Yesterday was the deadline for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to report its progress on Phase II of the investigation into the administration’s use of pre-war intelligence. The prognosis is not good, according to Senators Rockefeller, Levin and Feinstein. They have released a letter, and here is its main finding:
At this time, we are unable to provide an estimated completion date of the Phase II investigation given the substantial amount of work that remains to be done.
This assessment differs greatly from the one offered by Sen. Pat Roberts on November 1st: “It isn’t like it’s been delayed. As a matter of fact, it’s been ongoing. As a matter of fact, we have been doing our work on Phase 2.†In reality, as the letter makes clear at various points, the work of the committee has been stonewalled by an unwillingness on the part of conservatives to investigate the administration. The Senators report that the investigation has been unable to proceed due to the following issues:
(1) Chairman Roberts is unwilling to investigate the “Cabal” inside the Pentagon’s Office of Special Plans because he is deferring to the administration to investigate itself.
(2) Roberts has been unwilling to allow for “additional interviews and documents” to conduct a thorough inquiry.
Also, it is important to note that while Bush continues to falsely claim that the Senate Intelligence Committee found the administration had not “manipulated the intelligence and misled the American people about why we went to war,†the Intel Committee Senators say just the opposite:
The Committee staff work on two other sections of the investigation is not finished: whether public statements were substantiated by intelligence information and the use of intelligence information provided by the Iraqi National Congress.
Copy of Rockefeller, Levin, and Feinstein letter here.
Can bushco & their minions be any more dishonest? I have a hard time believing they could.
One thing, this administration is making Dick Nixon’s administration look a hell of alot cleaner.
November 15th, 2005 at 1:58 pmalso due today is the release (or further appeal) of the newer Abu Ghraib photos. Cant wait to hear what excuse the Admin uses to ignore the judge and not release them….
November 15th, 2005 at 2:07 pmIt’s gonna take more than politics to get these bastards to come clean and out of power. Truth means shit compared to their agenda.
November 15th, 2005 at 2:08 pmSen. Roberts lied? I’m shocked! Can he be called in front of the Committee and made to explain himself? I’d love to see that on C-Span.
November 15th, 2005 at 2:10 pmDemocrats need to start screaming louder and take a harder satand against these crooks or else it is all for naught
November 15th, 2005 at 2:11 pmI looked at the letter but I don’t see where yesterday, Nov. 14 was any sort of deadline. I need a link to the Nov. 14 progress report deadline. Thanks
November 15th, 2005 at 2:17 pmDems seem spineless these days. We The People may need to rise up and remove this Bush Cabal.
If Bush is as isolated as some people report then he may not be far from the cliff (emotionally, psychologically, etc).
There’s nothing like a mad tyrannt in office to rise the ire of the masses. If this were “Old” Europe, the gates would have been stormed by now.
November 15th, 2005 at 2:18 pmAND MEANWHILE:Dozens of insurgents killed in Iraq, U.S. says
Three Marines have also died in two days of fighting in border town
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Updated: 9:05 a.m. ET Nov. 15, 2005
BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi forces fighting insurgents near the Syrian border ran into fierce resistance Tuesday, with troops encountering 107 explosive booby traps and killing at least 30 insurgents, the military said.
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November 15th, 2005 at 2:24 pm• U.S. operation near Syria targets insurgents
• Iraq army: 200 insurgents seized in Tal Afar
• First American death in Iraq offensive
• New U.S. offensive near Iraq-Syrian border
• Iraqi insurgents kill 19
Hey “.”/Dot/Che/GOI, we aren’t the folks you should be convincing. We vote, yell at politicians, raise money and participate. Why don’t you go post this on the freerepublic?
November 15th, 2005 at 2:27 pmLet’s start an “IMPEACH PAT ROBERTS†campaign to light a fire under his lazy corruption-riddled ass!
November 15th, 2005 at 2:31 pmwatch them delay their report until after the ‘06 elections… I wouldn’t put it past them…
November 15th, 2005 at 2:37 pmtruth hurts. I was there. so was my Daughter.
November 15th, 2005 at 2:38 pmI hate it when Soldiers Die and all we can do is argue.
GET THE TROOPS HOME NOW!
America is corrupting , killing, hurting the entire world with it capitalist free REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRACY!
BOTH SIDES WAS AND ARE AND WILL ALLWAYS BE WRONG!!!!
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roberts is a w ar criminal
November 15th, 2005 at 2:42 pmOh, come on. Do we really expect the Repub Senators to investigate Bush? You gotta be dreaming. That’s tooth fairy stuff. Get real.
November 15th, 2005 at 2:43 pmChe/â€.â€/GOI, you’ve already been outed as a republican sympathy troll. Move on.
November 15th, 2005 at 2:45 pmWhen history asks, how could Congress let this administration get away with murder…Pat Roberts ought to held up as the prime example of a made man of the Republican Syndicate. Pat’s overarching interests is protecting his Party, irregardless of the consequences to this country. Why do you hate this country so much, Pat?
November 15th, 2005 at 2:47 pm#6 Frank,
We have provided a link to the fact that yesterday was the deadline for the Senate Intelligence panel to report back. If you have a Wall Street Journal subscription, you can also see it here:
http://online.wsj.com/ article/ SB113193756865296196-search.html?KEYWORDS=deadline+and+intelligence&COLLECTION=wsjie/ archive
November 15th, 2005 at 2:51 pmThanks!
November 15th, 2005 at 3:01 pmNot One More Mother’s Child (Paperback)
by Cindy Sheehan, Introduction by Thom Hartmann, Foreword by Congressman John Conyers, Personal Introduction by Jodi Evans
BuzzFlash.com Review (excerpt)
If the Busheviks continue to disintegrate, it can be argued that the person who first drove a major chink in their armor of fabricated credibility was Joe Wilson. Then Cindy Wilson came along in 2005 and made George W. Bush look like the scared, cowardly skunk he really is. Then, with the White House malfeasance that occurred after Hurricane Katrina, the pustule of Bushevism broke open for all to see.
But Cindy’s job isn’t finished. The Iraq war continues and more Americans and Iraqis are needlessly dying.
Cindy Sheehan hasn’t stopped fighting to restore sanity to our government — and neither should we.
We owe her a deep debt of gratitude.
“Not One More Mother’s Child” is her personal story. It is well worth reading.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:02 pm#6
Here is a link to the CNN article discussin gthe shut down of the Senate and the November 14th deadline.
http://www.cnn.com/ 2005/ POLITICS/ 11/ 01/ senate.iraq/
“The three Republicans and three Democrats are to report back to Senate leaders by November 14.”
November 15th, 2005 at 3:04 pmI just keep repeating the phrase, “this no longer surprises me,” especially with regard to Roberts. Partisan hack doesn’t even begin to describe this guy. Shameless coward, however, does have a nice ring to it.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:06 pmIf criminal conspiracy indictments are ever rendered. Sen. Roberts and former Rep. Goss should be charged as coconspirators. They have blocked every attempt to discover the truth about this corrupt administration.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:07 pm#15. Ryan, I,ve given you alot of Credit at the Beginning , when I first visited this site.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:09 pmI am now having serious doubts. unless of course you are a Ryan Imposter., I,ve never had anything negatory to say about your comments, Yet , you attack Me?
Son, I spent 21 1/2 Yrs is Active Army.(1976-1997).
though i did not do it for you. I did it because it was a secure Job and I DID like it.
However after retiring , and seeing with my own eyes just how corrupt the rich and free really are, I vowed to Never EVER defend ANYONES FREEDOMS THAT WONT DEFEND THEIR OWN FREEDOMS!
I AND MY DAUGHTER DID OUR TIME! but, we never ever have to do it again, (THANK ALLMIGHTY GOD FOR THAT)!
meanwhile senator wyden (0r) defends removal of habeas
November 15th, 2005 at 3:11 pmcorpus for prisoners.
#19
Anybody know how I can get a hold of Cindy Sheehan?
