Military Involvement in Iraq

By Dennis A. Cardoza

As the United States House of Representatives gets closer to taking up a resolution on whether to support the President as he prepares a military intervention in Iraq, Assemblyman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced), candidate for the 18th Congressional District seat, issued the following statement today:

"Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, I was the first elected official from the Central Valley to publicly voice my support for President Bush in his bid to rid the world of terrorism. I still support him in this effort, and encourage him to continue his quest to dismantle the Al Qaeda terrorist network.

"A year after the attacks, we find ourselves faced with another military decision, a decision that will have profound ramifications on our lives and our pocketbooks for years to come. Indeed, the question of whether or not the United States should invade Iraq is one that should not be taken lightly.

"We all agree that Saddam Hussein is a menace to his own people and to the world. And there is no doubt that the world would be a much safer place without him. His words are evil, his intentions immoral, and his actions reprehensible.

"For the many Assyrians who live in the Central Valley, this issue truly hits home. Soon after Saddam came to power, he began a relentless oppression of the Assyrian minority living in Iraq. This barrage of violence forced these good-willed people from their homes, with many of them migrating right here to the Central Valley. I am aware of their desire to see Saddam Hussein driven from power, for many of them still fear for their relatives currently living in Iraq.

"Last week, the President, in addressing Members of Congress, said, `Democrats and Republicans refuse to live in a future of fear.' I wholeheartedly agree. The president has also stated that he wants the United States to form one voice in opposition to Saddam. I agree that one voice is needed before we deploy what is estimated to be over 100,000 of our service men and women to the Middle East. They deserve the full backing of the American people if asked to fight and die for their country. "I also believe that the president should articulate a long-term and comprehensive exit strategy so we see and understand the scope and length of our commitment before we commit additional troops to the region.

"In the next few days and weeks, the administration and congressional leadership will hammer out a proposed resolution specifying the conditions under which U.S. military forces could be employed in action against Iraq. This resolution must authorize the president to take military action on behalf of the interests of the United States if diplomatic and other means fail. It must demonstrate to the world that America stands united in confronting Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction. This is not an issue for simplistic partisan politics. Thoughtful, sober deliberation and discussion followed by concrete action is in order. We are in this together. No one should misread American political discussion to mean American division or a lack of resolve."