Some random thoughts on terrorism, national security, leadership, character and political viability.
"I decided to accept the draft in spite of my beliefs for one reason: to maintain my political viability within the system. For years I have worked to prepare myself for a political life characterized by both practical political ability and concern for rapid social progress."-former president Bill Clinton 12/3/69
...there is no current danger to the United States from Baghdad...former president Jimmy Carter 9/5/02
There is a link here between the two and the common thread is the pre-present-post-political viability of themselves and their political party. If we could listen to their thoughts (as well as the current Democratic leadership) as we assess the rationale behind their deeds it would go something like this...
"We have decided to resist the need for military action against Saddam Hussein irregardless of the consequences to the safety of the American people because such military action would constitute a powerful political gain for President Bush and the Republican party. However, we are careful to portray our actions as more deliberate and reasoned-moderate if you will. Since the elections are soon here we must keep the tide from going the Republican's way or else we will loose seats and weaken our political viability. However, if this fails to do the trick we can use the self-evident and next predictable terrorist incident as an indication of the ineptitude of Republicans in general and the Bush administration in particular and strengthen our political viability that way as well.
"Formerly admired almost universally as the preeminent champion of human rights, our country has become the foremost target of respected international organizations concerned about these basic principles of democratic life. While the president has reserved judgment, the American people are inundated almost daily with claims from the vice president and other top officials that we face a devastating threat from Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and with pledges to remove Saddam Hussein from office, with or without support from any allies. As has been emphasized vigorously by foreign allies and by responsible leaders of former administrations and incumbent officeholders, there is no current danger to the United States from Baghdad." Jimmy Carter 9/5/02, The troubling new face of America as published in The Washington Post.
What about the human rights of the people who were brutally and gleeful slain by the terrorists on 9/11/01, Mr. Carter? Do these people figure into your thoughts when you say Baghdad poses no current danger to the United States? Do you use the most recent and accurate intelligence when you say no threat exists from Baghdad? What is it about the partnership between Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein and what they seek to do to you and me that is so hard to understand? If we are about freedom and the work involved in keeping it, then no controversy exists between us, however, if political viability takes it's place, we mock freedom and make it the object of a sport of the most vile nature. What happens then, when we do this, is perform the work of our COMMON enemy as we fill our minds with thoughts of fantasy.
While the smoke was still in the air following 9/11/01, there was no controversy about what was needed at that time as it is needed now. Accord came from the basic recognition of the common threat posed by terrorists and the states that sponsored them. The joint resolution to FIGHT EVIL as arrayed against the United States is as profound as it is prescient...
Whereas, on September 11, 2001, acts of treacherous violence were committed against the United States and its citizens; and
Whereas, such acts render it both necessary and appropriate that the United States exercise its rights to self-defense and to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad; and
Whereas, in light of the threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by these grave acts of violence; and
Whereas, such acts continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States; and
Whereas, the President has authority under the Constitution to take action to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the United States: Now, therefore, be it
(b) War Powers Resolution Requirements-
Passed the Senate September 14, 2001.
Attest:
Secretary.
To those of a open mind and candid heart, America was attacked and it's ways hideously disrespected on 9/11/01. What we saw on that day was the intent of the enemies of liberty made action for all of the world to see. This is what they want. This is what they think of us. This is what they intend to do to ALL OF US. Freedom was attacked on that day as well as America. Therefore, in the name of freedom and in the name of America we must destroy all those who put their perniciously tyrannical ways above our own before it is too late. We don't require allied approbation since it was Americans who were attacked on 9/11. Allied help should be sought but it shall be most fitting if America, through it's military efforts destroys the preeminent terroristic loci of our time and excise this plague on humanity-Saddam Hussein.