Senator Byrd's Speech Opposing Iraq War 3/19/03 Part 2

The second part of Senator Byrd's riveting speech opposing the Iraq War in 2003:

Part 2 Script:
How long will we be in Iraq? What will be the cost? What is the ultimate mission? How great is the danger at home? A pall has fallen over the Senate Chamber. We avoid our solemn duty to debate the one topic on the minds of all Americans, even while scores of thousands of our sons and daughters faithfully do their duty in Iraq. What is happening to this country--my country, your country, our country? When did we become a nation which ignores and berates our friends and calls them irrelevant? When did we decide to risk undermining international order by adopting a radical and doctrinaire approach to using our awesome military might? How can we abandon diplomatic efforts when the turmoil in the world cries out for diplomacy? Why can this President not seem to see that America's true power lies not in its will to intimidate, but in its ability to inspire? War appears inevitable . But I continue to hope that the cloud will lift. Perhaps Saddam will yet turn tail and run. Perhaps reason will somehow still prevail. I along with millions, scores of millions of Americans will pray for the safety of our troops, for the innocent civilians--women, children, babies, old and young, crippled, deformed, sick--in Iraq, and for the security of our homeland. May God continue to bless the United States of America in the troubled days ahead, and may we somehow recapture the vision which for the present eludes us. Madam President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

• Category

  News & Politics

[crumcon]

This man saw the future, he saw what would happen in the next 6 years.

I have cried when he said: ´´ I along with millions, scores of millions of Americans will pray for the safety of our troops, for the innocent civilians--women, children, babies, old and young, crippled, deformed, sick--in Iraq´´

he not only cares about americans and the troops. but i just know this old´s man HEART is crying for iraqis as well :(

[blackkraut76]

He shames the senators and rightly so! Cowards and fake patriots will always outnumber true patriots.

[swingitjack]

Many of us saw the future, but many of us chose intimidation over inspiration.

[Stantheskeptic]

Byrd tried his best to teach us something, but I fear he failed. He knew how to ask questions; the rest of the sheep in Washington did not, and they still do not. They used two-valued reasoning process in Afghanistan, and they are using it once again related to North Korea. We should ask the question, "Why is North Korea so belligerent.?" Equally important is a valid answer. We should also ask the question, is No. Korea likely to come to the bargaining table if we place conditions on them first?

[gower2352]

WOW wish we listened then

[navelpicker]

Why is it that I do not know of this speech until now?

Why is it that US politics, at its most available level, seems to pander to the lowest common denominator?

And why is it that European politics tends to veer towards US levels of glibness in current electoral rhetoric?

And why oh why do people let it happen...

[Asma T]

Mr Byrd was right

[davd1986]

Racist.

[GooglFascists]

"Expressions of approval or non approval are not permitted". This from a

HAG-LACKEY OF THE WORLD BANK & Military-Industrial Complex.

We heard A LONE VOICE OF REASON from a Senate gone MAD

WITH GREED & blood-lust for WAR. Now that voice is silenced forever.

There is ONE LEFT IN THE HOUSE who is just as brave and who is

DESPISED BY CHICKEN-HAWKS IN HIS OWN PARTY: Ron Paul.

However Americans are WAKING UP to the TRUTH of the dastardly

COUP of 9-11; a FALSE FLAG to take our rights!

[furtheststar]

thumbs up if ecot sent you here

[mediaphotographer]

Hey Creampuff. Your slightly off on the education comment you made by about 12 years ( If you can add) My age is not relevant. What is relevant , is your shallowness for grasping and answering basic questions, that third grader could answer. You appear, to be a proud product our failed education system? It shows, A little ADD moment Cupcake?