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Thursday, July 07, 2005

TERRORIST ATTACKS, BUSH PROTECTS US? ©





Only two days ago, a friend and I were discussing the possibility. Could, or would terrorist attack again? We were discussing the practices and policies of the Transportation Security Administration. We each shared our experiences.

We wondered and mused. Were the measures imposed merely presenting the appearance of safety? Are the procedures meant to calm fears and nothing more? Is there a façade of security or are we truly “safer”?

Is attention to detail truly a deterrent, is the minutiae being carefully considered? Are these practices active, assertive, or aggressive, reactive, too little, and too late?

Does the Department of Homeland Security invoke principled procedures; are they practical? What of the Patriot Act? Are citizens turning their lives over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to Central Intelligence, or to the President and the Project for the New American Century? Are American’s sacrificing their civil rights? What of liberty and freedom?

This man claimed that while he did not agree with the administration on every count, he supports it. He proudly proclaimed that he did vote for Mr. Bush. He stated, he believes Bush and his Battalion keep us safe, or safer. They protect us; the United States of America is secure, with thanks to George W. Bush! This acquaintance maintains that King George II is the “man.” He asserts, our dear sweet President, and his strong posture, ensure, terrorist do not dare attack America again! He cites recent history as evidence.

Yet, experts affirm, attacks are often planned for years before the “action” takes place. When we assess the President’s response to 9/11, we realize there were and are many delays. Decisiveness and determination are GW’s allies; however, at times these are his impediments. He is so certain that he is right, that he ignores what is wise. President Bush refused a 9/11 Commission for quite some time; it was the survivors that prevailed.

Though changes were made, they were few. Those that have been imposed are modified. Numerous 9/11 Commission recommendations are yet to be instituted. Ports and rails remain very vulnerable.

The make-up of the Transportation Security Administration is questionable; are these persons better qualified, better trained, or merely more acceptable to Americans. Is the authority of the TSA just? Do the screeners and officers look for what is obvious and miss what is equally dangerous? There are those that deliberate.
*All lighters are prohibited as carry-on items. Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage, but lighters with fuel are prohibited.
** Up to 4 books of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage.

Many state consistency and rationale are not part of the process. We are not safer. Bush is not our protector. The President is not our guardian angel, though his demeanor may comfort some. His staunch stance may help to alleviate the inner fears for a few. However, we can ask, are GW, the TSA, the CIA, and the FBI effective? Do terrorists fear them or their policies? Is our time yet to come?

People throughout the globe “hate” Americans for their arrogance, now, more then ever. While some do not loathe Americans, they disdain this administration. It is often said; current American policies are the cause for anti-American and anti-ally sentiments. Globally, terrorism is on the rise; insurgencies are increasing. Why is this true? Some say America is responsible for these rebellions.

What of 3/11 and 7/7? Were these acts possible because Spain and England were less strong, less vigilant, or were these nations attacked for allying themselves with America?

I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with liberty.
Woodrow Wilson
Liberty has never come from Government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it . . . The history of liberty is a history of limitations of governmental power, not the increase of it.
Woodrow Wilson