I fully support Cindy, bu the name of her book is pissing me off. Why only mothers. Don’t fathers have children also. I have children and I am getting fvcking sick of the fact that mothers are the only ones who are thought of when it comes to children.
My children are the reason why I hate Bush so much.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:11 pmLIKE I SAID IN A PREVIOUS POST, IN CASE YOU MISSED IT NED,I MEAN GOI, OOPS, I MEAN RYAN, I VOTED FOR JOHN F. KERRY. THE PREVIOUS ONE I VOTED FOR RALPH NADER.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:12 pm#26
You are calling Ryan Neat Ned? Are you serious? Get a freaking grip. BTW. When you first started coming here, you posted under a different name. Why are you using a “.” for your name now?
And before you go attacking me, I served in the US Army, so I fought for your freedoms too.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:16 pmSAy Ryan,
November 15th, 2005 at 3:17 pmCome to think about it, The Army (or NAVY) might just take you now, They are that desparate.
#28
Are you serious?
Why would Ryan sign up for the military, he doesn’t support the illegal war in Iraq.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:20 pmRoberts is another Republican liar. That’s why the Dems when into close session two weeks ago. The American people need to be inform on what is going on in both Houses.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:22 pmRockefeller, Levin, and Feinstein should be tried for treason and shot once they are found guilty. There’s more but that’s a good start.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:23 pmPerhaps it’s time for another Rule 21 moment? How about a Rule 21 moment every week until Roberts does his duty to the American people and the Constitution? C’mon Reid, stop the Senate again and make them all cry and whine again!
November 15th, 2005 at 3:23 pmplease stop your self righteous ranting,bla… oh, I mean”.”
November 15th, 2005 at 3:24 pmFor those interested in the Plamegate and Niger Forgery scandals, a detailed 110+ page chronology with full documentation is available at:
http://jakking.typepad.com/ daily/ 2005/ 11/ plamegate_and_t.html
November 15th, 2005 at 3:25 pmTHE PREVIOUS ONE I VOTED FOR RALPH NADER.
Comment by .
Nader? I thought only 16 year old girls voted for that loser?
November 15th, 2005 at 3:25 pmThis . fellow appears schizophrenic.
So Bush says the committee has said that Bush and company didn’t fix the intelligence to fit thier war and yet the committee is saying that they can’t come to any conclusion because they are being stonewalled!?! Wholly crap Bush really does live in another world.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:26 pmI guess I-R-I doesn’t even know the legal voting age………
November 15th, 2005 at 3:28 pmIRI The only ones that should be trial for treason and found guilty and shot are Old Bushie, Cheney, Rice, Rove, Libby, Rumsfelt and etc, etc.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:34 pmI-RIGHT-I
lunatic.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:37 pm11 Jordanian officials resign after bombings
November 15th, 2005 at 3:38 pmSenate pressures Bush on Iraq
U.N. wrong to fire staffer over ‘oil-for-food’
Iraq official acknowledges new detainee abuse
Brraawwwwcckkk!
Hi I-R-I…you Limbannity parrot of disinformation…Have a cracker
November 15th, 2005 at 3:42 pm[…] Read more Stonewalling […]
November 15th, 2005 at 3:42 pmOh #27, SOOOO, YOU ARE THE IMPOSTER PRETENDING TO BE RYAN, UHHUH.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:43 pmDID YOU EVER HAVE A CHILD SERVE SPUDGE_BOY?(Hell of a faggot name), by the way boy, are you old enough to vote yet?
Who is “.”? Duz da wittle cutie pie need a cwacker too? Is you a good boy? Is you?
November 15th, 2005 at 3:43 pmChina population = 1.3 BILLION
India population + 1 BILLION
american Population LESS THAN 3oo Million.
November 15th, 2005 at 3:49 pmHave fun in WWfour, Idiots
“.” aka “blablabla”
And he’s making fun of Spudge’s name….?!
November 15th, 2005 at 3:49 pmLook people, this is street justice Kennebunkport style. Think gangsta drive-by that went bad. Of course they’re lying about it. Them that’s dead or injured, ain’t nothin gonna bring’em back.
Doesn’t anybody here watch Cops? Since when does a real gangsta cop to killing the little girl that happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?
November 15th, 2005 at 3:49 pmI just emailed Reid to shut down the Senate again.
Maybe if enough of us let him know we’re behind him, who knows?
November 15th, 2005 at 3:53 pm“.” is one of the rightwing ’sympathy trolls’ who tries to undermine progressive coherency. It’s a common tactic of the mental midgets of the reichwing. They’re such retarded fools.
And blaaaber mouth. I’m an anti-war pascifist you retard. Shut up, and go over to your real home - the free republic. Not only am I against war, I’m against deadly weapons. I prefer rubber bullets and protective gear thank you very much! I’m also opposed to the first world selling munitions to countries like iraq in the first place, which is one of the main reason much of the 3rd world is led by dictators!
November 15th, 2005 at 3:53 pmI have this Question to Impose on ALL of YOU(Dems , repubs, ind. dosnt matter).
Its a Simple Question, lets see if you get it .
IF AMERICA AND CHINA SOMEHOW GET INTO A CONFLICT RESULTING IN AN ALL OUT WAR, AND ITS A NUTURAL (Both sides are at fault)standoff, WHOS SIDE WILL YOU FIGHT ON?
November 15th, 2005 at 4:05 pmChina
America
“.”
What does that have to do with anything?
November 15th, 2005 at 4:07 pmJust answer the Simple Question, ****
November 15th, 2005 at 4:08 pmMEANWHILE AS SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS DIE EVERY SECOND,, THE LATEST NEWS!:Senate rejects timetable for Iraq withdrawal
Republicans defeat Democratic move, approve softer language
NBC VIDEO
• Withdrawal timetable rejected
Nov. 15: Senators debated and then voted on Iraq policy guidelines, rejecting the idea of setting a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops he Republican-controlled Senate defeats. NBC’s Mike Viqueira reports.
MSNBC
NBC VIDEO
• Frist discusses Iraq policy
Nov. 15: Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, Senate Majority leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., discusses the Republican proposal for Iraq policy guidelines.
Today show
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Updated: 1:43 p.m. ET Nov. 15, 2005
November 15th, 2005 at 4:11 pmHow much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck would chuck wood?
ANSWER THE QUESTION DAMMIT!
(Saltines or butter crackers?)
November 15th, 2005 at 4:12 pmobstruction is the name of the game for the Bush cabal… and to think, they accuse Dems of that!!!
November 15th, 2005 at 4:12 pmPhase II Report Being Stonewalled, Senators Charge .
November 15th, 2005 at 4:14 pmSTONEWALLING OR DRAGGING OUT OR POSTPONING, NO MATTER HOW YOU PHRASE IT.
EACH SECOND COULD SAVE A LIFE.
STONEWALLING IS KILLING LIFE!
HOW TO STOP “STONEWALL” ROBERTS …
Senator Reid needs to do an end-run around Senator Roberts’ attempt to stall the Phase II investigations. If left to Senate conventional rules, Roberts will quietely sink Phase II in a welter of confusing misdirections, until way past 2006.
So, how do it?
Step 1: Announce publicly the first Top 10 Questions that need answering.
Step 2: Focus on each of the Top 10 Questions in a daily remarks session.
Step 3: Run in a public place the clock (like the one on Senator Kennedy’s website) which shows the time elapsed since the promise to start Phase II. Refer each day to the time elapsed in each Senate speech.
Step 3: Revise the Top10Q each day.
Step 4: State possible answers to each of the Top 10 Questions: Either this or that. Which one is it? We do not know because Senator Roberts is blocking us from finding out. Given that, the American people are entitled to assume the worst answer, which is ….
Step 4: Each day, introduce a Top 10 Question, then segue into a Rule 21 session. In the Rule 21 session, table some classified information known to Democrats which justify the calling of the secret session, and which deals with the Top 10 Question raised.
Step 5: Start an independent investigation, and have Democratic senators attend it, so as to give it credibility.
