http://www.johnedwards2004.com/page.asp?id=655&press=1">Edwards Says American People Cannot Afford Any More Of This President's Empty Promises
Senator John Edwards (D-NC) released the following statement today in response to the president's speech on the spread of weapons of mass destruction:
"The one thing we know is that often George Bush's rhetoric does not reflect reality. For nearly three years, he's talked about the threat of weapons of mass destruction, but he's done very little to work with our allies to secure these weapons and secure our nation.
"Two months ago, I outlined a specific plan to bring the world together into a new Global Nuclear Compact to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, giving the international community new tools to keep the most dangerous weapons from getting into the wrong hands. I also outlined specific proposals to improve America's ability to lead this effort, including new funding to end the 'loose nukes' danger in the former Soviet Union and to strengthen America's intelligence capability to understand and respond to such threats.
"Unfortunately, the president still refuses to provide any new funding to deal with this threat, but seems to find money in the budget for a new generation of bunker busting nuclear weapons. Given the urgency of the threat, our priority should be stopping the spread of nuclear weapons; not producing new ones.
"We've heard these speeches before. He promised a new 'Marshall Plan' for Afghanistan, but provided nothing of the sort. He promised to help promote democracy in the Middle East, but I am the only candidate who has outlined specific ideas to do so. On something as serious as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, the American people cannot afford any more of this president's empty promises."
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I am glad that Edwards has not forgotten our duties in Afghanistan.
I am glad that Edwards understands that the safest national security policy requires the destruction of weapons on our planet rather than the creation of more destructive weapons.
I am glad that Edwards understands the need for international cooperation to show the world our greatest strength as leader of the free world.