Cord Byrd: “Titus Livius, one of the greatest of Roman historians, said: All things will be clear and distinct to the man who does…”

“Titus Livius, one of the greatest of Roman historians, said: All things will be clear and distinct to the man who does not hurry; haste is blind and improvident. Congress would be wise to heed those words today, for as sure as the Sun rises in the East, this country is embarking on a course of action with regard to Iraq that is both blind and improvident. We are rushing into war without fully discussing why, without thoroughly considering the consequences, or without making any attempt to explore what steps we might take to avert the conflict. The newly bellicose mood that permeates this White House is unfortunate--unfortunate--all the more so because it is clearly motivated by campaign politics. Republicans are already running attack ads against Democrats on Iraq. Democrats favor fast approval of a resolution so they can change the subject to domestic economic problems. Before risking the lives--I say to you, the people out there who are watching through those electronic lenses--before risking the lives of your sons and daughters, American fighting men and women, all Members of Congress--Democrats and Republicans alike--must overcome the siren song of political polls and focus strictly on the merits and not the politics of this most grave, this most serious undertaking--this most grave, this most serious issue that is before us.”