Step 6: Caution the majority party in the Senate that, if there is no discernible progress in Phase II (including bi-weekly announcements of ground covered, plus the Tope 10 Questions being reviewed, plus what is holding up answers to those questions, including naming those blocking progress, then Rule 21 sessions will begin each day, starting on December 7, 2005 ….
Why will this work? Using the Top 10 Questions plus the background material currently available on each question, will put intense focus on the essence of Phase II, rather than just on the concept of an investigation. Get the details in front of the public, show what is being hidden, then show who is hiding it, then show how it is being hidden.
Probability of success? Over 70%.
November 15th, 2005 at 4:24 pmWithdrawal timetable rejected
Nov. 15: Senators debated and then voted on Iraq policy guidelines, rejecting the idea of setting a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops he Republican-controlled Senate defeats. NBC’s Mike Viqueira reports.
STONEWALLING plain and simple!
Dozens of insurgents killed in Iraq, U.S. says
Three Marines have also died in two days of fighting in border town
Bomb explodes outside Karachi KFC restaurant
At least three people killed, 12 wounded in downtown blast .
How many people would a society chuck if a society would chuck people?
ANSWER THE QUESTION DAMMIT!
November 15th, 2005 at 4:29 pmNope…not under there…
not…under there…
Please help me…I’m looking for your point
November 15th, 2005 at 4:35 pmCome on Reid have another Rule 21. This may wakeup the Republicans.
November 15th, 2005 at 4:35 pmDon’t you think its strange that there hasn’t been an all out civil war in Iraq? The Sunnis should start a civil war if things are as bad as the MSM would like you to believe. Also, why is Jordan condemning the Al Qaeda attack? By rights, they should be condemning the U.S. Could the MSM possibly have an agenda? Hmmm.
November 15th, 2005 at 4:38 pm“.”/Che/GOI - WHACKO!
First of all, the US didn’t attack Jordan, AlQueda did. Second of all, there is a civil war going on you retarded nitwit. Where do you think all of the killing is coming from?
November 15th, 2005 at 4:41 pmMy signature is the point .
November 15th, 2005 at 4:41 pm“.”
Why don’t you turn on Hannity for a while…I know he brings out the same tired crap every day, but he’s got to have something new once in a while.
Here’s some cute little goldfish crackers to tide you over in the meantime
November 15th, 2005 at 4:44 pm# 60.that is why the name of this BLOG is called”"”
November 15th, 2005 at 4:44 pm“”"”"”"”"”"THINK PROGRESS”"”"”"”"”"?
#63 #62 is an imposter, THATS NOT ME! I DIDNT WRITE THAT!
Wow, poor republican whackos are now taking to posting as me. It must be awful for them to be so inept that they have to resort to such weak tactics.
Poor little partisan republican whackos. Can’t defend yourself, so you masquerade as me…
Typical republican propaganda idiocy…
November 15th, 2005 at 5:00 pmTransparency isn’t exactly a strong suit of many republicans
November 15th, 2005 at 5:03 pm[…] Sen. Roberts is still stonewalling Phase 2 of the Senate pre-war intel investigation. […]
November 15th, 2005 at 5:04 pmSEN. EDWARD KENNEDY: “What Was Said Before Does Matter. The President’s Words Matter. The Vice President’s Words Matter. So Do Those Of The Secretary Of State And The Secretary Of Defense And Other High Officials In The Administration.” (Sen. Edward Kennedy, Congressional Record, 11/10/05)
Executive Summary:
Democrats Consistently Warned The Nation Of The Threat Posed By Iraq’s Weapons Of Mass Destruction
Democrats, Circa 1998
– President Bill Clinton: “[M]ark my words, [Saddam] will develop weapons of mass destruction. He will deploy them, and he will use them.”
– Vice President Al Gore: “Saddam’s ability to produce and deliver weapons of mass destruction poses a grave threat … to the security of the world.”
– Secretary Of State Madeleine Albright: “[W]e are concerned … about [Saddam’s] ability in the long run … to threaten all of us with weapons of mass destruction.”
– National Security Adviser Sandy Berger: “[Saddam] will rebuild his arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, and someday, some way, I am certain, he will use that arsenal again.”
– U.N. Ambassador Bill Richardson: “Facts are facts. Iraq has been deceiving the international community with the weaponization of nerve gas. It’s that simple.”
– Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.): “[Saddam] is too dangerous of a man to be given carte blanche with weapons of mass destruction.”
– Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.): “[Saddam’s] chemical and biological weapons capabilities are frightening.”
Democrats, Circa 2002
– Former Vice President Al Gore: “We know that [Saddam] has stored away secret supplies of biological weapons and chemical weapons throughout his country.”
– Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.): “We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction.”
– Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.): “Saddam’s existing biological and chemical weapons capabilities pose real threats to America today, tomorrow.”
– Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.): “These weapons represent an unacceptable threat.”
– Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.): “Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capability to wage biological and chemical warfare and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons.”
FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON
President Bill Clinton Called Iraq “A Rogue State With Weapons Of Mass Destruction, Ready To Use Them Or Provide Them To Terrorists…” CLINTON: “In the next century, the community of nations may see more and more of the very kind of threat Iraq poses now — a rogue state with weapons of mass destruction, ready to use them or provide them to terrorists, drug traffickers, or organized criminals who travel the world among us unnoticed. If we fail to respond today, Saddam, and all those who would follow in his footsteps, will be emboldened tomorrow by the knowledge that they can act with impunity, even in the face of a clear message from the United Nations Security Council, and clear evidence of a weapons of mass destruction program.” (Bill Clinton, Remarks At The Pentagon, 2/17/98)
Clinton, On Saddam’s WMD: “Some Day, Some Way, I Guarantee You He’ll Use The Arsenal. And I Think Every One Of You Who Has Really Worked On This For Any Length Of Time, Believes That, Too.” CLINTON: “[L]et’s imagine the future. What if he fails to comply and we fail to act, or we take some ambiguous third route, which gives him yet more opportunities to develop this program of weapons of mass destruction and continue to press for the release of the sanctions and continue to ignore the solemn commitments that he made? Well, he will conclude that the international community has lost its will. He will then conclude that he can go right on and do more to rebuild an arsenal of devastating destruction. And some day, some way, I guarantee you he’ll use the arsenal. And I think every one of you who has really worked on this for any length of time, believes that, too.”
(Bill Clinton, Remarks At The Pentagon, 2/17/98)
Clinton, On Saddam: “[M]ark My Words, He Will Develop Weapons Of Mass Destruction. He Will Deploy Them, And He Will Use Them.”
