The chemical weapons treaty is an important step in increasing international security. The treaty, negotiated during the Reagan and Bush administrations, would require participants to eliminate all chemical weapons within 10 years and would provide for an international agency to set guidelines and conduct inspections. Dole believes that the treaty should not be ratified because it does not effectively ban chemical weapons from every point on Earth. Dole's rationale is unsound - making headway toward chemical weapon reduction is better than no progress at all.
James Baker III, secretary of state under George Bush, said that he expected a few rogue states not to sign onto the treaty. Nevertheless, the body of nations that did follow the convention would be able to exert significant influence in bringing other countries into line. Dole must realize that a significant reduction in international chemical weapon stockpiles is highly desirable. Weapons would be less accessible to both terrorists and rogue nations. The treaty lays forth a noble ideal to be worked toward - Dole should immediately rescind his baseless objections.
Dole, in using his influence on an immigration bill, once again angered legislators on both sides of the aisle. The bill would double the number of border patrol officers and increase workplace inspections. Clinton agreed to sign it in its original form. Dole effectively killed the legislation by insisting that it include a provision that would allow states to deny public education to children of illegal immigrants. Increasing governmental deadlock is all that Dole's political strategy accomplishes. Consensus building would be a more positive approach for a presidential candidate.
Dole relinquished his position as Senate Majority Leader to distance himself from bills, amendments and motions. Unfortunately, trailing by up to 23 percent in some polls, Dole is reneging on his pledge in order to score politically. His coercion of Republican congressional leaders on the immigration bill and chemical weapons treaty is disturbing.
A majority of the GOP feels pressure to maintain a united front in order to keep control of Congress and elect Bob Dole president. Dole, knowing that key Republicans will fall into line, is using this to his advantage. His political opposition to both bills smacks of cheap political trickery. Dole does not want Clinton to receive foreign policy acclaim for the chemical treaty. Furthermore, he wants to gain votes in Florida, California and Texas by making Clinton appear to be against immigration reform.
Dole's resignation from Congress is meaningless if he insists upon maintaining control from behind the scenes. Vision, not increasing government deadlock, is the key to winning a presidential election. Dole needs to refocus his campaign - and take a step back from the backroom politics he has been known for in the past.