As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and all that it stands
for, excerpts of Senator Byrd's March 19, 2003, speech Arrogance of
Power -- Today, I Weep for my Country are worth revisiting.
"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.
"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."
How prescient were the words of the late Senator Byrd.
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