Washington, Oct 8, 2002 - As the House of Representatives begins a historic debate on a resolution authorizing a preemptive strike for the first time in our nation's history, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), leader of the House opposition to the resolution, gave the following statement on the House floor today.

"O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

"America let us remember on this day the connection between freedom and bravery, that to preserve our freedom we must be courageous.

"Let no fear, no threat obscure our vision and lead us down the dark path of preemptive war against a people who have not attacked us.

"Let us be guided by the truth, the truth which shall set us free, the truth which keeps us free.

"Let us lift this nation up into the light of peace. Into the eternal promise where we are all one. Where nation shall not take up arms against nation. Where we shall turn our swords into plow shares our spears into pruning hooks.

"America has a higher calling. Our founders calls us on this day to defend our country by defending universal truths, by defending international justice, and by defending the very spirit of our Constitution, which calls us to form a more perfect union with each other and with the world."