Posted on 02/12/2002 3:47:27 AM PST by mware
Daschle: Bush's 'Axis' Phrase Wrong
Mon Feb 11, 9:22 PM ET
By CHRISTOPHER NEWTON, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle said President Bush (news - web sites) was wrong to label Iran, Iraq and North Korea (news - web sites) as an "axis of evil," the first major criticism from a leading Democrat about the war on terror.
In an interview Monday on PBS' "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," Daschle said the comment has had repercussions around the world. "I think that it's important for us to look at each of these countries as threats to this country clearly, as problems that we've got to address clearly," Daschle said. "But I think we've got to be very careful with the rhetoric of that kind. We've already seen the moderates in Iran scramble to draw distance between us and them, and I think we've got to be very careful with how we approach all three countries."
Daschle's comments seemed to redefine his position on Bush's imagery. Just after Bush gave his State of the Union address to Congress, in which he used the "axis of evil" description of Iran, Iraq and North Korea, Daschle said it was necessary to target the three.
On Monday, Daschle tempered his criticism with the observation that he believes the three pose a threat. But he said he just didn't like Bush's word choice. "He's right in calling attention to the danger they pose to the United States," Daschle said. "He's right in calling for strategy. I would hope we could do it multilaterally and not unilaterally, because I think that's where we get into trouble."
The imagery has set off shock waves at home and across the globe. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians chanted "Death to America" during demonstrations Monday to mark the 23rd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Some carried signs denouncing Bush for the comment. Many Iranians who said they rarely join such celebrations spoke of taking to the streets to show solidarity.
North Korea called off a visit by a group of former U.S. ambassadors in reaction to Bush's harsh words. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) said Bush's speech was "nonsense."
Daschle also said he didn't think the United States had justified taking any military action against Iraq. "We want to avoid at all costs the terror of 9-11," Daschle said. "If they're building weapons of mass destruction, we've got to deal with it. But I don't think the case has yet been made."
Thought you might like a chance to add to a collection that demonstrates ineptness on Daschle's part. Click on the above.
I think that contrary to talking head/media/world opinion, this phrase(axis of evil) was quite deliberate and intentional. Let's see who is shooting and from where. Bush likes to play the "see how stupid I am game," and while everyone does the predictable thing, he quietly runs the table. I think everyone, including Daschle is getting hustled.
regards
MARK A SITY
http://www.logic101.net/
'Tom-tom' being beaten again. An obstructionist is NOT a leader. While everything is backed up behind him, he's like the broken float in a parade, not moving and a momentary center of attention, soon to be swept aside.
"Say goodnight, Tom" "Goodnight, Tom."(With apologies to the Smothers Brothers)
It makes no political sense otherwise, as it reinforces the weak on national security image Democrats have had since Vietnam. This is not an image Democrats want to have for their party in 2002. Especially since there will be military operations against the axis of evil in the run up and during that election.
Tom, "You are either with us, or against us."
What is 'evil' to you, Tom--besides conservative Republicans?
That would be nice.
Behold...a glimpse of what al gore would've done as president to fight terrorism (and I use term 'done' loosely).
"The end justifies the means." Socialists/communists/progressives will call themselves anything, if need be, to promote the AGENDA. They call themselves 'pro-choice', but what choice do they advocate? They call themselves inclusive, but what groups do they exclude? They call themselves tolerant, but what do they not tolerate?
The answer to the all of the above involves 'Political Correctness', which in many cases means 'no correctness' at all.
Only the 'truth' can overcome their LIES. Are we capable of knowing, handling and speaking the 'TRUTH'?
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