Political Quotes

“I want to bring to the attention of this body during this lull in the proceedings, a column written by James Schlesinger, former Secretary of Defense, Director of Intelligence and Director of Budget. It is interesting that a number of people who were so vehemently supporting--so strongly supporting, I should say--the Simon-Hatch balanced budget amendment are also people who are in the throes of talking about how great our defense should be, how strong our military should be. I think those individuals should really look at what they are doing, according to former Secretary Schlesinger. The balanced budget amendment--talking about the Simon amendment--is an arrow pointed straight at the heart of America's defenses. He says, among other things: Given the many who vigorously support or profess to support a strong national defense, I have been astonished that so many appear to be advocates of the balanced budget amendment considering its dire consequences for our defense posture. Either they do not understand these consequences or, conceivably, they are just posturing. What we have here is a formula for unilateral disarmament designed for ostensibly conservative reasons. No true supporter of defense could logically vote for this amendment. It is the best way to ensure the recessional of American power. I think those individuals should reassess their position and take a look at the Reid substitute.”