Congresswoman Diane E. Watson Responds to President's Address on Iraq
March 18, 2003
Washington, D.C. – In response to President Bush’s address to the nation, Congresswoman Diane E. Watson issued the following statement:
President Bush’s address to the nation last night was grave and clear-cut. All diplomatic initiatives have been pulled off the table, and Saddam Hussein has been given 48 hours to flee Iraq. Sadly, the President’s ultimatum has set our nation on an almost certain course to war.
Over the past months, I have questioned whether military action is the best option for containing the Iraqi threat and for prosecuting the war on terrorism. At this late hour I remain unconvinced that Iraq poses an imminent threat deserving of a massive U.S. military response, that it is any nearer to building nuclear weapons than Iran and North Korea, or that it has significant ties to the Al-Queda network.
As the possibility of a peaceful resolution grows more remote by the minute, my thoughts and prayers are now directed at all American men and women in uniform who will soon bear the burden of this solemn and serious undertaking.