D.Economic-C-on


 (1) Senator Edward Brooke, February 22, 1978 '(S 2009-11)
 Mr. I3ROOiicE. * *
 Mr. President, the Sentite's ultimate decision on the Panama Canal treaties will have a significant impact both upon our self-image as a nation and upon the perceptions of others regarding our role in the world. It is our solemn obligation to make our debate on the ratification issue a thorough and deliberate effort. The interest of the American people would be ill served by 'a "rush to judgment." While the impatient would have us believe that time is somehow of the essence, I have found no evidence that such is the case. iRather, I believe the case is compelling for a complete and throucrh airing of every aspect of the matter that is before u's. On this issue, the "wheels of the Senate should grind slowly and exceedingly fine."
 I raise this matter because I recall that in 19-72 we handled another Issue Of great importance in a rather impetuous manner. In retrospect the conclusion seems inescap able that -we gave far too little attention to the ambiguities of the SALT I agreements and their consequences. If we had not done so, we could have perhaps avoided many of the developments that make passage of a SALT II agreement problematical at best. We should not repeat our error of undue haste as we consider the Panama Canal treaties.
 Mr. President, we have all experienced a great deal of soul searching and agonizing over these treaties and their implications. A great deal of interest has been shown by the American people in the matter and they have communicated that interest to us.
 There can be no doubt that it is our responsibility to examine seriously the views of those we represent. This does not mean that we Simply determine that 51 percent of those writing oppose ratification and, hence, determine our vote. That is not expected of us and, indeed, would insult those who had sufficient confidence to elect us to office. What it does mean is that we must thoroughly explore their concerns, ,determine the weight they should be given, and then choose what is the proper course of action that will best serve the interests of our country and its people. And that is the key, for it is not the interests or pride of Panama, or the satisfaction of one ideological need or another that are of importance on the matter. This is one of those occasions in the 'Senate -when the issue compels us to rise above parochial concerns, for what we are talking about here are matters Of the highest national importance with 'far-reaching, if as yet unforeseen consequences for our country.
 Mr. President, we all know that the treaties we will finally vote upon will not be the same as those originally sent to the 'Senate by the President. It is an open secret that language changes will be,,mnade to guarantee the right of the United State s to take action, unilaterally (231)