Albert Einstein famously defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
So four years into a preemptive occupation that has seen US casualties escalate as Iraq descends into a bloody civil war, it is interesting to explore how Congressman Dave Reichert’s position has evolved in response to changing conditions on the ground:
“I support the troops and the president’s decision to go to war in Iraq.”
— Seattle Times, 10/22/04“Reichert says the invasion of Iraq is part of the broader war, and he would back the invasion again, even with information now showing there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.”
— Seattle Times, 10/22/04On national security, Congressman Reichert says, “I put my trust in the president.” — KCTS Connects, 1/8/06
“I would have voted to go to war with the majority of Congress and support the president’s decision. After September 11th we were attacked and people must remember that. We are at war! We are at war!”
— Speech to Seattle City Club, 1/23/06“And what I do is that when you ask me, as a sheriff, should there be a timeline? It is clear to me: no.”
— Speech to Seattle City Club, 1/23/06“I see us being in Iraq for a while.”
— Speech to Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, 8/16/06
Hmm. With Bush administration officials preparing the American people for a 50-year military presence in Iraq, it is time to ask Congressman Dave Reichert if he still puts his trust in the president, and if he too supports a permanent presence in Iraq?
8th District voters need to know if a vote for Reichert is a vote for insanity.