DEMS who voted for and spoke in favor of attacking Iraq over WMDs...a pretty significant list of the Dem powerbrokers

Quotes from Democrats about WMD

"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line."
President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998

Quoted on CNN

"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program." — President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998

Quoted on CNN

Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face." — Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998

Transcript of remarks made at a Town Hall meeting in Columbus, Ohio — from USIA

"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983." — Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb 18, 1998

Transcript of remarks made at a Town Hall Meeting in Columbus, Ohio — From USIA

"We urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the US Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs." — Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI), Tom Daschle (D-SD), John Kerry (D — MA), and others Oct. 9, 1998

See letter to Clinton by Levin, Daschle, Kerry and others

"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process." — Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998

Statement by Rep. Nancy Pelosi — House of Representatives website

"Hussein has chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies." — Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999

Answer to a question at the Chicago Council of Foreign Affairs

"There is no doubt that . Saddam Hussein has invigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies." — Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, December 5, 2001

Letter to President George W. Bush signed by 9 Congressmen, including Democrats Harold Ford, Jr., Joseph Lieberman, and Benjamin Gilman.

" We should be hell bent on getting those weapons of mass destruction, hell bent on having a credible approach to them, but we should try to do it in a way which keeps the world together and that achieves our goal which is removing the... defanging Saddam.." — Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI), Dec. 9, 2002

Online with Jim Lehrer — Public Broadcasting Service

"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country." — Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

Transcript of Gore's speech, printed in USA Today

"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." — Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

Transcript of Gore's speech, printed in USA Today

"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." — Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002

U.S. Senate — Ted Kennedy

"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..." — Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002

Congressional Record — Robert Byrd

"When I vote to give the President of the United States the authority to use force, if necessary, to disarm Saddam Hussein, it is because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a threat, and a grave threat, to our security and that of our allies in the Persian Gulf region. I will vote yes because I believe it is the best way to hold Saddam Hussein accountable." —Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9,2002

Congressional Record — Sen. John F. Kerry

"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years .. We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction." — Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002

Congressional Record — Sen. Jay Rockefeller

"He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do" — Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002

Congressional Record — Rep. Henry Waxman

"In 1998, the United States also changed its underlying policy toward Iraq from containment to regime change and began to examine options to effect such a change, including support for Iraqi opposition leaders within the country and abroad. In the 4 years since the inspectors, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al-Qaida members, though there is apparently no evidence of his involvement in the terrible events of September 11, 2001.

"It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein wiill continue to increase his capability to wage biological and chemical warfare and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons. Should he succeed in that endeavor, he could alter the political and security landscape of the Middle East which, as we know all too well, affects American security."
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002

Congressional Record — Sen. Hillary Clinton

"The Joint Chiefs should provide Congress with casualty estimates for a war in Iraq as they have done in advance of every past conflict. These estimates should consider Saddam's possible use of chemical or biological weapons against our troops.

"Unlike the gulf war, many experts believe Saddam would resort to chemical and biological weapons against our troops in a desperate -attempt to save his regime if he believes he and his regime are ultimately threatened."
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) Oct. 8, 2002

Congressional Record — Sen. Ted Kennedy

"There is one thing we agree upon, and that is that Saddam Hussein is an evil man. He is a tyrant. He has used chemical and biological weapons on his own people. He has disregarded United Nations resolutions calling for inspections of his capabilities and research and development programs. His forces regularly fire on American and British jet pilots enforcing the no-fly zones in the north and south of his country. And he has the potential to develop and deploy nuclear weapons... — Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL), Dec. 8, 2002

Congressional Record — Sen. Bob Graham

But inspectors have had a hard time getting truthful information from the Iraqis they interview. Saddam Hussein terrorizes his people, including his weapons scientists, so effectively that they are afraid to be interviewed in private, let alone outside the country. They know that even the appearance of cooperation could be a death sentence for themselves or their families.

"To overcome this obstacle, and to discover and dismantle Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, UNMOVIC and the IAEA must interview relevant persons securely and with their families protected, even if they protest publicly against this treatment. Hans Blix may dislike running ''a defection agency,' but that could be the only way to obtain truthful information about Saddam's weapons of mass destruction — Sen. Joseph Biden

Congressional Record — Sen. Joseph Biden

"With respect to Saddam Hussein and the threat he presents, we must ask ourselves a simple question: Why? Why is Saddam Hussein pursuing weapons that most nations have agreed to limit or give up? Why is Saddam Hussein guilty of breaking his own cease-fire agreement with the international community? Why is Saddam Hussein attempting to develop nuclear weapons when most nations don't even try, and responsible nations that have them attempt to limit their potential for disaster? Why did Saddam Hussein threaten and provoke? Why does he develop missiles that exceed allowable limits? Why did Saddam Hussein lie and deceive the inspection teams previously? Why did Saddam Hussein not account for all of the weapons of mass destruction which UNSCOM identified? Why is he seeking to develop unmanned airborne vehicles for delivery of biological agents?
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), October 9, 2002

Congressional Record — Sen. John F. Kerry

"Saddam Hussein's regime represents a grave threat to America and our allies, including our vital ally, Israel. For more than two decades, Saddam Hussein has sought weapons of mass destruction through every available means. We know that he has chemical and biological weapons. He has already used them against his neighbors and his own people, and is trying to build more. We know that he is doing everything he can to build nuclear weapons, and we know that each day he gets closer to achieving that goal.

