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While I have been assured by administration officials that there is
no connection with the impeachment process in the House of Representatives,
I cannot support this military action in the Persian Gulf at this time.
Both the timing and the policy are subject to question.
I am opposed to endangering the lives of brave American men and women
in the military for action in Iraq that will not effect real change
in that nation. If, however, military action is taken, all Americans
will fully support our troops in battle.
I could support a future military operation with clearly defined objectives,
among them the removal of Saddam Hussein from power and the eradication
of his capability to make and deliver weapons of mass destruction. This
cannot be accomplished by a cursory air strike, but must include an
intensive and sustained bombing campaign of all Iraqi facilities that
keep Saddam in power – such as his Republican Guard and other security
forces and all command and control entities – and all targets dealing
with his capacity to manufacture weapons of mass destruction and the
means to deliver them. Furthermore, the president should demonstrate
his seriousness of intent by committing to a complete implementation
of the Iraq Liberation Act signed into law last October.
This administration has squandered too many opportunities in Iraq.
I will support serious and sustained action but will oppose action that
does not accomplish our larger, strategic goal. The American people,
as well as the people of Iraq and the region, deserve nothing less.
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