Sen. John Ensign: A Tale of Two Attacks

Washington Post ^ | 08/03/03 | John Ensign

[Pokey78]

The spectacle of senators and House members questioning the president's motives in the decision to use force in Iraq stirred outrage in Washington.

One senior senator declared that attacking the president while Americans are risking their lives in Iraq is "as close to a betrayal of the interests of the United States as I've ever witnessed in the United States Congress. It's unforgivable and reprehensible." The secretary of state called such criticism "very unseemly and unbecoming to members of Congress." The vice president declared: "We need national resolve and unity, not weakness and division, when we're . . . engaged in an action against someone like Saddam Hussein."

The response of commentators in Washington was just as swift. The New York Times denounced the criticism as "a startling departure from the unity that usually accompanies military action." The Post declared that the critics "should know better. Would they prefer that the United States [have] respond[ed] once again with bluster, warnings and empty threats?" Columnist David Broder called the attacks "an extraordinary breach of bipartisanship." And E. J. Dionne Jr. wrote that the "response in some quarters . . . should chill us all . . . it has further aggravated the politics of revenge. Nothing matters more than bringing down a partisan enemy you hate. If you want to know how bad things have gotten [in Washington], consider this: Even Saddam Hussein doesn't unite us anymore."

If none of this sounds familiar to you, you're not alone. These statements were not made in defense of President Bush, who has come under a coordinated partisan assault from congressional Democrats. They were made five years ago, by Democrats, columnists and editorial writers outraged that Republicans would question President Clinton's decision to strike Iraq in the midst of impeachment proceedings in Congress.

[vpintheak]

Liars and Cowards. They should all be removed from office immediately.

[Ken522]

Different President, different situation ....

[Maria S]

On April 6, Uday sent for Ala'a Makki, the former director of his television station. He asked Makki what the Iraqi people were thinking. "He was depressed," says Makki. "Since he was disabled in the gun attack on him in 1996 he had become increasingly erratic and inhumane.
"His final words to me were: 'This time I think the Americans are serious. Bush is not like Clinton. I think this is the end'."

[Maria S]

I think every Freeper should write the little phrase in post #4 to their local newspaper's editorial page and anywhere else you can get someone to read it.

[TheDon]

Unfortunately, a Republican has to point this out, not our "objective media".

[Arpege92]

"It's time for all commentators and politicians who spoke up so passionately against those who attacked President Clinton to stand up and do the same for President Bush."

People in hell will get ice water before any of those rats stand by President Bush!

[LurkerNoMore!]

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