Challenging 'Pre-emption' - Senator Byrd blasts Iraq Policy

[RamboLiberal]

<snip>

Tonight, I have been asked to speak about Iraq.

Early this morning came news of the capture of Saddam Hussein. That is good news. Despite his fall from power many months ago, the specter of a possible return to power had cast a constant shadow over Iraq and the Iraqi people. I applaud the tenacious work of the military and intelligence communities for their success today.

But that success does not diminish the challenges that remain in Iraq, and it certainly does not tamp the passions inflamed against the United States throughout the Muslim world by our actions in Iraq. The capture of Saddam Hussein will not be the keystone for peace in that volatile region. This day's news does not lessen the danger that the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive strike poses to international peace and stability.

In order to bring lasting stability to Iraq, that nation needs the help of the entire world, not just America and her fighting needs.

As each day passes and as more American soldiers are killed and wounded in Iraq, I become ever more convinced that the war in Iraq was the wrong war at the wrong time in the wrong place for the wrong reasons. Contrary to the President's rosy predictions--and the predictions of others in the Bush Administration--the United States has not been universally greeted as a liberator in Iraq. The peace--if one can use the term "peace" to describe the chronic violence and instability that define Iraq today--the peace is far from being won. Iraqi citizens may be glad that Saddam Hussein is no longer in power, but they appear to be growing increasingly resentful that the United States continues to rule their country at the point of a gun.

http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20031229&s=byrd

[Sugarbleus]

1. GREAT POST!!

I remember Senator Byrd on Larry King, one night before the invasion of Iraq. He made a soulful plea against going into Iraq. He has stood his ground the whole way.

He is a wonderful representative for us. While watching him work in the Senate, I sometimes get the feeling he gets kicked to the curb..don't know if it's just because he's old or what. He's a good man in this, his senior years.
Bless Mr. Byrd

[rucky]

2. Yep...Saddam didn't change the debate

It's about PREEMPTION

if we stay on that point, we can't lose.

[pruner]

3. I guess we shouldn't hold our breath waiting for Byrd to endorse Lieberman

[bpilgrim]

4. wow! that man is a REAL american HERO

Tennyson's "Ulysses":

We are not now that strength which in old days...tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are--
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will,
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

and to think he stands alone practically...

we should all start asking our 'reps' when they are gonna stand with our greatest living statesman robert byrd!

could be a killer 'southern strategy' for dean/kucinich :evilgrin:

peace

[bpilgrim]

5. must read

peace

[Bandit]

6. "America and her fighting needs."

What a sound bite. Pretty much sums it up. America under the Republicans.

[bpilgrim]

7. Thom Hartmann is talking about this topic now

http://www.thomhartmann.com

another american HERO! :toast:

peace

[bpilgrim]

8. and many dems wanna send MORE troops...

expanding the occupation will ONLY increase the SUFFERING on all sides.

even Randi Rhodes - http://www.therandirhodesshow.com - supports increasing the occupation - because hillary does

i really don't know why us libs wouldn't be pulling for getting our troops out and the UN in :shrug:

it wont end till the iraqi people have a gov they support which i DOUBT will be one we install on the tip of a sword.

:shrug:

peace

[bpilgrim]

9. kick

peace