| 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 |
