The Situation in Iraq

June 28, 2005

United States House of Representatives

Madam Speaker, last year William F. Buckley, Jr., said if he had known in 2002 what he had since learned, he would have opposed the war in Iraq. A few weeks ago, he wrote that it is now time for the U.S. to get out and leave Iraq to the Iraqis.

This is a man who has been described as the ``godfather of conservatism.''

On June 17, Mr. Buckley wrote that opposition to the war was mounting and summed up his feelings in this way:

"A respect for the power of the United States is engendered by our success in engagements in which we take part. A point is reached when tenacity conveys not steadfastness of purpose, but misapplication of pride. It can't reasonably be disputed that if in the year ahead the situation in Iraq continues about as it has done in the past year, we will have suffered more than another 500 soldiers killed. Where there had been skepticism about our venture, there will be contempt.''

We should heed these words of this very respected conservative leader. The American people do not want this war to continue for another 10 or 12 years, or even another 5 or 6 more years.