Our
View: Democrats find unity against
Iraq war
Politicians are notorious for their capability to quickly slide out of a tough
situation. Most politicians respond to problems by deferring attention to another
topic, using silver tongues to rationalize mistakes. Recently, a monumental change
has taken place in the political status quo, proving the days of slick-talking
legislators may be in the past.
Since the war in Iraq began, the motivation behind it has been clouded in ambiguity.
For nearly two years people have wondered why we invaded Iraq. Were we driven
by our unquenchable need for oil? Were we seeking to overthrow a cruel dictator
with weapons of mass destruction? Did our president have a personal vendetta
against a ruler who defeated his father?
Thus far, these questions have remained unanswered, but now it seems America
might be getting some answers. Democratic senators have recently expressed their
need for Republican accountability of the questionable circumstances surrounding
our invasion of Iraq.
Tuesday, Democratic senators requested a closed debate session aimed at discussing
the pre-war intelligence used to mobilize America toward the Iraq war.
This small gesture by the Democratic Party is a victory for all Americans, both
Republican and Democratic. It is both honorable and inspiring to see politicians,
who many Americans view as conniving devils, holding each other responsible for
their mistakes.
Too often a politician’s immoral behavior is excused or defended by colleagues.
It is very hard for people, in any profession, to speak out against what they
view as wrong. It is especially hard to take a stand when perpetually scrutinized
by an entire nation.
The actions taken by the minority party are noble because, although these senators
are outnumbered in Congress, they persist in pursuing what they feel is right.
Because Democrats lack a strong party presence in Congress, when compared to
the Republican majority, their influence on the legislation that gets passed
is lessened.
Although they may lack strength in numbers, Democrats have proven no longer they
are a party so broadly based it has transit values.
Now,
they have taken a firm stance on something,
their disdain for the actions taken by
the current administration towards the
war in Iraq.
The Bush administration has been surrounded by accusations and suspicions of
corruption. The outing of a CIA undercover operative has been linked as high
as Dick Cheney’s chief of staff and the information gathered by former
Ambassador Joseph Wilson IV might have been distorted to gather support for
the invasion of Iraq.
It is important the mistakes of the current administration not be dismissed
or ignored. We must recognize the flaws within our own government in order
to improve it.
If we were to dismiss the unjust actions recently taken by those in the White
House, we would set an unfair precedent for what Americans will tolerate. Legislators
need to know if they act in a way that is not in the best interests of their
constituents, they face consequences.
The actions taken by the Democratic Party go beyond superficial partisan preference.
All Americans will benefit because politicians are being held accountable for
their actions.
This drastic shift in the status quo will ultimately benefit us, the constituents,
by creating a government that does not engage in corruption and is held responsible
for mistakes.
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