March 18, 2003
NEVER, NEVER FORGET, part 4 (via Real Clear Politics):
See men shredded, then say you don't back war (Ann Clwyd, Times of London, 3/18/2003)“There was a machine designed for shredding plastic. Men were dropped into it and we were again made to watch. Sometimes they went in head first and died quickly. Sometimes they went in feet first and died screaming. It was horrible. I saw 30 people die like this. Their remains would be placed in plastic bags and we were told they would be used as fish food . . . on one occasion, I saw Qusay [President Saddam Hussein’s youngest son] personally supervise these murders.”
It is bad enough that monsters like the Husseins have control over machines for shredding plastic. We cannot allow them to obtain control over nuclear weapons.
May God bless our servicemen and women.
Posted by Paul Jaminet at March 18, 2003 11:36 AMTim Blair speculates that this report, or one like it, influenced Clare Short to stay in the Cabinet. I don't know anything about that.
You'd like to think evidence would influence decisions, but I've never noticed that that's true, generally.
This morning NPR went "around the country" to survey opinions about going to war. They almost weren't able to find anybody for it. Would evidence influence them? Obviously not.
Claire Short has always been a little bit of a 'loose cannon'. But in an age of
blandness and the 'party line', somewhat refreshing sometimes. Although recent
events, and what is sure to come, might belie the fact, she does appear to have
some convictions. From a hard left firebrand to a cabinet position
(international development) where, by all accounts, she has made a very real and
positive difference. So, although I am both suspicious of her, and dislike her
socialist tendencies, I have some time for her because of her success in her
current job. And her obvious sincerity and desire to make a difference to the
disadvantaged of the world.
I'm interested in hearing from her and why she might have changed
her mind. In a picture I saw, she seemed to be sitting besides, or very close
to, Tony Blair as he gave his speech tonight. It is very conceivable that Blair
changed her mind by the power and moral clarity he can bring to bear.
In the end though, if she resigns, or ends up sacked, it is not a big deal.
