For the record, I supported attacking Afghanistan when the Taliban was in power… long before Sept. 11th. I supported going into Baghdad years ago when he defied the UN resolutions and was persecuting his people. In other words, I have supported the use of American forces when human rights are threatened. This is unpopular and believe me, I understand the strategic limitations of our armed forces.
However, no one can deny, that prior to Sept. 11th, all the aforementioned reasons existed to invade Iraq and Afghanistan (we know they supported terrorists and oppressed their people) and in the early term of GW’s presidency he called for an isolationist view (only attack when we are threatened). In fact, he nailed Gore in a debate about the problems with nation building and restated his isolationist philosophy.
Thus, the overriding reason for this war, was Sept. 11th. I think all you have to at least admit this- the war would not have happened without Sept 11th. Thus, if Sept. 11th started the whole thing, then Bush had to prove to the American people that Saddam was a threat to us. The only way to do this was the WMD’s and ties to terrorism argument. The evil dictator was not an issue because it was not an issue for 12 years.
I am sad to say, that despite the fact that I consider myself well informed, I bought the whole story hook, line and sinker. My wife and I debated frequently about it and I actually stood up for the current administration, sometimes vehemently, saying they would not lie about something like this and in light of Sept. 11th, the threat of terrorism and WMD’s is real.
Now, after the war, I have realized that the WMD’s is a lie. The links to terorrism are only proven to the middle eastern theatre and there was no real threat to the United States.
Thus, I guess what I am trying to say is that I was a supporter of the administration, even though I did not vote for it. Now, I must admit that we were lied to and deceived. GWB used the post Sept. 11th fervor to build up fear in the populace. The people would not have supported a war unless they were afraid for their own safety. Thus, GWB played up this card- the WMD’s. Yes, he mentioned, on the side, all those other reasons that had existed for years. But, they knew, as all good politicians know, that they had to play on the wild card “fear”.
I trusted them, against the insight of my wife (who is quite intelligent) and now I am very upset with the whole thing. I recall debating with her saying, “When they find those WMD’s, or if they are used, I will expect an apology from you.” Now, it is I who must apologize to her because she was the one who did not fall for the dupe and I went head first in.
All presidents have lied and I think they are all wrong for that. I think it is ironic that the only one who was impeached, in modern times, was Clinton who lied about a simple affair. Even though I supported Clinton, I had to admit he was a criminal and maybe should not be in office. But, getting a blow job in the oval office and perjuring himself in a deposition, in no way equates to starting a war under false pretenses.
Once again, if Bush would have, prior to Sept. 11th, went in and helped the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, I would have cheered. But, after taking an isolationist stand, becoming a hypocrite and then lying to the American people, I can only conclude he is a criminal.
Thus, you have a convert elucidator. I will not allow an administration to play up the fears of the American people (WMD’s) and mention a couple other justifications that were not good enough prior to Sept. 11th. Then, try and change the emphasis later in the wake of a succesful military campaign. That is a classic deception and anyone who accepts it has disgraced the men and women who have given their lives so that this country, and others, will be free.
I actually enjoy elucidator’s posts more often than not and I get a chuckle or two, sometimes a good quote - the Winnebago thing is probably his handiwork - and they have the overall effect of keeping the other side honest. No problem.
are what the US is saying they are. They haven’t found any traces of chemical weapons in these things. All they’ve got is a few guys, standing around, scratching their heads and say, “Well, gee, Clem, I’m more confused than a boar hog in a bear trap. I can’t think of nothin’ this could be used fer except to make them bad WMDs the President is always talkin’ about.”
