LETTERS NASSAU AND SUFFOLK Edition

• Published in: Newsday
• Main Authors: Christopher Johnson, Richard E. Fuerch, Steven Silverman, A.M. Kane, Rita Davis, Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr, Pugh, Richard
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Long Island, N.Y Newsday LLC 20.06.2003
• Edition: Combined editions

The open expanse of land stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial is a symbol of our American ideals, representing democracy, the founding of our nation, and the perseverance of the Union. There are those in Washington who have succeeded in disrupting this space by inserting The National World War II Memorial, a worthy, but inappropriately located monument (which will be dedicated next year), as well as pushing for subterranean education centers at the numerous memorials and monuments already there. Unfortunately, the [George W. Bush] administration chose to exaggerate other arguments. It created a perception that Iraq not only wanted to acquire nuclear weapons, but was on the verge of actually obtaining them. Second, the administration hyped the argument about supposed linkages between [Saddam Hussein] and al-Qaida. Third, Americans were led to believe Iraq could weaponize its chemical and biological agents. Lastly, these allegations were linked to create the impression of great urgency. I encouraged the administration to rest its case on the overwhelming evidence that Hussein's regime failed to comply with Resolution 1441. During a Jan.30 Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, I pointed out to Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage the flaws in relying on shaky evidence concerning Iraq's nuclear weapons program. Our government should not have resorted to souped- up claims to win the support of the American people and the international community. Such actions undermine the credibility of the United States as it seeks international support in the war on terrorism and against the spread of weapons of mass destruction.