“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear,
free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to
oppose what I believe wrong, and free to choose those who shall govern my
country.” - -The Rt. Hon. John Diefenbaker, Canadian Bill of Rights,
1960
“The whole judicial system is at issue, it's
worth more than one person.”--Serge Kujawa, Saskatchewan Crown
Prosecutor, 1991
“The system is not more worth than one person's
rights.”--Mario deSantis, 2002
The Bush administration is pushing for war against Iraq. Is it right
to attack Iraq? As common people we must understand the language of
our own leaders and form our own opinions. The following are samples
of the language used by the Bush's triumvirate and samples used by
other three American leaders opposed to the war. We have a choice
and the only choice is the intelligent choice.
President George Bush: "I hug the mothers and the widows of those who may have
lost their life in the name of peace and freedom... I take my
responsibilities incredibly seriously about the commitment of
troops."
U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
"There are those who counsel that we should delay preparations
[for war against Iraq]. Ironically, that approach could well
make war more likely, not less, because delaying preparations
sends a signal of uncertainty."
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell: "My colleagues, every statement I make today is backed up
by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions. What we're
giving you are facts and conclusions based on solid
intelligence."
U.S. Senator Robert Byrd: "I truly must question the judgment of any President who
can say that a massive unprovoked military attack on a nation
which is over 50% children is in the highest moral traditions of
our country."
U.S. Representative Dennis J. Kucinich:
"Our nation is now poised to go to all-out war against Iraq.
Iraq has not committed any act of aggression against the United
States. Iraq was not responsible for 911. No credible evidence
exists linking Iraq to Al Queda's role in 911. Iraq was not
responsible for the anthrax attack on our nation. The United
Nations has yet to establish that Iraq has usable weapons of
mass destruction. There is no intelligence that Iraq has the
ability to strike at the United States. According to the CIA,
Iraq has no intention to attack America, but will defend itself
if attacked."
Former U.S. President and Nobel Laureate Jimmy Carter:
"The cost of an on-site inspection team would be minuscule
compared to war, Saddam would have no choice except to comply,
the results would be certain, military and civilian casualties
would be avoided, there would be almost unanimous worldwide
support, and the United States could regain its leadership in
combating the real threat of international terrorism."
References
Raum, Tom, Bush Asks Religious Broadcasters for help, (PDF)
February 15, 2003, Associated Press
Rumsfeld jabs 'old Europe' (pdf) February 9, 2003, Washington
Times
Pitt, William Rivers, (student written) Blair--Powell UN Report,
February 7, 2003, Truthout Editorial http://truthout.org/docs_02/020803A.htm
Byrd, Robert, Reckless Administration May Reap Disastrous
Consequences, February 12, 2003, Common Dreams News Center speech
presented on the floor of the United States Senate. http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0212-07.htm
Kucinich, Dennis, Iraq and the Economy, January 5, 2003,
Swearing-iin ceremony at Cleveland Ohio
Carter, Jimmy, An Alternative to War, January 31, 2003, Truthout
Editorial http://truthout.org/docs_02/020303B.htm
