William R. Richardson: “first let me say the sincerity of those on the other side of the issue is to be commended. There are no easy answers on…”

“first let me say the sincerity of those on the other side of the issue is to be commended. There are no easy answers on the Bosnia issue, but lifting the arms embargo on Bosnia makes it America's war. We are taking the wrong step at the wrong time. We are pouring fuel to the fire, and we might cause an explosion. Let us not make this vote the opening primary vote of the Presidential campaign, either. This is the time when we should rally behind the President, the Commander in Chief, his military advisers, the Joint Chiefs, all of whom do not want to lift the embargo. This morning they made a case to a number of Members of Congress with very strong convictions. Unilaterally lifting the embargo means unilateral responsibility, an Americanization of this war; possibly, yes, another Vietnam situation, as much as we hate to admit it. Let us also remember what the American people want. Poll after poll shows the American people do not want to get involved in Bosnia. They do not want to put American troops there. They are leery about getting involved in an air war, even for defensive reasons. They are leery of the United Nations, they are leery of NATO. Let us support the President in his efforts to not Americanize this war. Worse, Mr. Chairman, if this unilateral lifting passes, it would send a terrible message around the world that the United States is divided; that the President is going in one direction and the Congress is going in a totally different direction.”