We've always appreciated CodePink not only for the activism but also for the aesthetic flair, which actually I think has political significance. One of the things we appreciate about CodePink is that you are not just anti-war, but an advocate of an alternative. You articulate a positive vision for what the world could be like, and it includes joy and bright colors as part of that.
But today, it's a somber day, not only because of what happened on 9/11 but also because of what happened in the decades after. And I thought I could just begin by reading from Pam Bailey. Pam Bailey of CodePink has a piece in Current Affairs today, actually, where she looks back over the last 25 years, and she quotes Representative Barbara Lee, who was the only one to vote against the US authorization for the use of military force. And Barbara Lee said something in her speech in making that rather bold vote, where she said:
"I am convinced that military action will not prevent further acts of international terrorism against the United States. This is a very complex and complicated matter. Now, this resolution will pass, although we all know that the president can wage a war even without it. However difficult this vote may be, some of us must urge the use of restraint. Our country is in a state of mourning. Some of us must say, 'Let's step back for a moment. Let's just pause just for a minute and think through the implications of our actions today so that this does not spiral out of control.' Now I have agonized over this vote, but I came to grips with it today, and I came to grips with opposing this resolution. During the very painful yet very beautiful memorial service, as a member of the clergy so eloquently said, 'As we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore.'"
I think it's quite clear that warning was not heeded. And so I wondered today if I could get each of you in turn to reflect on that phrase, "Let us not become the evil that we deplore."
