DENNIS A. CARDOZA: “I believe in a robust military and a strong national defense; however, I oppose this escalation, because I do not…”

“I believe in a robust military and a strong national defense; however, I oppose this escalation, because I do not believe that it will make America safer or improve security in Iraq. At this hour, sending more American forces cannot reasonably be expected to resolve a civil war rooted in over 14 centuries of deep-seated historical division. I oppose the escalation because I believe that we must recognize Iraq for what it is, not what we want it to be. Our best hope lies not with increasing Iraqi dependence on us, but rather in handing over responsibility to them. This ultimate success or failure is the endeavor that now lies in the hands of them, not us. Our goal in Iraq must reflect reality. Our objective should be to protect the ethnic minorities and religious minorities from further oppression and genocide, and to maintain a strong deterrent against the spread of a broader war in the Middle East. None of these ends is served, however, by simply escalating the failed strategy that has gotten us to this point today. Like most Americans, I am deeply dismayed by this administration's inept prosecution of this war.”