Any context for that quote? Why was Obama commenting on Iraq in 2002?
Obama Still Stumps on 2002 Anti-War Declaration
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88988093
October 2002 Speech: Against Going to War With Iraq
by Barack Obama
Good afternoon. Let me begin by saying that although this has been billed as an anti-war rally, I stand before you as someone who is not opposed to war in all circumstances. The Civil War was one of the bloodiest in history, and yet it was only through the crucible of the sword, the sacrifice of multitudes, that we could begin to perfect this union, and drive the scourge of slavery from our soil. I don't oppose all wars.
My grandfather signed up for a war the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, fought in Patton's army. He saw the dead and dying across the fields of Europe; he heard the stories of fellow troops ...