Travel back in time with me, won't you?

Yesterday (Nov. 16th, 2005) Clinton said:
The United States made a "big mistake" when it invaded Iraq, former President Bill Clinton said Wednesday, citing the lack of planning for what would happen after dictator Saddam Hussein was overthrown.

"It was a big mistake. The American government made several errors ... one of which is how easy it would be to get rid of Saddam and how hard it would be to unite the country."

Take a trip back in time with me now. . .

December 16, 1998
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- From the Oval Office, President Clinton told the nation Wednesday evening why he ordered new military strikes against Iraq. The president said Iraq's refusal to cooperate with U.N. weapons inspectors presented a threat to the entire world.

"Saddam (Hussein) must not be allowed to threaten his neighbors or the world with nuclear arms, poison gas or biological weapons," Clinton said.

"Earlier today I ordered America's armed forces to strike military and security targets in Iraq. They are joined by British forces," Clinton said.

"Their mission is to attack Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs and its military capacity to threaten its neighbors," said Clinton.

Clinton also stated that, while other countries also had weapons of mass destruction, Hussein is in a different category because he has used such weapons against his own people and against his neighbors.

"Along with Prime Minister (Tony) Blair of Great Britain, I made it equally clear that if Saddam failed to cooperate fully we would be prepared to act without delay, diplomacy or warning," Clinton said. This coming from the guy who says Bush went in alone, no exit stratigy, ext. but he could do it "without delay", (what's your exit stratigy, Willie?) "diplomacy" (where's the UN, Slick?) "or warning" (Where's your planning, horn-dog?)

"In halting our airstrikes in November, I gave Saddam a chance -- not a license. If we turn our backs on his defiance, the credibility of U.S. power as a check against Saddam will be destroyed," the president explained.

"If Saddam can cripple the weapons inspections system and get away with it, he would conclude the international community, led by the United States, has simply lost its will," said Clinton. "He would surmise that he has free rein to rebuild his arsenal of destruction."

"But once more, the United States has proven that although we are never eager to use force, when we must act in America's vital interests, we will do so." Remember that Slick-Willie? DO YOU REMEMBER SAYING THAT WE MUST ACT IN AMERICA'S VITAL INTEREST?!?! THAT'S WHAT WE'RE DOING, DUMB ASS!!!