(Bill Clinton, Remarks At The White House, 12/16/98)
In November 1997, Clinton Directed Then-Secretary Of Defense William Cohen To “Raise The Profile Of The Biological And Chemical Threat.” “Cohen, meanwhile, was arguing that a true U.S. vital interest — and one that could easily be explained in public — was Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, often referred to in abbreviated terms as WMD. Clinton directed him on Nov. 13 to raise the profile of the biological and chemical threat. The following day, the former senator from Maine held a five-pound bag of sugar on ABC’s This Week Sunday program and said the same quantity of anthrax could kill half the population of Washington.” (Barton Gellman, Dana Priest and Bradley Graham, “Diplomacy And Doubts On The Road To War,” The Washington Post, 3/1/98)
Cohen, Following Clinton’s Orders On ABC’s This Week: “What Is On The Horizon Is Anthrax, VX, Sarin, And Other Types Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction.” COHEN: “All of his neighbors in the region, I think, are fearful of what Saddam Hussein has done in the past and apprehensive of what he might do in the future. We intend to intensify that apprehension on their part by showing it’s not invasion of Kuwait, it’s not invasion of Saudi Arabia that’s on the horizon. What is on the horizon is anthrax, VX, sarin, and other types of weapons of mass destruction.” (ABC’s This Week, 11/16/97)
Clinton: “I Have No Doubt Today, That Left Unchecked, Saddam Hussein Will Use These Terrible Weapons Again.” CLINTON: “Other countries possess weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. With Saddam, there is one big difference: He has used them, not once, but repeatedly. Unleashing chemical weapons against Iranian troops during a decade-long war. Not only against soldiers, but against civilians, firing Scud missiles at the citizens of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran. And not only against a foreign enemy, but even against his own people, gassing Kurdish civilians in Northern Iraq. The international community had little doubt then, and I have no doubt today, that left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will use these terrible weapons again.” (Bill Clinton, Remarks At The White House, 12/16/98)
Clinton Insisted Saddam Sat Atop The List Of “Predators Of The 21st Century.” CLINTON: “[T]his is not a time free from peril, especially as a result of reckless acts of outlaw nations and an unholy axis of terrorists, drug traffickers and organized international criminals. We have to defend our future from these predators of the 21st century, … [T]hey will be all the more lethal if we allow them to build arsenals of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and the missiles to deliver them. We simply cannot allow that to happen. There is no more clear example of this threat than Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. His regime threatens the safety of his people, the stability of his region and the security of all the rest of us.” (Bill Clinton, Remarks At The Pentagon, 2/17/98)
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE
Vice President Al Gore Claimed “Saddam’s Ability To Produce And Deliver Weapons Of Mass Destruction Poses A Grave Threat … To The Security Of The World.” GORE: “There should be no doubt, Saddam’s ability to produce and deliver weapons of mass destruction poses a grave threat to the peace of that region and the security of the world. His defiance of the will of the international community to allow UNSCOM to do its job cannot and will not be tolerated.” (Al Gore, Remarks At The Pentagon, 2/17/98)
Gore: “If You Allow Someone Like Saddam Hussein To Get Nuclear Weapons, Ballistic Missiles, Chemical Weapons, Biological Weapons, How Many People Is He Going To Kill…?” GORE: “[I]f you allow someone like Saddam Hussein to get nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, chemical weapons, biological weapons, how many people is he going to kill with such weapons? He’s already demonstrated a willingness to use these weapons; he poison gassed his own people. He used poison gas and other weapons of mass destruction against his neighbors. This man has no compunctions about killing lots and lots of people.” (CNN’s Larry King Live, 12/16/98)
When Discussing Saddam’s Iraq, Gore Invoked The Specter Of “Ballistic Missiles, Nuclear Weapons, Chemical And Biological Weapons.” “Remember, Peter, this is a man who has used poison gas on his own people and on his neighbors repeatedly. He’s trying to get ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapons. He could be a mass murderer of the first order of magnitude. We are not going to allow that to happen.” (ABC News’ “Special Report,” 12/16/98)
Gore, In 2002: “We Know That [Saddam] Has Stored Away Secret Supplies Of Biological Weapons And Chemical Weapons Throughout His Country.” (Al Gore, Remarks To The Commonwealth Club Of California, San Francisco, CA, 9/23/02)
FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT
Secretary Of State Madeleine Albright Said Saddam “Had The Capability With The VX Agents To Destroy Every Man, Woman And Child On Earth.” ALBRIGHT: “Weapons of mass destruction are the threat of the future. I think the president explained very clearly to the American people that this is the threat of the 21st century. It’s hard to control, hard to get at, that we need to – you know, Saddam Hussein had the capability with the VX agents to destroy every man, woman and child on earth. So we have a serious problem here. He is a threat.” (PBS’ The Newshour With Jim Lehrer, 12/17/98)
Albright: “[W]e Are Concerned, As The President Said, About [Saddam’s] Ability In The Long Run To Threaten His Neighbors, And Frankly, To Threaten All Of Us With Weapons Of Mass Destruction.” (CNN’s “Larry King Live,” 12/16/98)
Albright Accused Saddam Of Pursuing Dual Threats To International Peace: Terrorism And Weapons Of Mass Destruction. ALBRIGHT: “Countering terror is one aspect of our struggle to maintain international security and peace. Limiting the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction is a second. Saddam Hussein’s Iraq encompasses both of these challenges, while posing yet a third. .. As we look ahead, we will decide how and when to respond to Iraq’s actions based on the threat they pose to Iraq’s neighbors, to regional security and to U.S. vital interests. Our assessment will include Saddam’s capacity to reconstitute, use or threaten to use weapons of mass destruction.” (Madeleine Albright, Remarks At The American Legion Convention, New Orleans, LA, 9/9/98)
Albright: “[Saddam] Has Chosen To Spend His Money On Building Weapons Of Mass Destruction And Palaces For His Cronies.” (Madeleine Albright, Remarks To The Chicago Council On Foreign Relations, Chicago, IL, 11/12/99)
Albright Justified A December 1998 Attack On Iraq As A Way To Increase America’s Security And “Deal With The Threat” Of Saddam’s Weapons. ALBRIGHT: “President Clinton felt very strongly that it was in our national security interest to deal with the threat that Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction, their capability, their future capability of threatening us, the neighbors, the regional stability with them, and that we had a responsibility as the United States to deal with a threat of this kind.” (CNN’s “Early Edition,” 12/18/98)
Albright Argued Saddam’s Pursuit Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction And His Insistence On Lifting Economic Sanctions Was An “Incompatible Position.” ALBRIGHT: “The purpose of it … is to degrade Saddam Hussein’s ability to develop and deliver weapons of mass destruction, and to degrade his ability to threaten his neighbors. And the targets are related to that. They’re going after weapons of mass destruction facilities, after military facilities, command and control security. … [T]his is because Saddam Hussein has insisted that he wants to keep his weapons of mass destruction and have sanctions lifted, a clearly incompatible position.” (NBC’s Today, 12/18/98)
Albright Said The Risk That Rogue State Leaders Like Saddam “Will Use Nuclear, Chemical Or Biological Weapons Against Us Or Our Allies Is The Greatest Security Threat We Face.” ALBRIGHT: “Iraq is a long way from [America], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risk that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face. And it is a threat against which we must and will stand firm. In discussing Iraq, we begin by knowing that Saddam Hussein, unlike any other leader, has used weapons of mass destruction even against his own people.” (CNN’s “Showdown With Iraq: International Town Meeting,” 2/18/98)
FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER SANDY BERGER
National Security Adviser Sandy Berger Said Saddam “Will Rebuild His Arsenal Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction, And Someday, Some Way, I Am Certain, He Will Use That Arsenal Again.” BERGER: “Some have suggested that we should basically turn away. We should close our eyes to this effort to create a safe haven for weapons of mass destruction. But imagine the consequences if Saddam fails to comply and we fail to act. Saddam will be emboldened believing the international community has lost its will. He will rebuild his arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, and someday, some way, I am certain, he will use that arsenal again as he has 10 times since 1983.” (CNN’s “Showdown With Iraq: International Town Meeting,” 2/18/98)
Berger: “In The 21st Century, The Community Of Nations May See More And More Of This Very Kind Of Threat That Iraq Poses Now, A Rogue State With Biological And Chemical Weapons.” (CNN’s “Showdown With Iraq: International Town Meeting,” 2/18/98)
