Missouri Senate adopts resolution supporting war

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- After more than two hours of fierce debate, the Missouri Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution expressing support for the war in Iraq and America's troops.

Approved on a 30-2 vote, the resolution outlines the failure of the Iraqi government to disarm and offers support for U.S. military operations in Iraq and President Bush's handling of the situation.

The resolution, a copy of which will be sent to Bush and the nine members of Missouri's congressional delegation, sparked lengthy debate between those endorsing military action and those who questioned it.

The measure was sponsored by Sen. Jon Dolan, a Missouri National Guard member and former CIA agent who said lawmakers had a responsibility to show Missouri's support for Bush's actions in Iraq.

"It is essential for us to go on record," said Dolan, R-Lake Saint Louis. "It is not a political document. It does not seek to put anyone on notice.

"I believe the self-absorption sometimes exhibited in this debate today ... is nothing more than a selfish un-American activity," Dolan said.

Sen. Wayne Goode voted for the resolution after saying he supports U.S. troops but had concerns about the decision to take military action against Iraq.

"I am one of those who don't think we have any business attacking another country when we have not been attacked," said Goode, D-St. Louis.

Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, said the United States had every right to strike first because of the terrorist threat that has existed since the Sept. 11 attacks.

"Because of that case before us, we no longer have the luxury of waiting for others to act first," Nodler said.

Voting against the bill were Democratic Sens. Mary Bland of Kansas City and Pat Dougherty of St. Louis.

Bland said she, too, supports the troops but is not sure the United States should be spending billions of dollars to help other countries while ignoring needs at home.

"I will pray for the president, I will pray that his decision was the right decision, I will pray that our children come back safely," Bland said. "But I cannot stand here and say to you that I totally support the war."

The wording of the resolution itself was problematic for Sen. Ken Jacob, who said it made too many assumptions and accepted the accuracy of some of claims about Iraq that were still being debated internationally.

"I think it is important when we deal with the issue of war and peace that we do not have a rush to make statements that are in the slightest inaccurate," said Jacob, D-Columbia, who also voted for the resolution. "The decision to engage in mortal combat should always be the decision of last resort."

For Sen. Matt Bartle, Iraq's firing of missiles in the opening hours of the war showed that the country could not be trusted.

"We have been completely justified in refusing to accept what the rest of the world has accepted," said Bartle, R-Lee's Summit.

Despite the seriousness of the issue, one senator sought to ease tensions in the chamber as the debate went on.

"If the war ends before this debate ends, is the resolution moot?" said Sen. Harold Caskey, D-Butler.

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War resolution is SR433.

On the Net

Missouri Legislature: www.moga.state.mo.us