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.
