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As most of you probably already know, the murdering has already begun. After Iraq fired some pathetic missiles at US troop positions, 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' — perhaps the most insulting name possible — was launched. Even though Congress is supposed to authorise war (and no, their previous support of force did not authorise this), Bush sent them a letter that they should be prepared for many US casualties. But so should the Iraqis — no targets are off limits the “good guys” say — the Iraqi people have been warned by the US and the British to expect bombing of mosques, hospitals, and schools. While the US has nearly 300,000 troops potentially invading, the Turks have 70,000 along their border, ready for any excuse to slaughter the Kurds (America's allies?).
The top White House anti-terror boss Randy Beers (what a name!) has resigned. One former intelligence official explains his likely reasoning,
"Hardly a surprise. We have sacrificed a war on terror for a war with Iraq. I don't blame Randy at all. This just reflects the widespread thought that the war on terror is being set aside for the war with Iraq at the expense of our military and intel resources and the relationships with our allies."
Author and intelligence expert James Bamford added,
"There is a predominant belief in the intelligence community that an invasion of Iraq will cause more terrorism than it will prevent. There is also a tremendous amount of embarrassment by intelligence professionals that there have been so many lies out of the administration — by the president, (Vice President Dick) Cheney and (Secretary of State Colin) Powell — over Iraq.""It is absurd that the president of the United States mentioned in a speech before the world information from phony documents and no one got fired. That alone has offended intelligence professionals throughout the services."
The Pope is usually pretty much a stumbling old-school zombie. He can hardly move, talk, or appear to stay awake. But in his meetings with world leaders he has been absolutely animated, to the point of yelling, pointing his finger, and banging on his table. The message is very clear: God is not on America's side in their self-serving holy war.
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has announced that the war means that the US will have to scale back the rights of its citizens. Keep your eye on this one, and don't forget where income tax (aka “war tax”) came from in the US. Whenever the US has changed a law “for the war effort” it's not changed back — don't let your rights get sacrificed like your economy.
Finally, let me quote from Sen. Robert C. Byrd:
"I believe in this beautiful country. I have studied its roots and gloried in the wisdom of its magnificent Constitution. I have marveled at the wisdom of its founders and framers. Generation after generation of Americans has understood the lofty ideals that underlie our great Republic. I have been inspired by the story of their sacrifice and their strength.""But, today I weep for my country. ... No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned."
"Instead of isolating Saddam Hussein, we seem to have isolated ourselves. We proclaim a new doctrine of preemption which is understood by few and feared by many. ... We assert that right without the sanction of any international body. As a result, the world has become a much more dangerous place."
"The case this Administration tries to make to justify its fixation with war is tainted by charges of falsified documents and circumstantial evidence. We cannot convince the world of the necessity of this war for one simple reason. This is a war of choice."
"There is no credible information to connect Saddam Hussein to 9/11."
"What is happening to this country? When did we become a nation which ignores and berates our friends? 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?"
Another quote, this one from Rep. Dennis Kucinich (Ohio):
"Iraq does not pose an imminent threat to the United States of any of its neighboring nations ... Iraq was not responsible for the terrorist attacks of September 11. [...] Tonight President Bush has commanded U.S. forces to go to war in violation of American traditions of defensive war that have lasted since George Washington. This war is wrong; it violates the Constitution and international law."
