Kerry Shouldn't Concede War on Terror & Homeland Security to Bush

[volosong]

Seems an excellent cases can be made for multiple Bush failures on both topics, would could be linked to public disenchantment with the war in Iraq.

The last mentioned is ranked as a much "hotter" topic than any domestic issue,but unfortunately Kerry has too much of a "me too" stance from which he can't disengage without more Flip Flop Flack.

On the War on terror and homeland security we would do well to remember that:

Although polls give Mr. Bush high marks on handling the war on terror, a an examination of the record reveals a list of unheeded pre-9/11 warnings and requests such as the Hart-Rudman recommendations; Paul Bremer's warnings of impending attacks; FBI concerns about Arabs who wanted to learn to fly but not to land planes; CIA Director Tenet’s memo entitled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in US;” the arrest of Moussaoui who was described as "the type of person who could fly something into the World Trade Center;" Senate ASC recommendation to shift $814 million from missile defense to anti-terrorism; and Acting FBI Director Pickard’s request for more anti-terrorism funding.

The Bush record on Homeland Security is similarly distressing according to the report of the GOP dominated Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction. They reported (Dec 2003) "serious concern about the current state of homeland security efforts;” they found that momentum for security had "waned," and blamed the government for causing complacency. It also found "fragmentation" of efforts and "that scarce resources may not be prioritized and applied most effectively.” Bush has inadequately funded the department as well as undermined state and local security efforts, including police, fire and health first-responders. Federal funding of local anti-terror efforts has been restricted, and chemical plant, airport, airline, port, and border security is still is perilously lacking.

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." George W. Bush, Aug. 5, 2004

[Poiuyt]

1. Bush has made America LESS safe after 9/11

That is the point we need to make. He was so obsessed with invading Iraq that he neglected (and continues to neglect) the security of our shores and going after the real terrorists.

[volosong]

2. If You Agree, Contact Kerry-Edwards HQ.

Obviously, they need all the help they can get.

And don't be surprised if Bush (feeling that he is far ahead), refuses to debate. A candidate you is, or feels that he is, well out front has no incentive to debate

[IndianaGreen]

3. It would be nice to have an honest debate on the War on Terror

The American people need to be jolted out of their stupor and be told that the War on Terror is as much of a fraud as the never ending War on Drugs. Bush used 9/11 as the pretext to launch a neocon war of imperial expansion that had nothing to do with capturing the people responsible for 9/11. John Pilger is far more eloquent than I could possibly be:

The great charade

As the West prepares for an assault on Iraq, John Pilger argues that 'war on terror' is a smokescreen created by the ultimate terrorist ... America itself

by John Pilger

Sunday July 14, 2002
The Observer

It is 10 months since 11 September, and still the great charade plays on. Having appropriated our shocked response to that momentous day, the rulers of the world have since ground our language into a paean of cliches and lies about the 'war on terrorism' - when the most enduring menace, and source of terror, is them.

The fanatics who attacked America came from Saudi Arabia and Egypt. No bombs fell on these American protectorates. Instead, more than 5,000 civilians have been bombed to death in stricken Afghanistan, the latest a wedding party of 40 people, mostly women and children. Not a single al-Qaeda leader of importance has been caught.

Following this 'stunning victory', hundreds of prisoners were shipped to an American concentration camp in Cuba, where they have been held against all the conventions of war and international law. No evidence of their alleged crimes has been produced, and the FBI confirms only one is a genuine suspect. In the United States, more than 1,000 people of Muslim background have 'disappeared'; none has been charged. Under the draconian Patriot Act, the FBI's new powers include the authority to go into libraries and ask who is reading what.

Meanwhile, the Blair government has made fools of the British Army by insisting they pursue warring tribesmen: exactly what squaddies in putties and pith helmets did over a century ago when Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, described Afghanistan as one of the 'pieces on a chessboard upon which is being played out a great game for the domination of the world'.

There is no war on terrorism; it is the great game speeded up. The difference is the rampant nature of the superpower, ensuring infinite dangers for us all.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/worldview/story/0,11581,754972,00.html

[DeepModem Mom]

4. Concentrating ONLY on domestic issues could be a mistake --

I think we have important things to say about Bush's failures in this area, making us less safe, if we could get that message through the media filter. If we could attack Bush's strength, it would help us.

[Placebo]

5. Bill Clinton agrees with YOU...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x754768

[bklyncowgirl]

6. Talking only about domestic issues would be a big mistake

Kerry has to convince people that he can wage a tougher, smarter, more effective war on terror AND take steps to improve people's lives at home.

If you're convinced that one guy is a hardass fighting man who can keep your kids from being taken hostage and murdered by terrorists like happened in that Russian school, and the other is a duplicitous fence sitter who is afraid to take action but who might be able to get you a better job, who are you going to vote for?

[daydreamer]

7. War on terror

Totally agree. To beat your opponent, you have to hit back in the right place. Kerry has to drive the point to home to the American voters that he,not bush is the true leader this country needed on the war against terror.

[newyawker99]

8. Hi brickgate!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[daydreamer]

9. Thanks.

Being in this forum makes me feel better.