Posted on 02/03/2006 5:03:41 AM PST by governsleastgovernsbest
by Mark Finkelstein February 3, 2006 - 07:52
Let's give Today its due. It devoted extended coverage this morning to the growing nuclear threat from Iran. In Katie Couric's interview of Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, it was quickly established that Iran does indeed represent a serious danger. Much of the conversation involved a discussion of the various options - none of them ideal - to address the threat. One might argue that Haass' estimate that Iran is about five years away from acquiring a nuclear weapon could be dangerously optimistic, but he did not attempt to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
But, inevitably, Katie turned the talk to what she deemed domestic spying, alternatively dubbing it, with a wry smile, "the terrorist surveillance program."
Katie suggested that the administration offer specific examples of instances in which the program thwarted acts of terrorism. Haass rejected the idea: "I don't think they need to more specific. You don't want to give away intelligence methods."
But Haass claimed the Bush administration is "losing the argument" by asserting "that they can decide who and when to do it against. That they can do this and bypass . . . "
That's when Couric interrupted with her very dark depiction of the Bush administration:
"the sort of unbridled, power, right?"
She continued: "And even if the legislation has to be updated, that I think the American people probably would . . . "
Haass finished her sentence for her: "I think the American are grown-ups, they understand we're living in dangerous times; we've got to protect ourselves. But we can't give the executive branch or the president unlimited power to fight terrorism."
Let's review: Haass claims the Bush administration is "losing the argument" on terrorist surveillance. With whom, beyond the MSM and the left-wing establishment? Certainly not with the American people. From a recent Rasmussen report:
"Sixty-four percent (64%) of Americans believe the National Security Agency (NSA) should be allowed to intercept telephone conversations between terrorism suspects in other countries and people living in the United States. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 23% disagree."
Even 51% of Democrats support the idea, by the way.
And what of Katie's Orwellian view of the president's "unbridled power"? A president who briefed congressional leaders of both parties about the program. A president exercising nothing like the kind of power applied by liberal hero FDR during WWII.
The difference now? First, of course, is the fact that President Bush is a dreaded Republican. Second, in their heart of hearts, do liberals really believe that we are a country at war?
Today Show/NewsBusters ping.
Didn't have a prob when Toon exercised it, did you, Couric?
BTW, Katie, when are we gonna see a story on the redacted bits from the Barrett Report?
Unbridled power? Katie needs to read her U.S. history.
prisoner6
The longer this issue goes on the better. Come voting day, the average American isn't going to remember all the thousands of nuances discussed on the Leftist Morning News Shows. They are going to remember the distinction: who wants to protect me the most.
"Katie suggested that the administration offer specific examples of instances in which the program thwarted acts of terrorism."
Sure Katie, let's give up all of our secrets to your friends, the enemy. While your at it either get your head out of your @$$ or STFU. Your right to free speech is protected by this country you so hate!!!!!
We wish, perky.
Old horsetooth Katie...what a kook.
'unbridled power'? She sounds like a jealous little chipmunk...
Three things in this world make me instantly hit a gag reflex; post-nasal drip, a dirty diaper and Katie Couric.
Bless you governsleastgovernsbest for having the courage to wade into their squalid ranks and report. :)
I have an idea..let's send Katie on assignment to Amsterdam..let her walk down the main street with a cartoon of Mohammed taped to her back..
Horsetooth Katie unable to control her unbridled hatred for George Bush and the Republicans.
Katie had the colon scope shoved in too far. Tickled her brain.
Hey Katie you and your mainstream buddies have spent everyday since 9/11 criticizing this administration, and only this administration, for not connecting the dots prior to the 9/11 attack. Now when intelligence methods for connecting the dots have been put in place you want them stopped. Do you ever wonder why the media in the US is in the crapper Katie?
Just what do you expect from the "Queen of the Media Swine".
Unbridled hate propaganda....
****
The girl is an idiot!
She didn't have a prob, but she did have a probe. It was televised on tv.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.