Political Quotes

“I believe we do need proper congressional authorization for the military operations we are conducting in Libya, and we need a clear definition of the mission and our objectives. I would very much like to vote for such a measure, but that is not the legislation before us today. Neither bill meets this test. Instead, we have been presented with two unsatisfactory options: an unfortunate choice between a cut-off of all funds for the Libya operation, or support for a broad authorization for the use of force-- except for the deployment of ground forces--that lasts for one year. Moreover, under the rules established by the Republican leadership, no amendments are permitted to either measure. So these are up-and-down votes on a very critical issue involving the ongoing engagement of our military forces against Libya--on a take-it- or-leave-it basis. Neither of these measures has my support today. I have never viewed Libya as being in the vital national security interests of the United States. That in itself is a flashing warning sign and a presumption against military involvement in Libya. This is true notwithstanding the enormous hopes that rose with the democratic uprising that erupted this spring--and the anger and outrage we feel as those expressions for freedom and an end to Qaddafi's tyranny and corruption have been met with the most brutal repression. In March, Qaddafi blatantly threatened to exterminate tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of his people.…”