BearcatBob,
No thinking Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian wishes for a failure in Iraq. The question is not whether current Iraq events demonstrate failure. That, as you say, is a pillar in the sand. The problem with Iraq is not the current situation. That will straighten itself out one way or another in due time (years) because of our resolve, ability, and money. The problem is in how we got there. To use your building analogy
"Did we build our house on solid ground?"
Did we get there honestly? Are we holding the ethical high ground as an example for other nations to follow? In terms of the election - are we at risk for repeating this mistake in the future?
There's a lot to say about this question, but lets just ignore international standards and keep things at home. For example, here is the text of the authorization of use of force in Iraq. Judge for yourself if "2" has been fulfilled.
10/10/02
AUTHORIZATION- The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to--
1) defend the national security of the United States against the threat posed by Iraq; and
2) enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.
PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION
...the President shall, prior to such exercise or as soon thereafter as may be feasible, but no later than 48 hours after exercising such authority, make available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that--
1) Reliance by the United States on further diplomatic or other peaceful means alone either (A) will not adequately protect the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq or (B) is not likely to lead to enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq;
AND
(2) acting pursuant to this joint resolution is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorist and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.
The terms of the presidential determination still, to this day, have not been met.
In fact, apropos of "2"
"We have no evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved with September 11th" - GWB 9/18/2003
When a president doesn't follow the law of its own land when it comes to war, is this the model of democracy we wish to perpetuate? |
