Iraq
Zoe's Position on the War in Iraq
House of Representatives - October 9, 2002
AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ RESOLUTION OF 2002 (H.J.Res. 114)
Mr. Speaker, should Congress authorize the President to use the Armed Forces of the United States to attack Iraq? The President is asking us to pass this resolution now, but he has not yet made the case for war.
I cannot support the President's request that we authorize military force against Iraq. I make this very difficult decision for three important reasons: The United States is not acting in self-defense or from an imminent threat from Iraq, the United States should not be pursuing unilateral action without international support, and the President has not stated an exit strategy.
I believe there are times when countries must resort to war, and indeed international law recognizes the rights of nations to defend themselves. I strongly support our campaign against terrorism. But are we voting this week on a case of self-defense? It would certainly be self-defense if Iraq supported the al Qaeda attack on September 11, but the evidence of such support is lacking.
I have listened to the administration and met with top officials. I have yet to see any credible evidence that Iraq is connected with al Qaeda. The experts readily admit that there is no real connection.
I can believe that Iraq is a threat to the region and to some American interests overseas, but I do not believe the threat is imminent or must be handled with a unilateral military strike.
The President is now choosing a new and dangerous policy, the America Strikes First Doctrine, when he argues we can attack any time we feel threatened.
I am the mother of a 17-year-old son. Maybe that is why I understand when mothers ask me about Iraq. A life lost to save America is a stinging pain that will always be with a Gold Star Mother. But the knowledge that the loss was necessary to protect the home of the brave and the land of the free gives both comfort and cause.
Is America prepared to sacrifice lives when the cause is not to defend America but to start a war unilaterally without a threat? I have not heard the American people say so.
We would be having a far different debate had President Bush come to Congress leading the world community and the United Nations or NATO. As of this moment, Great Britain is the only other nation dedicated to military action with us in Iraq. When even Canada is not prepared to march by our side, we have cause to pause and reflect. The United States should be leading the world, working with the world community to resolve an international issue. We should be here, Mr. Speaker, debating a resolution because all other efforts have failed. Sadly, we are here discussing an end result with no end game in mind.
This resolution is an unwise step for America that will in the end weaken America. We are at our best when we are first among allies, standing tall for the free world. Let us be at our best when we deal with Iraq.
For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I will not vote to authorize the President to carry out a unilateral and costly ground war against Iraq.
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