Berger Claimed It Was “Up To Saddam To Decide Whether He Wants Sanctions Relief By Giving Up His Weapons Of Mass Destruction.” BERGER: “[I]n December, Saddam Hussein once again broke his commitment to cooperate with the U.N. inspectors, ignoring our warnings. The United States, together with our British allies, responded with military force. We attacked Iraq’s program to develop and deliver weapons of mass destruction and his capacity to threaten his neighbors, but we have not eliminated the danger and our resolve to curb the threat Saddam poses will not diminish. … It is up to Saddam to decide whether he wants sanctions relief by giving up his weapons of mass destruction.” (Sandy Berger, Remarks To Carnegie Endowment Non-Proliferation Conference, Washington, DC, 1/12/99)
Berger: “I Think The Question Is Whether, Ultimately, Iraq Will Get Rid Of Its Weapons Of Mass Destruction.” (CBS’ This Morning, 11/16/98)
OTHER HIGH OFFICIALS IN THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION
Former Secretary Of State Warren Christopher Said Saddam Developed And Used WMD And Sponsored “Countless Acts Of Terrorism.” “The record is, unfortunately, all too clear. Saddam has threatened and invaded his neighbors, developed and used weapons of mass destruction, sponsored countless acts of terrorism, and for the last two decades, he has relentlessly persecuted the Kurds and the Shiites. When Saddam tests the will and resolve of the international community, our response must be and will be forceful and immediate.” (Warren Christopher, Remarks In Washington, DC, 9/3/96)
U.N. Ambassador Bill Richardson Linked Saddam To Anthrax, VX And Botulism, Warning Those Weapons Might “Get In The Hands Of Terrorists That Saddam Is Supporting.” RICHARDSON: “We’re [sic] what the American people want: contain Saddam Hussein from going after his neighbors, but also, go after these deadly weapons of anthrax, VX, botulisms, some that are very, very big threats to future generations of children, not just in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East, but around the world, if they get in the hands of terrorists that Saddam is supporting.” (CNN’s “Larry King Live,” 2/18/98)
Richardson: “Facts Are Facts. Iraq Has Been Deceiving The International Community With The Weaponization Of Nerve Gas. It’s That Simple.” (Michel Leclercq, “UN Inspector Says Iraq Equipped Weapons With Lethal Gas,” Agence France Presse, 6/24/98)
State Department Spokesman Jamie Rubin: Saddam Had “Relentlessly Deceived And Obstructed Efforts … To Identify And Destroy Iraq’s Weapons Of Mass Destruction.” RUBIN: “[W]e have a lot of experience dealing with Saddam Hussein. For over seven years, their leadership has relentlessly deceived and obstructed efforts by the international community to identify and destroy Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein has misled fellow Arab leaders about his intention to invade Kuwait. He lied to UNSCOM when he said that he did not weaponize VX … Iraq’s leadership has never expressed regret or remorse for his past actions, which include gassing his own people and invading Kuwait. We do not believe he has renounced his aggression or using the most ruthless and barbaric means to achieve it.” (Jamie Rubin, State Department Press Briefing, 11/10/98)
Rubin: “If We Fail To Act, He Will Feel Emboldened To Threaten The Region Further, Armed With Weapons Of Mass Destruction.” RUBIN: “Saddam Hussein is not an abstract threat. He has fired Scuds at his neighbors, attacked Kuwait, used chemical weapons on Iran and his own people. UNSCOM has shown, through its work, that he developed massive quantities of chemical and biological weapons and weaponized those weapons for delivery by Scud missiles. He has still not accounted for all these dangerous weapons. … [I]f he continues to block UNSCOM and we do not respond, he will be able to reconstitute his weapons of mass destruction in a matter of months, not years. And if we fail to act, he will feel emboldened to threaten the region further, armed with weapons of mass destruction.” (Jamie Rubin, State Department Press Briefing, 11/10/98)
Former Clinton Adviser Rahm Emanuel Called It “Insulting” That Anyone Would Question Clinton’s ‘98 Airstrikes “Given Everything Saddam Has Done.” EMANUEL: “And I think that if you really look at this, Larry, that it is wrong, and I think it’s insulting to the American people’s intelligence, insulting to the men and women and professional professors [sic?] in our country, and I think it’s detrimental to our foreign policy to really kind of question why we would go, given everything that Saddam Hussein has done over the years. We gave him one last chance.” (CNN’s Larry King Live, 12/16/98)
DURING THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION, LEADING DEMOCRAT SENATORS CAUTIONED AMERICANS ABOUT THE THREAT POSED BY IRAQ’S WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
In 1998, Sen. Carl Levin And Twenty-Six Other Senators Urged President Clinton “To Take Necessary Actions” In Response To Iraq’s Weapons Of Mass Destruction Programs. LEVIN: “Mr. President, today, along with Senators McCain, Lieberman, Hutchison and twenty-three other Senators, I am sending a letter to the President to express our concern over Iraq’s actions and urging the President ‘after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq’s refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs.’” (Sen. Carl Levin, Congressional Record, 10/9/98)
Fourteen Democrats, Including Then-Senate Democrat Leader Tom Daschle And 2004 Presidential Nominee John Kerry, Signed The Letter To President Clinton: (”Letter To President Clinton,” as Entered Into The Congressional Record By Sen. Carl Levin, 10/9/98)
Carl Levin (D-Mich.) Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.)
Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) Chris Dodd (D-Conn.)
Bob Kerrey (D-Neb.) Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) Thomas Daschle (D-S.D.)
John Breaux (D-La.) Tim Johnson (D-S.D.)
Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) Mary Landrieu (D-La.)
Wendell Ford (D-Ky.) John Kerry (D-Mass.)
Former Senate Democrat Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) Warned Of The Danger Of Saddam’s Weapons Of Mass Destruction. DASCHLE: “Iraq’s actions pose a serious and continued threat to international peace and security. It is a threat we must address…. Iraq is not the only nation in the world to possess weapons of mass destruction, but it is the only nation with a leader who has used them against his own people. It is essential that a dictator like Saddam not be allowed to evade international strictures and wield frightening weapons of mass destruction.” (Sen. Tom Daschle, Congressional Record, 2/12/98)
After The 1998 Bombing Of Iraq, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) Warned Against “Partisan Finger-Pointing” And Said Saddam Was “Too Dangerous … To Be Given Carte Blanche With Weapons Of Mass Destruction.” “We had to attack. [President Clinton] had to do what his military advisors told him he should do,’ said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. … [A]dded Reid, ‘Now is not the time for second-guessing or partisan finger-pointing. National security concerns must come first.’ Saddam Hussein â€?is too dangerous of a man to be given carte blanche with weapons of mass destruction,’ he added.” (Brendan Riley, “Nevada Leaders React To Iraq Bombing,” The Associated Press, 12/26/98)
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) Argued That Saddam “Obviously” Was Working, “Secretly And Otherwise,” On Weapons Of Mass Destruction. KERRY: “Mr. President, over the years, a consensus has developed within the international community that the production and use of weapons of mass destruction has to be halted. We and others worked hard to develop arms control regimes toward that end, but obviously Saddam Hussein’s goal is to do otherwise. Iraq and North Korea and others have made it clear that they are still trying, secretly and otherwise, to develop those weapons.” (Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Record, 10/10/98)
Kerry Said Saddam Used Weapons Of Mass Destruction In The Past And Wanted “To Try … To Continue To Do So.” “Saddam Hussein has already used these weapons and has made it clear that he has the intent to continue to try, by virtue of his duplicity and secrecy, to continue to do so. … It is a threat with respect to the potential of terrorist activities on a global basis.” (Sen. John Kerry, Press Conference, 2/23/98)
Following A Briefing By Clinton Administration Officials, Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) Said Saddam’s “Chemical And Biological Weapons Capabilities” Were “Frightening.” “At a Capitol Hill briefing Tuesday night, administration officials showed that â€?Saddam Hussein continues to be clear threat to the security of the region and to many of our allies,’ Durbin said. â€?His chemical and biological weapons capabilities are frightening. We have to take his refusal to allow inspections very seriously.’” (Dori Meinert, “Durbin To Support Limited Approval For Military Force Against Iraq,” Copley News Service, 2/4/98)
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) Believed The Peace Of “Much Of The World” Was At Risk If Iraq Was Allowed To Protect Its “Biological, Chemical And Nuclear Weapons.” “‘Time and time again Iraq has flouted the efforts of our nation and the international community to bring peace to the Persian Gulf,’ said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va. â€?With the peace of the region and, and in fact, much of the world at risk, we cannot allow Iraq to continue its maneuvers designed to protect such a dangerous buildup of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons.’” (John Raby, “Congressmen Support U.S. Bombing Of Iraq,” The Associated Press, 12/16/98)
Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.): “Saddam Hussein’s Weapons Of Mass Destruction Programs And The Means To Deliver Them Are A Menace To International Peace And Security.” LEVIN: “Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction programs and the means to deliver them are a menace to international peace and security. They pose a threat to Iraq’s neighbors, to U.S. forces in the Gulf region, to the world’s energy supplies, and to the integrity and credibility of the United Nations Security Council.” (Sen. Carl Levin, Congressional Record, 2/12/98)
Levin Spoke Of Gallons Of Anthrax And Tons Of VX, Noting Iraq Had Denied Possessing Such Weapons. LEVIN: “[I]t was only after there was a defector, Saddam Hussein’s own son- in-law defected and said, look here, here, here, and here that then Iraq said oh, yes, we have 2100 gallons of anthrax. By the way, one spore, less than a drop of anthrax kills within days. 2100 gallons and then the U.N. went in and destroyed that. Same thing with the chemical VX; 3.9 million tons of this chemical. One drop kills instantaneously — was denied by Iraq. The U.N. … believes that he has 20 tons plus more of VX and six thousand gallons more of anthrax.” (CNN’s Larry King Live, 2/16/98)
Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) Issued Grave Warnings About Iraq’s WMD, Citing Chemical And Biological Weapons As Well As Anthrax-Tipped Missiles. “First and foremost, an Iraq left free to develop weapons of mass destruction would pose a grave threat to our national security. The current regime in Iraq has … displayed a callous willingness to use chemical weapons to achieve its aims. Recently, we have heard chilling reports of possible biological weapons experiments on humans. An UNSCOM Inspector has spoken of information that points to a secret biological weapons production facility. And Ambassador Richard Butler has told us that Iraq could well have missile warheads filled with anthrax capable of striking Tel Aviv. An asymmetric capability of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons gives an otherwise weak country the power to intimidate and blackmail.” (Sen. Joseph Biden, Congressional Record, 2/12/98)
Due To Saddam’s Efforts To Assemble Biological, Nuclear And Chemical Weapons, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) Argued In 1999 That Clinton “Ended The Bombings Too Soon.” “Senator Schumer is taking issue with several recent decisions of the Clinton administration on Middle Eastern affairs, despite his close association with the president and first lady. … Schumer said America should renew its bombing campaign against Iraq … A renewed bombing campaign against Iraq would show Saddam Hussein the price he must pay for his lack of cooperation and would inhibit Iraq’s ability to assemble biological, nuclear and chemical weapons, Mr. Schumer said. ‘The president ended the bombings too soon.’” (Uriel Heilman, “Schumer Says Clinton Should Resume Bombing Targets In Iraq,” Forward, 1/29/99)
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) Warned That Military Action Against Saddam’s Regime “Must Deal A Major Setback” To Iraq’s “Weapons Of Mass Destruction Program.” “Feinstein also said that for the attack against Iraq to be successful, the air strikes must â€?destroy the weapons of mass-destruction facilities and supplies that the thwarted inspections were designed to find…’ â€?At the very least,’ she added, â€?Operation Desert Fox must deal a major setback to the weapons of mass destruction program that has been in development by Saddam Hussein.’” (Stephen Green, “Feinstein Initially Questioned Attack’s Timing,” Copley News Service, 12/17/98)
DRAWING UPON INTELLIGENCE PROVIDED BY TWO ADMINISTRATIONS, DEMOCRAT SENATORS CONTINUED TO OPENLY DISCUSS THE DANGER POSED BY IRAQ’S WEAPONS
Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) Acknowledged Iraq Breached The 1991 Armistice Agreement By Refusing To Destroy Its Stockpiles Of Weapons. REID: “We stopped the fighting [in 1991] based on an agreement that Iraq would take steps to assure the world that it would not engage in further aggression and that it would destroy its weapons of mass destruction. It has refused to take those steps. That refusal constitutes a breach of the armistice which renders it void and justifies resumption of the armed conflict.” (Sen. Harry Reid, Congressional Record, 10/9/02)
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.): “We Have Known For Many Years That Saddam Hussein Is Seeking And Developing Weapons Of Mass Destruction.” (Sen. Edward Kennedy, Remarks At Johns Hopkins School Of Advanced International Studies, 10/27/02)
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.): “Saddam’s Existing Biological And Chemical Weapons Capabilities Pose Real Threats To America Today, Tomorrow.” ROCKEFELLER: “We must eliminate that [potential nuclear] threat now before it is too late. But that isn’t just a future threat. Saddam’s existing biological and chemical weapons capabilities pose real threats to America today, tomorrow. … [He] is working to develop delivery systems like missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles that could bring these deadly weapons against U.S. forces and U.S. facilities in the Middle East. He could make these weapons available to many terrorist groups, third parties, which have contact with his government. Those groups, in turn, could bring those weapons into the United States and unleash a devastating attack against our citizens. I fear that greatly.” (Sen. Jay Rockefeller, Congressional Record, 10/10/02)
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) Believed Saddam’s “Arsenal Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction” Represented “An Unacceptable Threat.” KERRY: “The Iraqi regime’s record over the decade leaves little doubt that Saddam Hussein wants to retain his arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and, obviously, as we have said, grow it. These weapons represent an unacceptable threat.” (Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Record, 10/9/02)
Kerry: “According To The CIA’s Report, All U.S. Intelligence Experts Agree That Iraq Is Seeking Nuclear Weapons. There Is Little Question That Saddam Hussein Wants To Develop Nuclear Weapons.” (Sen. John Kerry, Congressional Record, 10/9/02)
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) Warned That — If Left Unchecked — Saddam Would Continue To Increase His Unconventional Weaponry And Even Develop Nuclear Weapons. CLINTON: “In the four years since the inspectors, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. … It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capability to wage biological and chemical warfare and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons.” (Sen. Hillary Clinton, Congressional Record, 10/10/02)
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) Said Saddam Was A “Terrible Danger” To America Because Of His “Vigorous Pursuit” Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction. SCHUMER: “[It] is Hussein’s vigorous pursuit of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, and his present and potential future support for terrorist acts and organizations, that make him a terrible danger to the people to the United States.” (Sen. Charles Schumer, Congressional Record, 10/10/02)
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) Claimed To “Understand The Grave Danger Posed To America … By Weapons Of Mass Destruction In The Hands Of A Reckless Dictator Like Saddam Hussein.” “Saddam Hussein is a brutal dictator, who has brought nothing but pain and suffering to the Iraqi people and threat and instability to his neighbors throughout the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. … I understand the grave danger posed to America and the whole international community by weapons of mass destruction in the hands of a reckless dictator like Saddam Hussein.” (Sen. Tom Harkin, Congressional Record, 10/10/02)
Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) Announced In 2002 That Within Five Years Saddam Would Possess “Tactical Or Theater Nuclear Weapons.” BIDEN: “My view is if five years from now Saddam Hussein is in power, left unfettered with $5 billion to $7 billion a year to pursue his weapons, he will be a grave danger to us, in the sense that he will intimidate the area and we will be unwilling to go after him because he’ll have tactical or theater nuclear weapons.” (CNN’s Larry King Live, 10/9/02)
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) Simply Stated: “There Is No Question That Iraq Possesses Biological And Chemical Weapons.” DODD: “There is no question that Iraq possesses biological and chemical weapons and that he seeks to acquire additional weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons. That is not in debate. I also agree with President Bush that Saddam Hussein is a threat to peace and must be disarmed, to quote President Bush directly.” (Sen. Chris Dodd, Congressional Record, 10/8/02)
Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) Felt Saddam’s Chemical And Biological Weapons Posed “A Considerable Threat To Us.” NELSON: “Well, I believe he has chemical and biological weapons. I think he’s trying to develop nuclear weapons. And the fact that he might use those is a considerable threat to us.” (CNBC’s “Tim Russert,” 9/14/02)
Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) Listed The Weapons At Saddam’s Disposal: “Ballistic Missiles, Anthrax, Sarin Gas, VX And Smallpox.” BAYH: “Today, Hussein already has ballistic missiles, anthrax, sarin gas, VX and smallpox, and he could someday soon have nuclear weapons at his disposal. As much as I wish we could ignore this threat, it is my heartfelt conviction that we cannot.” (Sen. Evan Bayh, Op-Ed, “Bayh Justifies The Need For Using Force Against Iraq,” The Indianapolis Star, 10/10/02)
(This document was distributed today at the Senate Republican Policy Lunch.)
