity
of this war for one simple reason. This is a war of choice.
-
- There is no credible information to connect Saddam Hussein
to 9/11. The twin towers fell because a world-wide terrorist group, Al
Qaeda, with cells in over 60 nations, struck at our wealth and our influence
by turning our own planes into missiles, one of which would likely have
slammed into the dome of this beautiful Capitol except for the brave sacrifice
of the passengers on board.
-
- The brutality seen on September 11th and in other terrorist
attacks we have witnessed around the globe are the violent and desperate
efforts by extremists to stop the daily encroachment of western values
upon their cultures. That is what we fight. It is a force not confined
to borders. It is a shadowy entity with many faces, many names, and many
addresses.
-
- But, this Administration has directed all of the anger,
fear, and grief which emerged from the ashes of the twin towers and the
twisted metal of the Pentagon towards a tangible villain, one we can see
and hate and attack. And villain he is. But, he is the wrong villain.
And this is the wrong war. If we attack Saddam Hussein, we will probably
drive him from power. But, the zeal of our friends to assist our global
war on terrorism may have already taken flight.
-
- The general unease surrounding this war is not just due
to "orange alert." There is a pervasive sense of rush and risk
and too many questions unanswered. How long will we be in Iraq? What
will be the cost? What is the ultimate mission? How great is the danger
at home? A pall has fallen over the Senate Chamber. We avoid our solemn
duty to debate the one topic on the minds of all Americans, even while
scores of thousands of our sons and daughters faithfully do their duty
in Iraq.
-
- What is happening to this country? When did we become
a nation which ignores and berates our friends? When did we decide to
risk undermining international order by adopting a radical and doctrinaire
approach to using our awesome military might? How can we abandon diplomatic
efforts when the turmoil in the world cries out for diplomacy?
-
- Why can this President not seem to see that America's
true power lies not in its will to intimidate, but in its ability to inspire?
-
- War appears inevitable. But, I continue to hope that
the cloud will lift. Perhaps Saddam will yet turn tail and run. Perhaps
reason will somehow still prevail. I along with millions of Americans
will pray for the safety of our troops, for the innocent civilians in Iraq,
and for the security of our homeland. May God continue to bless the United
States of America in the troubled days ahead, and may we somehow recapture
the vision which for the present eludes us.
-
- http://byrd.senate.gov/byrd_speeches/
|
