Of COURSE they're not the same thing. We've had clear links to Iraq -- does that implicate us in the Kuwait invasion? If every country who's been linked to Al Qaida is implicated in 9/11, we've got a lot of killing to do. We can start with our good friends in Saudi Arabia. The Bush admin initially claimed Saddam was tied to 9/11 and promised proof. They've backed off it. I take great offense at the notion that I've invented this opinion out of whole cloth. This administration has (at worst) misled the American people and our allies as to Saddam's crimes against America. At best, they've been wrong. And I repeat, the onus is on them to prove a clear and present danger before going to war. Powell using the word "clear," especially when they've reneged on similar language re: 9/11 and nukes, is less than nothing. Furthermore, I'd just love it if ANYONE could tell me why we're not dealing with the far more urgent threat from North Korea or Bin Laden.
NJ: I posted before reading your latest. Fair enough to you, too. For the record, I'm considerably more inclined to believe Powell than the rest of the administration, but his word is still not good enough for me to justify war. I, like most of the American public and the UN security council, would like to see some of the promised evidence.
I would too to be honest...but since it doesnt seem like we( the public) are going to get to see it, (if in fact it exists) I have a hard time believing that Powell would lie to our faces. But, like you pointed out, it seems as though the White House has misled us before so who knows. I certainly would like to think he isn't lieing being that war seems imminent.
FYI...Colin Powell is scheduled to make some statements regarding Iraq at 3:00 est today..per Foxnews.
I have more respect for Powell than anyone on the administration. His word carries the most weight, IMO. Although I dont think he is lying, I dont think he is telling the whole truth.
I trust Powell more than all of the others, both his honesty and common sense/decision making. I haven't heard Rice enough to develop as a high a comfort level with her, but I still like her a lot too. Ari Fleischer is just the Press Secretary, not only are all of Clinton's stronger than he is but I think Allison Janney would be better. I don't like his style, and as for trust....well...he's the Press Secretary. Blix is interesting. All business, fair, bright, honest. The only potential issue is that he's too cocky, that he may delude himself about what 200 inspectors can do in a country the size of California. But maybe not; maybe he does have a handle on this. After hearing his report, I have much more confidence with the inspectors. I hope Bush says tomorrow that we will give the inpections at least a couple more months. I think the World would appreciate some more time to gather more information.
FWIW...the Speaker of the House said on Foxnews this afternoon that there are , in fact, Al Queda forces training in Iraq (at terrorist camps) and developing weapons as we speak.
Man....I'm feeling timely again. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., D-Del., said Tuesday on Capitol Hill that "the administration has evidence now that can change people's mind." However, Biden said, "It's a very tough call as to how much to release." http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030128/ap_on_re_mi_ea/us_iraq_39
