Political Quotes

“I agree with Senator Kyl and support the Risch amendment. I remember at a NATO conference not too many years ago President Bush was advocating for Georgia being a member of NATO, to show you how serious these matters are. So had we voted to bring Georgia into NATO--and they were on the short list--we would be in a situation in which the Russians would be invading a NATO country. The act of Russia invading Georgia was a dramatic event. The proponents of the treaty portrayed this matter as advancing our relationship with Russia. I think Senator Kerry has been not so aggressive--that hasn't been one of his themes. But a lot of people have, and I think he was wise not to go down that road. A lot of people have tried to say we are going to get along with Russia better by signing this treaty with them. That is not a sound basis to sign a treaty. We all need a better relationship with Russia. That I certainly acknowledge. Georgia would certainly benefit from it, and hopefully the world will have a better relationship with Russia. But I am unable to fathom a lot of the Russian activities, frankly. It is just difficult for me. Why have they negotiated so hardheadedly on this treaty to actually reduce the number of inspections over what we had in the previous treaty? Why? I thought Russia was about wanting to move forward into the world and be a good citizen in the world community. I haven't seen it. I am worried about it.”