November 15th, 2005 at 5:25 pmAnd now MizzIWrongY is printing more examples of how misled democrates were by the falsified republican propaganda lies. Thanks for clearly demonstrated what level of fraud was perpetrated by the republicans, that so many democrats could have been misled.
I agree with you that republicans should go to jail for so misleading the democrats and the country and the world. For once you’re right MizzIWrongY, the Republicans are fascists, international terrorists, liars, frauds and thieves and they must go!
November 15th, 2005 at 5:32 pmPat Roberts is a spineless republican. He will not shead light on the truth, it would damage his party. Even though he can recogize that the juggernaut is sinking, he is too stupid to jump off.
November 15th, 2005 at 5:35 pmAnd now MizzIWrongY is printing more examples of how misled democrates were by the falsified republican propaganda lies. Thanks for clearly demonstrated what level of fraud was perpetrated by the republicans, that so many democrats could have been misled.
Comment by Ryan “another stupid Liberal” Neat
That Bush must be one smooth operator to fool so many smart Donks wouldn’t you say?
November 15th, 2005 at 5:41 pmState Department Spokesman Jamie Rubin: Saddam Had “Relentlessly Deceived And Obstructed Efforts … To Identify And Destroy Iraq’s Weapons Of Mass Destruction.†RUBIN: “[W]e have a lot of experience dealing with Saddam Hussein. For over seven years, their leadership has relentlessly deceived and obstructed efforts by the international community to identify and destroy Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein has misled fellow Arab leaders about his intention to invade Kuwait. He lied to UNSCOM when he said that he did not weaponize VX … Iraq’s leadership has never expressed regret or remorse for his past actions, which include gassing his own people and invading Kuwait. We do not believe he has renounced his aggression or using the most ruthless and barbaric means to achieve it.†(Jamie Rubin, State Department Press Briefing, 11/10/98)
Ooops, here’s a Donk saying the same thing prior to George. Maybe poor old stupid George was the one that was misled?
November 15th, 2005 at 5:43 pmSen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) Issued Grave Warnings About Iraq’s WMD, Citing Chemical And Biological Weapons As Well As Anthrax-Tipped Missiles. “First and foremost, an Iraq left free to develop weapons of mass destruction would pose a grave threat to our national security. The current regime in Iraq has … displayed a callous willingness to use chemical weapons to achieve its aims. Recently, we have heard chilling reports of possible biological weapons experiments on humans. An UNSCOM Inspector has spoken of information that points to a secret biological weapons production facility. And Ambassador Richard Butler has told us that Iraq could well have missile warheads filled with anthrax capable of striking Tel Aviv. An asymmetric capability of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons gives an otherwise weak country the power to intimidate and blackmail.†(Sen. Joseph Biden, Congressional Record, 2/12/98)
And here’s that really intelligent Joe Biden trying to pull the wool over stupid George’s eyes two years before he got into office. Now that’s planning ahead!
November 15th, 2005 at 5:44 pmSen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.): “Saddam Hussein’s Weapons Of Mass Destruction Programs And The Means To Deliver Them Are A Menace To International Peace And Security.†LEVIN: “Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction programs and the means to deliver them are a menace to international peace and security. They pose a threat to Iraq’s neighbors, to U.S. forces in the Gulf region, to the world’s energy supplies, and to the integrity and credibility of the United Nations Security Council.†(Sen. Carl Levin, Congressional Record, 2/12/98)
Looks like old Carl is assuring Bush’s demise in advance of his election. Sneaky Jew Bastard that he is!
November 15th, 2005 at 5:46 pmAny other bright comments you’d like to share Butt Boy?
November 15th, 2005 at 5:47 pmAnd now MizzIWrongY is showing how the pentagon under whitehouse direction misled democrats through falsified republican propaganda lies. Thanks for clearly demonstrated what level of fraud was perpetrated by the republicans, that so many democrats could have been misled. It’s easy to mislead when you control all of the intelligence and fabricate evidence. Who would have believed that an american president would be such a fascist criminal.
MizzIWrongY, I agree with you that republicans (including King George the Retard) should all go to jail for so misleading the democrats and the country and the world. For once you’re right MizzIWrongY, the Republicans are fascists, international terrorists, liars, frauds and thieves and they must go!
November 15th, 2005 at 5:47 pmMizzIWrongY,
I’ve reminded you that your repressed homosexuality resulting in your internalized homophobia is a diagnosed mental illness. All you’re doing is demonstrating why you’re a republican - because you’re mentally ill.
Poor little whacko republican. I feel pity for your little sad existence.
November 15th, 2005 at 5:49 pmAnd my favorite part of MizzIWrongY’s postings is that she’s too stupid to actually read them. Not only are most from 1998, but they were from the era where saddam hadn’t yet complied with Clinton’s UN inspections. Not only DID the Iraqi’s largely comply, but subsequent REPUBLICAN weapons inspectors said that because of that work in 1998, Clinton had successfully destroyed the WMD program.
So all MizzIWrongY has done is demostrated that democrats were correct, effective and successful in 1998. Whereas in 2002, republican ineptitude chose to wage a war based on a problem that had basically been solved.
In otherwords, republicans as usual were too little, too late, to be effective at anything. Whether it’s Katrina, Rita, or Iraq, you can count on republicans to fail - it’s the only thing they’re consistent on!
November 15th, 2005 at 5:53 pmAnd MizzIWrongY, while you’re at quoting out of date Clinton era information, why don’t you pull out some 1940s anti-japanese rhetoric to justify invading japan? As long as we’re on the topic of out of date quotes, we might as well get some new toyota’s out of the deal! Heck if we’re gonna steal oil, we need stolen cars to drive around in!
Hehehe, retarded moron!
November 15th, 2005 at 5:56 pmDamn iwrongagaineee, stop cut and pasting War and Peace sized crap here.
Bush lied, over 2000 died. The democrats you list NEVER said they would INVADE IRAQ!!!! I guess that doesn’t matter to you though.
You support a lying sac of shit president. At least Clinton got blowjobs lying, GWB - dead american GI’s…makes you feel proud, eh?
twit.
November 15th, 2005 at 6:20 pm>>IF AMERICA AND CHINA SOMEHOW GET INTO A CONFLICT
>>RESULTING IN AN ALL OUT WAR, AND ITS A NUTURAL
>>(Both sides are at fault)standoff, WHOS SIDE WILL
>>YOU FIGHT ON? China/America
LOL… You’ve got to hand it to the wingnuttia. If they can’t find a real doomsday disaster to invoke patriotic fervor, they’ll make one up.
Here “.”, ponder this scenarios for a while:
Will you vote for the dophin test tube baby the aliens made using Ronald Reagan’s DNA even though he’s an alien experiment? He’ll be able to run for president in 7 years.
Now there’s something you can really sink your teeth into.
November 15th, 2005 at 7:00 pmI-R-I,
A fascist AND a bigot……
Well, I guess they do go hand in hand………
I just can’t believe in 2005 that that language be tolerated….
Sneaky Jew Bastard that he is!
Comment by I-RIGHT-I
November 15th, 2005 at 7:12 pm***************
I cringed when I read that. How hateful. Truly AWFUL. HATEFUL. Are you Hitler re-incarnated?
What happened to you to make you so full of pure evil?
I pity you. You are a sad thing.
UWRONGYALLTHETIME
What the hell difference does it make what all those deomocrats thought and felt? Not a damn.
Did Clinton as the senate and house for a war resolution? I dont think so.
Wrongy, why do you take up valuable space on this blog, and on this earth?
