Originally posted by valentino
Simple, the difference is we were lead to believe one thing, and then told that the war was for another reason when that one did not pan out, it seems like there is a constant push to show emphasis on another aspect of this conflict since the past one is not working anymore. If it really is about a threat to the US then deal with that and do not make it sound like something else, but I still have not seen evidence that there was a credible threat in Iraq. Yes Sadaam is an evil man, but there are many other coutries where much worse is happening, and we are not even attempting to "liberate".
If you can find a single quote from Bush claiming that the war was because the Iraqis were responsible for 9/11, and we were hitting them back, I'll concede this completely. He never - ever - said that, but people have put those words in his mouth.
Why isn't this disputed? Because for pete's sake, if someone had to answer every stupid assed complaint about Bush, the world would end first.
Congress spelled out our reasons for going to war.
(And Kerry voted for it)....
"Joint Resolution to Authorize the use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq.
Whereas the Iraq Liberation Act (Public Law 105-338) expressed the sense of Congress that it should be the policy of the United States to support efforts to remove from power the current Iraqi regime and promote the emergence of a democratic government to replace that regime;
Whereas on September 12, 2002, President Bush committed the United States to "work with the United Nations Security Council to meet our common challenge" posed by Iraq and to "work for the necessary resolutions," while also making clear that "the Security Council resolutions will be enforced, and the just demands of peace and security will be met, or action will be unavoidable";
Whereas the United States is determined to prosecute the war on terrorism and Iraq's ongoing support for international terrorist groups combined with its development of weapons of mass destruction in direct violation of its obligations under the 1991 cease-fire and other United Nations Security Council resolutions make clear that it is in the national security interests of the United States and in furtherance of the war on terrorism that all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions be enforced, including through the use of force if necessary;
Whereas Congress has taken steps to pursue vigorously the war on terrorism through the provision of authorities and funding requested by the President to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such persons or organizations;
Whereas the President and Congress are determined to continue to take all appropriate actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such persons or organizations;
Whereas the President has authority under the Constitution to take action in order to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the United States, as Congress recognized in the joint resolution on Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40); and
Whereas it is in the national security of the United States to restore international peace and security to the Persian Gulf region: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,"
etc. etc..... Passed the Senate by vote 77-23.
Now - find the part that is inconsistent. This is why we went in there. Ok? Not BECAUSE Iraq caused 9/11, but because Iraq was involved in funding international terrorism.
I'm astonished by the comments here. You want to find out why we went to war, find the bill that authorized it. They seem very consistent with what is being said.
BTW - it's not uncommon for the President's opponents to distort what is said for their benefit. The recent embarassment regarding what the 9/11 commission REALLY said regarding ties between Iraq and al-Qaeda ought to be proof enough.