Watson Coleman: “this is a profound moment in all our lives. Words are inadequate, so I will be brief. It is an honor to speak right…”

“this is a profound moment in all our lives. Words are inadequate, so I will be brief. It is an honor to speak right after my friend and colleague, the distinguished senior Senator from Minnesota, and to join with him in support of our men and women on the front lines, in support of the President's decision to commence military action to disarm Iraq. In this Chamber it is often said the foreign policy debate ends at the water's edge. This resolution makes clear that debate on the use of force in Iraq ends with the firing of the first weapon. I support our troops and military families to the utmost, praying for their safety, and working with them to achieve the mission our Commander in Chief has given them. This situation represents a balance of risks. War is always costly in human terms on all sides. But the threats of terrorism, mass destruction, are also real. The dangerous nature of the world we now live in was brought home to us by the events of September 11. That reality requires us to act decisively when we are threatened, rather than simply to wait and hope for the best. I agree with the President that it is better to send soldiers into battle than to send police, ambulance drivers, and firefighters to the site of future terrorist attacks. My firm belief is that our Nation is blessed with responsible, principled leadership. Our military is as courageous as it is capable. Our goals in this conflict are both clear and just.”