SCHAKOWSKY REACTS TO PRESIDENT BUSHS SPEECH TO THE UN ON IRAQ
September 23, 2003
SEPTEMBER 23, 2003SCHAKOWSKY REACTS TO PRESIDENT BUSH'S SPEECH TO THE UN ON IRAQWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement in reaction to President Bush's address before the United Nations:
"President Bush has squandered the surplus of goodwill from the world after 9/11 and his speech today did nothing to gain it back. President Bush's speech to the United Nations was the height of arrogance and a low point in U.S. foreign policy. The world waited for the truth and a dose of humility from President Bush, but what they received was a lecture from a President who refuses to take responsibility for his failed policies in Iraq.
"President Bush failed to convince the American people he had a clear plan for Iraq during his speech earlier this month and he certainly did not articulate a clear strategy during his address today before the United Nations. To truly shape the future of Iraq, we must internationalize that effort, yet the President made a very weak case of why and how other nations should participate in the rebuilding of Iraq.
"President Bush has squandered the surplus of goodwill from the world after 9/11 and his speech today did nothing to gain it back. President Bush's speech to the United Nations was the height of arrogance and a low point in U.S. foreign policy. The world waited for the truth and a dose of humility from President Bush, but what they received was a lecture from a President who refuses to take responsibility for his failed policies in Iraq.
"President Bush failed to convince the American people he had a clear plan for Iraq during his speech earlier this month and he certainly did not articulate a clear strategy during his address today before the United Nations. To truly shape the future of Iraq, we must internationalize that effort, yet the President made a very weak case of why and how other nations should participate in the rebuilding of Iraq.
"Our President should openly and honestly admit that he was wrong to disregard the views of our allies and for forcing this nation to war under dubious pretenses. I believe today's speech by President Bush was a missed opportunity and an embarrassment."