November 15th, 2005 at 7:17 pmhttp://www.cnn.com/ rssclick/ 2005/ WORLD/ asiapcf/ 11/ 15/ apec.bush.china.ap/ index.html?section=cnn_topstories
November 15th, 2005 at 7:47 pmLET FREEDOM KILL US
November 15th, 2005 at 7:58 pmSen. Roberts was all over the tv shows two weeks ago in his rebuttal against the Democrats, and at that time he said “the report is being worked on now, and we were planning to release it next week.” (I paraphrased it, but that was the gist — it was like, Hey! hold your horses, we were just getting to it already — you Democrats don’t have to make such a big deal!) So here we are one day after the supposed deadline and we have no report, no status, no nothing. Business as usual. Lie. Deny. Stonewall.
November 15th, 2005 at 8:43 pmI held hopes for Roberts when the 9/11 commission first met — what naivete` — some things just don’t change — he is a partisan hack, a waterboy for the Bush Co. and a lying, abuser of power. They have the control now and they are lording it over the Dems. I hope no one forgets these years when the Dems take Congress back.
These trolls continue to post the quotes from Democrats who voted to give Bush power. Their thick skulls are barriers to the fact that Bush & Co. SELECTED the intel to which they were speaking. It never occurred to them that the Dickhead and Dick in the White House would be lying to them about something so critical.
November 15th, 2005 at 8:48 pmBy Robert H. Reid
The Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. and Iraqi troops launched a fresh attack Monday against an insurgent stronghold near the Syrian border despite calls by Sunni Arab leaders to halt such operations to encourage a big turnout in next month’s election. The U.S. command said about 50 insurgents were killed.
Two U.S. Marines were killed and at least seven were wounded in the fighting in the border town of Obeidi, accor-ding to a New York Times re-porter is em-bedded with the Marines. A Ma-rine spokes-man told The Associated Press that he cannot report casualties until 24 hours after they occur.
In Baghdad, a car bomb exploded near the main gate to the heavily guarded Green Zone, killing two South Africans and wounding three other people. The victims worked for State Department security contractor DynCorp International, the U.S. Embassy said.
November 15th, 2005 at 8:59 pmBush raps China over freedom, vows to promote democracy in Asia
By Ron Hutcheson
Knight Ridder Newspapers
KYOTO, Japan - President Bush brought his freedom agenda to Asia on Wednesday, taking a swipe at China while extolling Japan as an example of freedom’s power.
Setting the tone for a four-nation swing through the region, Bush told Asian leaders that freedom is on the march and cannot be stopped in their part of the world. He bluntly told Chinese leaders that economic freedom in China would inevitably break their hold on power.
November 15th, 2005 at 9:19 pmI’m wondering if anyone can tell me if the Repug side has released their letter to Frist and Reid on the “status” of Phase II.
This letter is only signed by the Dems, which seems strange, since I thought this was supposed to be a Group Task Force? Shouldn’t the entire group of 6 be reporting to the Senate leaders?
November 15th, 2005 at 10:14 pmPresident Bush has decided to defend himself by offering the American people four falsehoods regarding the path to war. These calumnies - “same intelligence”, “no manipulation”, “no pressure” and “rewriting history”- are fitting for a President now viewed by a majority of Americans as dishonest and unethical.
For the full story, see:
“Bush Rewrites History.”
November 15th, 2005 at 10:38 pm“.” whacko, stop spamming with your irrational and irrelevant whacko nonsense. Create your own blog if you want to post such whacko stuff, but here, just shut up. You’re just posting whacko and irrelevant crap, and you’re just another annoying painful republican idiot.
November 15th, 2005 at 11:21 pmMizzIWrongY,
There’s a great disection of these quotes here:
http://rudepundit.blogspot.com/ 2005/ 11/ fun-with-context-where-did-president.html
Not only are these ‘democratic quotes’ completely out of context, they’re fraudulently misrepresenting a larger quote that says the OPPOSITE of what you say they say.
Wake up fascist, you’re a lying fool!
November 16th, 2005 at 2:30 amHow low can the party of Lincoln go? Pathetic spineless crawling toads.
These are truly the days of George Orwell and Friederich Niestche.
November 16th, 2005 at 7:04 amIf detainees no longer have a right to habeas corpus, then how will we ever find out in a court of law whether they were tortured or not by interrogators?
Ooooh.
Sen. Graham’s amendment negates Sen. McCain’s amendment. Look at the chronology.
1) Sen. McCain’s anti-torture amendment is proposed and passes overwhelmingly.
2) Bush claims “we do not torture.”
3) Cheney before the McCain amendment passes tries to get the CIA an exemption from torture restrictions.
4) Sen. Graham proposes denying habeas corpus to detainees in U.S. custody, essentially denying from any U.S. court of law any testimony revealing that detainees might have been tortured while in U.S. custody.
Side-note: International Red Cross denied access to U.S. detainees, especially those held in secret CIA “black sites” overseas.
My God, the Bush adminstration will do anything they can to defend their torture policy. And I just wonder if Sen. McCain was part of this bait-and-switch campaign? In other words, having an anti-torture amendment on the books is well and good, unless of course there is no oversight to assure that no torture is actually occurring…which is what the Graham amendment was all about regarding the denial of habeas corpus to detainees.
So, I agree with the first poster above. I believe the holdovers from the Nixon administration who are currently in the Bush administration decided that they would try to resurrect the image of Nixon from the trash-heap of history…by making the current Bush administration into the most corrupt and evil Republican Party administration ever in American history. And, boy, have these Nixon holdovers done a good job, or what? Nixon is beginning to look like a saint compared to the devils currently running the White House. Good job, fellas. You can leave now. You can place your “Mission Accomplished” banner over Bush’s head. Right above the other banner proclaiming Bush the “Worst President in American History.”
Of course, there still remains that little matter of ousting all the corrupt and evil Bush enablers in Congress, like Pat Roberts, Bill Frist, Tom Delay, Dennis Hastert and any of the other Republicans who have made this “most corrupt” Republican administration in the history of our country a joy to behold. Gag. Retch. Vomit.
November 16th, 2005 at 7:35 amThis is just a wild ass guess, but something tells me that for, ahem, logistical reasons, it will prove impossible to complete this investigation until some time after, say, November of 2006.
November 16th, 2005 at 11:00 amAny politician who puts party above country, especially in times such as these, should be imprisoned for treason.
Being a dyed-in-the-wool Independent, I, frankly, do not give a rat’s ass to which of the big two the traitor belongs.
The cover-up that Roberts and others, including Democrats, has been busy with began long before they Bushites began lying about Iraq. It began with 9/11 and until Americans are willing to face that simple but horrid fact, no one will receive their just desserts.
November 16th, 2005 at 11:48 amWAKE UP MISS AMERICA!
WAKE UP MISS AMERICA
1 ¶ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
November 16th, 2005 at 12:28 pm2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
9 ¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
THE LATEST: BUSH JUNIOR IS NOT TALKING TO HIS FATHER. hE IS SURROUNDING HIMSELF WITH ALL WOMEN; HIS WIFE, CONDI, HIS MOTHER AND HUGHES. AND HE IS DRINKING MORE AND MORE.
November 16th, 2005 at 12:30 pmi CAN’T BRING MYSELF TO CALL HIM PRESIDENT OR GEORGE w.
tHAT IS WHAT HE IS A JUNIOR.
#102.
November 16th, 2005 at 12:50 pmWhere did you get that Ryan ?
obviously You are turning to Religion?
MizzWrong, I’ve repeatedly demostrated to you that I have a superior command of religious text compared to your infidel and ignorant understanding. However, that post you assign to me was a post from one of your fellow psycho republicans (probably NED), your fellow 70s republican gay porn star poster (who’s ALSO butt ugly). You too should really date, as it would take a mutually low expectation for either of you to ever ‘get any’…
Maybe you can get NED to relocate to houston for you, since both of you clearly are redstate redneck butt ugly material…
November 16th, 2005 at 6:23 pmOk…can the Dems shut down the Senate again?
This would prove their original point…?
November 17th, 2005 at 5:38 am[…