by John McCain

About the author: John McCain was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986. He is the ranking Republican on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and he also serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Editor's Note: The following speech was given on October 10, 2002, as part of a Senate floor debate on H.J. Resolution 114 to authorize the use of U.S. armed forces against Iraq. The Senate subsequently approved the resolution, and on March 19, 2003, the United States began offensive operations against Iraq.

America's leaders today have a choice. It will determine whether our people live in fear behind walls that have already been breached, as our enemies plan our defeat in time we have given them to do it. It...