SCHAKOWSKY: BUSH ADMINISTRATIONS MISSTATEMENT OF THE DAY CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN IRAQ
OCTOBER 15, 2003
SCHAKOWSKY: BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S MISSTATEMENT OF THE DAY -
CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN IRAQ
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) issued today's "Bush Administration's Misstatement of the Day" following a claim by President Bush that the Iraqi war was "one of the most humane military campaigns in history." (Speech by President Bush, Pease Air National Guard Base New Hampshire on October 9, 2003)
Schakowsky has called on the Bush Administration to release the number of Iraqi civilian casualties, but so far, the White House has failed to respond to the request.
In a letter to President Bush released today (10/15/03), Schakowsky wrote, "If you do know the number of Iraqi civilian deaths and injuries that have resulted from U.S. military action-both during and since major conflict operations-I would appreciate it if you would share those figures with me. If you do not have a clear idea of the number of Iraqi civilians who have been killed by U.S. forces, then I do not believe you should make claims about the 'humane' nature of your military campaign in Iraq."
Below is the full text of Schakowsky's letter to President Bush:
October 15, 2003
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to you today in response to a speech you gave at the Pease Air National Guard Base New Hampshire on October 9, 2003.
While speaking of your preemptive war on Iraq you said "our coalition acted in one of the swiftest and most humane military campaigns in history." I was confused by that line in your speech because I have been trying for months to receive even an estimate from senior officials in your administration of the number of Iraqi civilian casualties that resulted from U.S. military action in Iraq. However, your statement that the U.S. military campaign in Iraq was "one of the most humane military campaigns in history" suggests to me that you have been provided with some of the same information that I am seeking. If you do know the number of Iraqi civilian deaths and injuries that have resulted from U.S. military action-both during and since major conflict operations-I would appreciate it if you would share those figures with me. If you do not have a clear idea of the number of Iraqi civilians who have been killed by U.S. forces, then I do not believe you should make claims about the "humane" nature of your military campaign in Iraq.
I appreciate your concern for the effect of U.S. military action on the Iraqi civilian population. I look forward to hearing from you how many Iraqi civilians were killed as a result of military actions that were ordered by you and other officials in your Administration.
I support our U.S. military personnel and agree that they did a remarkable job in carrying out their military orders. However, the use of the term "humane" can appear to minimize the horrendous impact of any military action. Therefore, I urge you to clarify your remarks.
Sincerely,
Jan Schakowsky
Member of Congress