On March 19, 2003, “Senator Robert C. Byrd, the West Virginia Democrat and country orator who had been among the handful of members to argue vociferously against war, made no secret of his gloom. ‘Today, I weep for my country,’ he said, adding: ‘No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned.’ ”
– Todd S. Purdum and The New York Times Staff, A Time of Our Choosing, Page 106