The language of war against Iraq and the language of peace
Nipawin - Friday - February 14, 2003 - by: Mario deSantis
	The Bush administration is pushing for war against Iraq. Is it right to attack Iraq? As common people we must understand the language of our own leaders and form our own opinions. The following are samples of the language used by the Bush's triumvirate and samples used by other three American leaders opposed to the war. We have a choice and the only choice is the intelligent choice.
	President George Bush:
	"I hug the mothers and the widows of those who may have lost their life in the name of peace and freedom... I take my responsibilities incredibly seriously about the commitment of troops."
	U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
	"There are those who counsel that we should delay preparations [for war against Iraq]. Ironically, that approach could well make war more likely, not less, because delaying preparations sends a signal of uncertainty."
	U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell:
	"My colleagues, every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions. What we're giving you are facts and conclusions based on solid intelligence."
	U.S. Senator Robert Byrd:
	"I truly must question the judgment of any President who can say that a massive unprovoked military attack on a nation which is over 50% children is 'in the highest moral traditions of our country."
	U.S. Representative Dennis J. Kucinich:
	"Our nation is now poised to go to all-out war against Iraq. Iraq has not committed any act of aggression against the United States. Iraq was not responsible for 911. No credible evidence exists linking Iraq to Al Queda's role in 911. Iraq was not responsible for the anthrax attack on our nation. The United Nations has yet to establish that Iraq has usable weapons of mass destruction. There is no intelligence that Iraq has the ability to strike at the United States. According to the CIA, Iraq has no intention to attack America, but will defend itself if attacked."
	Former U.S. President and Nobel Laureate Jimmy Carter:
	"The cost of an on-site inspection team would be minuscule compared to war, Saddam would have no choice except to comply, the results would be certain, military and civilian casualties would be avoided, there would be almost unanimous worldwide support, and the United States could regain its leadership in combating the real threat of international terrorism."
	Mario deSantis
References:
	Raum, Tom, Bush Asks Religious Broadcasters for help, (PDF) February 15, 2003, Associated Press
	Rumsfeld jabs 'old Europe' (pdf) February 9, 2003, Washington Times
	Pitt, William Rivers, (student written) Blair--Powell UN Report, February 7, 2003, Truthout Editorial
	Byrd, Robert, Reckless Administration May Reap Disastrous Consequences, February 12, 2003, Common Dreams News Center speech presented on the floor of the United States Senate.
	Kucinich, Dennis, Iraq and the Economy, January 5, 2003, Swearing-iin ceremony at Cleveland Ohio
	Carter, Jimmy, An Alternative to War, January 31, 2003, Truthout Editorial
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