This is one of the wisest editorials I've ever seen from the editorial board of the Argus Leader. It ran on March 19, 2003, after Daschle attacked the President on the eve of war:
BACK OFF, SENATORDaschle's anti-war remarks come too late, serve no constructive purpose
Tom Daschle was out of line.
There is room for dissent, room for difference of opinion, room for debate.
But South Dakota's senior Senator went far beyond what was needed in a speech this week to the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.
"I'm saddened, saddened that this president failed so miserably at diplomacy that we're now forced to war," Daschle said.
"Saddened that we have to give up one life because this president couldn't create the kind of diplomatic effort that was so critical for our country."
...
[T]his newfound backbone that encourages some members of Congress comes too late, and the tone is divisive rather than constructive.
...
Daschle's comments at the 11th hour cannot possibly be viewed as legitimate dissent. Rather, they're lashing out, at best -- political posturing at worst.
Daschle spoke even as President Bush was preparing a 48-hour deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq.
No one expects Saddam to leave. That means that soon -- likely this week -- American troops will embark on war.
Some will die. So, possibly, will soldiers from the UK and Australia. And so, certainly, will Iraqi soldiers and civilians.
Daschle laid those deaths at the feet of President Bush.
...
Daschle's remarks -- both in substance and tone -- were out of line.
Well done, Argus Leader. You deserve credit. That was well said. It seems odd to me that Daschle wants to have a debate over how off the beam his comments were. But hey, I thought it was odd for a Senate leader to ran as a victim who is above criticism. So what do I know.
Comments