Senate Remarks by Robert C. Byrd, March 19, 2003: "The
Arrogance of Power"
US Senator Robert C. Byrd said yesterday "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. "
Senator Byrd said "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."
He added "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."
He added "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."
Senator Byrd said "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."
Senator Byrd asked "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?"
Senator Byrd said "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." |
|