A lesson in restraint from a wise woman

I was recently reminded of little known event that took place on September 14th 2001. The US house of representatives were voting to support George W Bush's invasion of Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks. It was a token vote, expected to be unanimous. But, much to the chagrin of many in the House, it wasn't unanimous. A single dissenting member, Rep Barbara Lee, voted against it. I have linked the video below with her explanation, something she received death threats for. It's well worth a listen with the privilege of hindsight.

 

Weird you posted that, I was watching an interview her only last night. There are some brilliant people in and around American politics, they stand out a mile from the insanity that’s taken hold. Not all from the same side of the aisle either, it has to be said.

 

This reminds me of the US Congress vote on the Tonkin Gulf resolution (1964 I think). Passed with a massive majority in favour of US military involvement in Vietnam. I think there were just 2 dissenting voices who didn't want to send American boys to their deaths.

 

The mum of Scott Wiseman?

 

Honestly, the fact that hardly anyone has ever heard these words in the context and situation they were delivered is beyond depressing:

"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."