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Speaking out on Iraq

Maine politicians show a range of support for the war

By Kyle Webster

Posted on March 31, 2003, at 12:00 a.m.

The war with Iraq has brought both praise and negative criticism to President Bush and his Cabinet from leaders around the nation and the world. In Maine, officials have expressed varying levels of support and opposition. Now that war has become a reality, most opinions have stayed the same; however, all officials have expressed a desire for the nation to come together.

When the resolution for a war against Iraq was first introduced in October of last year Maine’s senators, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins supported the idea. Both Snowe and Collins, issued statements expressing their support for the resolution and the potential for war.

“I have come to the conclusion, based on the facts, that Saddam Hussein’s continued, aggressive production of weapons of mass destruction present a real and immediate global menace,” Snowe said.

“The risks are simply too catastrophic for the world to allow Iraq to continue on its present course,” Collins said. “Given Saddam’s insatiable desire to possess chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, this danger will not disappear on its own.”

Now that the war is underway, both senators continue to support it.

In a statement issued March 19, the evening of the commencement of military action in Iraq, Snowe said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the courageous men and women in uniform who are carrying out this vital mission on our behalf.”

Other Maine representatives are not as supportive of the war. On March 20, Congressman Michael Michaud issued a statement saying, “The failure of diplomatic efforts to produce a peaceful resolution to the threat posed by Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction leaves me deeply troubled.” He went on to express support for the troops and his desire for the nation to unite “regardless of our perspective on the use of military force in Iraq.”

At the Feb. 10 meeting of the Orono Town Council, the council voted 5-0 to oppose a war with Iraq. Statements were made on both sides and, in the end, five of the seven members voted for the resolution.

Opinions of the war have been greatly affected by how close to home some of the early casualties were. Following the deaths of Maj. Jay Aubin and Cpl. Brian Kennedy, both with relatives and ties in Maine, several officials issued statements relating their sympathies. On March 26, Gov. John Baldacci ordered the United States and State of Maine flags to be flown at half staff on Saturday, March 29, to show respect for the two men and their families.

“They demonstrated courage and a profound sense of duty,” Baldacci said. “We will not forget their sacrifice.”

Others made similar statements of praise.

“Their brave sacrifice and their courage will not be forgotten,” Collins said. “My heart goes out to these families.”

Despite opposing viewpoints on the war, the one sentiment that seems to be held by all officials is a desire for the nation to unite and for the war to end with as few casualties as possible.

“I know Americans will support our armed forces,” Michaud said. “I add my own prayers for the safe and swift return of our young men and women.”

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