In a speech to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees on March 17, 2003, Tom Daschle, U.S. Senate Minority Leader and Senate Democratic Party Floor Leader, said, "I'm saddened, saddened that this president failed so misera- bly at diplomacy that we're now forced to war," adding, "Saddened that we have to give up one life because this president couldn't create the kind of diplomatic effort that was so critical for our country."

The good Senator did not blame Saddam Hussein for not heeding 18 UN resolutions and maintaining his arsenal of chemical and biological weapons, nor did Senator Daschle blame the French for setting up roadblocks to any American initiative to force Iraq to disarm. No. Mr. Daschle who, back in November, voted for congressional resolution that gave President Bush authority to use the military against Iraq, blamed the American President for the necessity of a war with the tyrannical dictator, Saddam Hussein.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President Jimmy Carter, in a recent New York Times op-ed, said, "It is quite possible that the aftermath of a military invasion will destabilize the region and prompt terrorists to further jeopardize our security at home," Adding, "Increasingly unilateral and domineering policies have brought international trust in our country to its lowest level in memory." Carter wrote, "American stature will surely decline further if we launch a war in clear defiance of the United Nations."

Democratic Senator Carl Levin also subordinates American sovereignty to the United Nations, saying: "It is critically important that, if we attack Iraq, there be an interna- tional community behind us, that the U.N. authorize that attack."

Senator Levin continues, "It seems to me the risks of proceeding unilaterally, and I de- fine that as meaning, without the support of the United Nations, there are shortterm high risks in terms of casualties in Iraq, the response of Saddam Hussein and the likelihood that he would finally capitulate, as well as longterm high risks in terms of a terrorist response being increased if we proceed without the authority of the world community, as spoken through the UN."

Then there is San Francisco's Nancy Pelosi. Nothing more needs to be said about her contribution to American sovereignty.

The list of questionable statements--and the statements themselves--made by leading Democrats are long and getting longer. So are the excuses and protestations by those who utter those remarks. What is clear is that the Democrats, in general, have posi- tioned themselves to appear in a more favorable light if America fails.Whether the U.S.A. fails economically, diplomatically or militarily, the Democrats want to be able to say "I told you so." Far from being a constructive part of our government or nation, these Democratic Party spokesmen and members of the political Left, appear almost gleeful, if not longing, for anything that would cause the demise of a Republican Presi- dency and administration, even if it means the notching down of America's standing in the world.

We are told to forget what we understand, and, instead, believe what we are told. Exer- cising one's right to free speech is not an exercise in freedom or an act of patriotism.

We need to hold onto the notions that form over substance is not an acceptable method of explaining away what a Hollywood celebrity or member of the Dixie Chicks would be condemned for. Generally speaking, everyone needs to be accountable.

One of the ways of holding people accountable is already being done by former fans of singing groups--former fans who shun the group or have tossed out their CDs. Another way is being done by various restaurants who now sell "Freedom" fries rather than "French" fries. In the latter case, it was an understanding and knowledge of the despi- cable behavior of the French during these perilous times.

We thought that. after being allies for over two hundred years and saving their hides in two world wars, not to mention rebuilding their country after the last one, the French would have covered our backs when we needed them. They did not. Au contraire, they have behaved despicably, and not as a friend, but rather as an adversary.

The Democrats, led by Senator Daschle are basically required to act like the "loyal" opposition. They are to question and to do their best to keep the present national lead- ership and administration honest and in line, but never at the expense of who and what we are as Americans. To date, they have not.

Whether it was the breaking of a two-hundred-year-old tradition of former Presidents not trashing present ones, or American political leaders dropping politics at the water's edge, the Democratic Party has dropped "loyal" from their designation and emphasized "op- position," and it seems at nearly any cost.

The present global situation that America finds herself in is anything but ordinary. It is a time when Americans need to close ranks and stand as one. It is a time when substance needs to be recognized as more important than form. Saying something is not important, but what is said is important. When Senator Daschle says we need to speak with one voice and then trashes what the President says or does, it negates any intention he may have originally conveyed.

When the Democratic Party allies itself with France instead of the Republican Party during a time when America is at war, we all need to step back and try to figure out what in the world is going on.

Paul Walfield is a freelance writer and member of the State Bar of California, with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and post-graduate study in behavioral and analyt- ical psychology. He resided for a number of years in the small town of Houlton, Maine, and is now a California attorney. His articles appear in numerous periodicals and on numerous websites. He has been the featured guest on KTSA News Talk Radio.  CONTACT INFORMATION:  Email:   paul.walfield@cox.net

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