Hitting The Right Note

Ted Kennedy on Downing Street Memo

“The contents of the Downing Street Minutes confirm that the Bush Administration was determined to go to war in Iraq, regardless of whether there was any credible justification for doing so. The Administration distorted and misrepresented the intelligence in its attempt to link Saddam Hussein with the terrorists of 9/11 and Osama bin Laden, and with weapons of mass destruction that Iraq did not have.

In addition, the Downing Street Minutes also confirm what has long been obvious – that the timing of the war was linked to the 2002 Congressional elections, and that the Administration’s planning for post-war Iraq was incompetent in all its aspects. The current continuing crisis is a direct result of that incompetence.

Many of you have worked hard for the American people, the media and those in government to speak out about the Downing Street Minutes and the Iraq war. You can join me in speaking out as well.

The policy of “shoot first, ask questions later” took us into an unjustified war, and without a clear concept of what “winning the war” actually means.

And we would do well to remember Congressional Dems gave Bush a very long leash from which to wreak havoc on the rest of the world. Making the case against Bush now is the least they can do.

06-08 Addendum: A thoughtful reader helpfully points out Kennedy voted against the Iraq invasion. I couldn't remember whether he did or didn't and didn't lift a stone to find out, although I had fully intended to do so (hence, the broad brush language, Congressional Dems and they). Thanks very much for the heads up. Those who opposed this war from the start deserves some refreshed kudos.

Akaka (D-HI)
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