Posted on 05/22/2004 7:15:08 PM PDT by blam
GOP Senator Rips Bush on Iraq, Terrorism
Sunday May 23, 2004 1:46 AM
By MARK PRATT
Associated Press Writer
MEDFORD, Mass. (AP) - Republican Sen. Richard G. Lugar on Saturday said the United States isn't doing enough to stave off terrorism and criticized President Bush for failing to offer solid plans for Iraq's future.
Lugar, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the nation must prevent terrorism from taking root around the world by ``repairing and building alliances,'' increasing trade, supporting democracy, addressing regional conflicts and controlling weapons of mass destruction.
Unless the country commits itself to such measures, ``we are likely to experience acts of catastrophic terrorism that would undermine our economy, damage our society and kill hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people,'' the Indiana senator said during an appearance at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.
Lugar said military might alone isn't enough to eradicate terrorism.
``To win the war against terrorism, the United States must assign U.S. economic and diplomatic capabilities the same strategic priority that we assign to military capabilities,'' he said.
He later added, ``Military action is necessary to defeat serious and immediate threats to our national security. But the war on terrorism will not be won through attrition - particularly since military action will often breed more terrorists and more resentment of the United States.''
Lugar, who was awarded the Dean's Medal for distinguished service in international affairs, said it's still unclear how much control the Iraqi people will have over their nation's security when power is transferred to them June 30.
``I am very hopeful that the president and his administration will articulate precisely what is going to happen as much as they can, day by day, as opposed to a generalization,'' he said.
It's not the first time that Lugar has criticized Bush, a fellow Republican. In 2003, Lugar and Sen. Joseph Biden, the committee's top Democrat, warned that the Bush administration had not given enough consideration to what would happen in Iraq after the fighting ended.
Also Saturday, Lugar blamed the Bush and Clinton administrations for not adequately funding the foreign affairs budget, noting that the military's budget is more than 13 times what the nation spends for diplomacy.
And what is Lugar doing to rectify any of these problems while in the senate?
Birds of a feather, species vulturus bloviatus
Looks like this pathetic RINO wants to be on Kerry's short list for V.P..
Lugar is a bit vague about what he would do. Just how would kissing France's ass help matters, in particular and in detail, Mr. Lugar? Attacks without specific proposals, and an explanation as to how it would help, are noisome.
Whatever happens in November, I want Lugar and McCain gone from the GOP, this is unreal in an election year, these 2 fools just freely give ammo to the press and demos.
We hear from another whining RINO giving aid and comfort to the Democrats. He'll be the darling of all the liberal talking-head shows on Sunday.
Sen. Lugar another poster boy for term limits.
Dick Lugar, the ex-Democratic speaks. I didn't know he was still alive.
If a country harbors terrorists, we should hurt them badly. We should make a mess and then leave the country to clean it up themselves. Others will then think twice about attracting our attention. Lugar is pitiful.
Lugar definitely fits the bill of a Senator who sees himself as President.
Lugar is in a dream world, those not with us now appease and embrace terorrists, they have no desire to fight them.
What you said.
I've never through much of Lugie. His smile is what I think of when I see Stephen King's omnipresent expression, "$#it-eating grin." Masks a lot of hostile nastiness.
Dan
Lugar the gun grabber at it again.
Highly unusual behavior in an election year. Has Bush pissed these people off somehow?
they make me sick when is their terms up
My first thought too......bet he's trying to get on Kerry's list of potential cabinet members. This RINO to get an email from me!
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