"Iraq has continued to seek nuclear weapons and develop its arsenal in defiance of the collective will of the international community, as expressed through the United Nations Security Council. It is violating the terms of the 1991 cease-fire that ended the Gulf war and as many as 16 Security Council resolutions, including 11 resolutions concerning Iraq's efforts to develop weapons of mass destruction. — Sen. John Edwards, October 10, 2002

WAR CRIMINALS..!!

Hussein fooled many, but when our intelligence community was manipulated to reach a predetermined goal......it is hard to get a straight intel. I was gung ho in going into Iraq after watching Powell's speech in the UN. Hook line and sinker. It would be very interesting to have a committee hearing on how Powell was fed absolute bull chit, and who was responsible for the same. However, that may actually have merit, and disclose failings in our system.....we would rather have political theater, and bury our mistakes.

Saddam used wmd's... a finding without inspection that he had none would've been idiocy.

If he had simply complied with the terms and un inspections to which he had agreed... he might still be in power.

And no seagoat... I have never supported an invasion or occupation. I only want the tyrants themselves targeted.

And no seagoat... I have never supported an invasion or occupation. I only want the tyrants themselves targeted.


Pretty dishonest when you know it is against American law to assassinate elected officials of other countries, and when over a decade ago our capabilities to take out folks with drones was not as advanced as today......I believed Powell. You however wanted a drone attack when this was not really on the radar screen, and simply his disposal would have achieved your goal.......you really expect us to believe you?

2seaoat wrote:And no seagoat... I have never supported an invasion or occupation. I only want the tyrants themselves targeted.


Pretty dishonest when you know it is against American law to assassinate elected officials of other countries, and when over a decade ago our capabilities to take out folks with drones was not as advanced as today......I believed Powell.  You however wanted a drone attack when this was not really on the radar screen, and simply his disposal would have achieved your goal.......you really expect us to believe you?

Seabass, we were targeting Khadaffi back in the 80s when we splashed two of his Fitters into the Gulf Of Sidra and his so called "line of death" that extended 200 miles into the Med. We bombed his palaces nightly and even killed one of his infant sons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_12333

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/03/19/sprj.irq.main/

U.S. launches cruise missiles at Saddam

Saddam denounces attack as 'criminal'

Thursday, March 20, 2003 Posted: 1:31 AM EST (0631 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. and coalition forces launched missiles and bombs at targets in Iraq as Thursday morning dawned in Baghdad, including a "decapitation attack" aimed at Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and other top members of the country's leadership.

Saddam had a very good army for local purposes... and there were countless matches struck for decades by many.

I've posted this before, too:

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/12/leadup-iraq-war-timeline

Lie by Lie: A Timeline of How We Got into Iraq

Everyone was told lies...even Colin Powell, who (not to his credit) waited until just after the 2004 election to resign. Three other Bush Cabinet members also resigned...the others were Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Education Secretary Rod Paige and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. Powell had been in discussions with Bush for some time prior to his actual departure...no doubt since his WMD speech.

Paul Wellstone, probably the most vocal opponent of going to war in Iraq, died October 25, 2002, just before his reelection, in a highly questionable plane crash.

And there were Downing Street memos, which stated that "...the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy..."

Do you think a leftist hit piece somehow erases the democratic support for what you only blame the right for?

You read too much one sided bullshit.

Sal wrote:It was Dubya's decision to invade and occupy. 


It was Dubya's administration's decision to sell the invasion with lies and obfuscation. 


He was the sole "decider". 

It took place in a supportive environment from politicians and the public. I hated the decision instantly... but it's intellectually dishonest to ignore the context. Y'all really should wait a little longer before you start the alternative narratives.

Democrats, to include Obama, are never responsible for anything.

It's amazing the people voted for the
Manchurian candidate not once, but twice.

ZVUGKTUBM wrote:

Sal wrote:It was Dubya's decision to invade and occupy. 


It was Dubya's administration's decision to sell the invasion with lies and obfuscation. 


He was the sole "decider". 

That's the way it went down. Neocon hubris 100%.

Just wow.

Th Dude wrote:Do you think a leftist hit piece somehow erases the democratic support for what you only blame the right for?

You read too much one sided bullshit.

The entire "leadership" of the Bush administration LIED...repeatedly. Are you saying that the piece by Mother Jones is inaccurate? If so, show me where.

2seaoat wrote: it is against American law to assassinate elected officials of other countries

This is the greatest and most important law our government has ever made.
Elected officials must always be protected.  The life of one elected official is the worth the lives of a hundred thousand of us worthless peons.
The last thing we should ever do is target this dignitary for assassination.  It doesn't matter how many millions of peons he's caused to have a life of misery and suffering.  Fuck them,   because this is a very important person.  Just like all the wonderful elected officials in our country. And beyond that, just like all elected officals, he's so handsome and sexy. Just look at all these beautiful women who want to have his baby so bad they're actually in tears just being able to touch him.

We passed the law because we had a horrible track record of interfering with democratically elected leaders biting the dust. Also, like torture, we are seeing the fruits of our cruelty in the form of unimaginable cruelty to captured in Syria and Iraq......John McCain warned about about opening the torture box............common sense because pay back is a bitch.