Paul Wellstone's Senate Speech against Iraq War

Every so often I think this speech, given shortly before he was killed, needs to be re-read. It should be sent to all of our current Senators. How much I miss his wisdom and insight.

Senate floor speech regarding military action in Iraq, 2002

In the middle of tough re-election campaign, Wellstone announces opposition to Iraq war resolution.


Regarding Military Action Against Iraq: October 3, 2002

Mr. President, as we turn later today to address our policy on Iraq, I want to take a few minutes to outline my views. The situation remains fluid, and Administration officials are engaged in negotiations at the United Nations over what approach we ought to take, with our allies, to disarm the brutal and dictatorial Iraqi regime.

Our debate here is critical because the administration seeks our authorization now for military action including possibly unprecedented, pre-emptive, go-it-alone military action in Iraq, even as it seeks to garner support from our allies on a tough new UN disarmament resolution.

***snip***

This debate must include all Americans, because our decisions finally must have the informed consent of the American people, who will be asked to bear the costs, in blood and treasure, of our decisions. When the lives of the sons and daughters of average Americans could be risked and lost, their voices must be heard by Congress before we make decisions about military action.

***snip***

Of first and greatest concern, obviously, are the questions raised about the possible loss of life that could result from our actions. The United States could send tens of thousands of U.S. troops to fight in Iraq, and in so doing we could risk countless lives, of U.S. soldiers and innocent Iraqis. There are other questions, about the impact of an attack in relation to our economy. The United States could face soaring oil prices and could spend billions both on a war and on a years-long effort to stabilize Iraq after an invasion. The resolution we will be debating today would explicitly authorize a go-it-alone approach.

***snip***
http://www.wellstone.org/archive/article_detail.aspx?itemID=5423&catID=3605 For the full speech.

:cry:

:cry:

He was a sweet guy. Even said he was "from the democratic wing of the Democratic Party," an often used line that Howard Dean later cribbed from him.

Just goes to show, stay out of small planes if you buck the system.

He was a true blue, down to earth, no airs man. He went out of his way to meet people (even the rank and file employees of places he was visiting) and really made everyone he met feel special.

I miss him so much. :cry:

...and I have been to the crash site. This was a guy who was one special man. He was just a little guy, but towered over any room he was in. It is such a tragedy that he was replaced by such a douchebag, and I don't mean to offend douchebags around this country. I am praying that we can get someone in there who cares more about the people of Minnesota rather than just the folks that live in the Twin Cities. Al Franken kept ducking the question when he was on Imus on Thursday, but he is running.

a Man of the People! He represented so much that is the best in Us.

(has been shown on LINK TV)

http://www.carryitforward.org/

WELLSTONE! is a feature length documentary
about a remarkable man who defied
tradition and returned politics to people.
Like Paul Wellstone, the film is smart,
funny and full of surprises.


“an engrossing, inspiring David and Goliath tale..."
------------------------------- --City Pages

"... tremendously well done. The ending
is extremely important."
-------------------------- -------George Stoney

"A must-see for anyone interested in
creating positive change."
----------------------------------BuzzFlash.com

I haven't seen it yet, but will look for it on Link TV. I know I would enjoy it tremendously. Thank you for the reminder.

he was so wonderful.

(long sigh)

Here Wellstone makes the case why Congress represents those who will pay for the war in blood and treasure:



Here's a bit that answers some of the preznit's "everyone thought" nonsense:



And, WHO KNEW it could go so badly?



http://www.wellstone.org/archive/article_detail.aspx?itemID=5423&catID=3605

death. NEVER forget it. first PRE-WAR anti-war rally in HISTORY. called Will on his cell. from car to car.

"Wellstone is dead", I said.

unbelievable

"damn, they killed him".

mind....OMG! They killed him....

I had chills...I still do....

I bet many people had that same feeling....

gone. He was such a part of our landscape here, so needed, so necessary.

I had gone out to run some errands, I was at the bank waiting in line outdoors and the top of the hour news came on with the bulletin that his plane had gone down. Within a few minutes there was another news flash that confirmed that Senator Paul Wellstone was dead. I was numb. Needless to say, I couldn't finish my errands. I came home sobbing, telling my husband, "They killed him, they f***ing killed him. He had no idea what I was talking about.

It was confirmed to me when Senator Tom Harkin came out of his home to make a statement regarding Wellstone's passing very early on. He could barely contain his tears and was physically held up by his wife and daughter. He knew that Paul was wiped out because Paul was right and people were starting to take notice and the administration would have none of that.

Very sad day indeed. That is why I posted his speech regarding the war in Iraq. When I heard Bush trying to say that people are trying to re-write history regarding the start of the war, I was incensed. Just wanted those who are new to DU or to politics or those who are lurking to know that there were brave souls who were questioning our government and what happened to them. He is sorely missed.

because I live in a small town not far from the crash site and can't believe that the crash happened at all....weather wise. We had smaller planes in and out of our little airport that day. IT SMELLS.......STILL!!! Does anyone else remember hearing that Ted Kennedy was supposed to be on that plane too? I know TK was in MN that morning, in the Cities, and at the last minute decided not to go to the funeral.

against the war.

The book that he wrote shortly before he died, "The Conscience of a Liberal", is worth reading.

Or Kelly'ed, and just to make it not too obvious, getting turned in to a child molester like they did to Scott Ridder. So Mr. Chimp, the one Senator the spoke the truth, who was turning the tide on your war lie suddenly dies in a plane wreck, and the one man in the UK that had the real intel and knew the WMD was a farce decided to jump off a tall building? Fu*kin' murderer.

<>

Attribution: Congressman and Senate candidate Sherrod Brown of Ohio