He could be right. We should replace Rockefeller with Saddam and see who does a worse job as a senator. My guess is Rockefeller would.
Take a look at this website that has Rockefeller's statement. He has damned himself quite well with his flip-flopping:
http://www.senate.gov/~rockefeller/news/2002/flrstmt0102002.html
Interesting parts to note...
"There is no doubt in my mind that Saddam Hussein is a despicable dictator, a war criminal, a regional menace, and a real and growing threat to the United States. The difficulty of this decision is that while Saddam Hussein represents a threat, each of the options for dealing with him poses serious risks, to America’s servicemembers, to our citizens, and to our role in the world."
He says here Saddam is a threat to our citizens and TO THE WORLD!
"It is clear that none of the options that confront us is easy or risk free." Hmmm...I think Americans and the liberal Democrats need to remember this line...
"For all of us, the upcoming vote on this critical issue will reflect our best judgment on which path will minimize the risk to our fellow Americans -- " He speaks about using HIS best judgement..and now he says his BEST JUDGEMENT was WRONG??
"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years. And that may happen sooner if he can obtain access to enriched uranium from foreign sources -- something that is not that difficult in the current world. We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction.
When Saddam Hussein obtains nuclear capabilities, the constraints he feels will diminish dramatically, and the risk to America’s homeland, as well as to America’s allies, will increase even more dramatically. Our existing policies to contain or counter Saddam will become irrelevant."
Wow....just read that..over and over...and then read what he says NOW....just...amazing. Does he even realize what he said then??
"But this isn’t just a future threat. Saddam’s existing biological and chemical weapons capabilities pose a very real threat to America, now. Saddam has used chemical weapons before, both against Iraq’s enemies and against his own people. 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 justifies the use of force against Saddam here. He clearly calls out Saddam as a THREAT to the United States and her interests!
"And he could make those weapons available to many terrorist groups which have contact with his government, and those groups could bring those weapons into the U.S. and unleash a devastating attack against our citizens. I fear that greatly."
BINGO Cheesehead!! Someone, PLEASE, send this to the man. Let him read what he said in Congress before voting.
I can't go on, someone else can and should point out this man's egregious statement and stupidity. Too bad too many people can't stomach the consequences of their choices and actions.
oIw
Rick
NWAVirginia.com