[Theodore R.]

One again the critics merely attack the messenger and do not dispute Reese's theses on an objective basis. Reese's position is much like that of the anti-imperialists of 1898 who opposed the U.S. occupation of the Philippine Islands. He is using the same arguments from 105 years ago. Reese believes that the Iraqis are capable of self-government because theirs is a very old country. In time, I imagine the Iraqis will get a chance at self-government, and we shall see if Reese was right or not.

[Mr. Bird]

Reese believes that the Iraqis are capable of self-government because theirs is a very old country. In time, I imagine the Iraqis will get a chance at self-government, and we shall see if Reese was right or not.

No one, except for maybe those who wished to see Saddam remain in power, believes the Iraqis are incapable of self-governing. What I and many supporters of the administration believe is their best chance at success lies in a temporary U.S. presence. We did it in Japan, we did it in Europe, why won't it work in Iraq?