Watson Coleman: “the world has witnessed something in the last few weeks about the treatment of prisoners in Iraq that does not represent…”

“the world has witnessed something in the last few weeks about the treatment of prisoners in Iraq that does not represent what America is all about. It doesn't represent our cause. It doesn't represent our mission. It doesn't represent our hopes and dreams for the Iraqi people and for all of us--ultimately for democracy in Iraq. I applaud the President of the United States for his speaking out, condemning without qualification what has occurred. He, as I understand it, went forth to speak to the Arab world, face to face, the leader of the free world speaking to the Arab world to let them know this is not what America is all about. I think that is important. We all, at every level, have to reject it. Those who are responsible at every level have to be held to account. I know the Commander in Chief will do that. As we deal with this terrible situation, I hope we do not lose focus on our mission. Our men and women are in harm's way and our mission is freedom and security in Iraq. The critics of this war, do they want us to cut and run? Do they want to create a place of instability, a haven for terrorism? I can't believe that. Someone once said a critic is someone who thinks he knows the way but doesn't know how to drive the car. It is not a time for critics. Let us deal with this terrible incident. Let us show America has standards and America is there for a reason. The reason is one of hope. The reason is one of freedom.”