Mark Kennedy: “I believe history tells us that supporting this resolution and empowering the President for peace is the surest chance…”

“I believe history tells us that supporting this resolution and empowering the President for peace is the surest chance to removing the threat to America without conflict and giving the authority to defend America and freedom, if necessary. Mr. Speaker, I would quote Theodore Roosevelt, from a speech he gave in 1916 while the rest of the world was engaged in the Great War, ``The belief that international public opinion, unbacked by force, has the slightest effect in restraining a powerful military nation in any course of action has been shown to be a pathetic fallacy.'' Mr. Speaker, in the weeks since the Iraq policy debate came to the forefront of the national agenda, I have thought long and hard about how I would vote if it became my responsibility. This vote is the most important vote I will cast since I was elected to serve in Congress. As Members of this august body, the people's house, it is the essence of our constitutional oath to defend America against all enemies foreign and domestic. It is at times like these that I reflect on the words of a man who inspired me to the cause of public service, John F. Kennedy: ``I do not shrink from this responsibility, I welcome it.''”