A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....01-08-04....Terror Alert Goes Orange: Is America Any Safer?

JohnHuang2; Aquamarine; Billie | JohnHuang2

[Aquamarine]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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Terror Alert Goes Orange: Is America Any Safer?

by JohnHuang2

One of the most disturbing things about this past Holiday Season were reports from Homeland Security of substantial increase in chatter (intercepted communications among enemies of America). I'm sure you all heard about it. It prompted raising the national alert to its second-highest level (from Yellow to Orange, meaning high). Critics charged this stuff about increasing chatter was bogus -- just a ploy by John Ashcroft to keep people scared and impose even more tyranny over poor Al Gore. Well, I'm here to say the critics are full of it. Trust me. I hope I'm not revealing any sensitive info here, but I've seen and heard the evidence of this increase in chatter first-hand. Yesterday, as a matter of fact. I saw the *chatterers*, all 7 of them, on a stage in Iowa at this thing called 'The Democratic Debate', thanks to this special apparatus that converts electromagnetic waves into images on a screen (but shhh! Let's keep this a secret, okay?)

From this intercept, one thing you come away with is that these *chatterers* don't appear to be great fans of George W. Bush, with wave after wave of angry attacks on the White House, shattering hopes Saddam's capture would slow down such attacks. (Clearly these guys have been eating too much beef from Washington and Oregon).

One piece of good news for the White House: The pro-Saddam militants I saw on that stage appear to be 'Downer' candidates (Democrats unable to walk to the slaughterhouse next November), their 'red meat' not fit for dog food, much less human consumption.

Sen. John F. Kerry, who served in Vietnam, accused the Bush administration of running an "ineffective war on terror." (Bush's war on terror has been so ineffective, there has been no terror on U.S. soil since 9/11).

Kerry charged that the war on terror, which he says is "less of a military operation" and more like "intelligence-gathering and law enforcement," had been diverted to Iraq. Which is why Kerry voted for military operations in Iraq. (Democrats say it's preposterous to think Saddam had links to al-Qaeda. He would never do that. That would be unethical).

With the Iowa caucuses looming, conventional wisdom says the '04 Dems will focus on 2 key early states -- Iowa and New Hampshire -- though I don't buy it. It conflicts with official reports they've spread to 8 states -- Mad Cow meat, that is.

Regarding his penchant for gaffes, Howard Dean, who's recently complained of being manhandled by rivals (and has the bruises on his arms to prove it!), answered criticism from Kerry, noting that "A 'gaffe' in Washington is when you tell the truth and the Washington establishment thinks you shouldn't have." Dean stands firmly behind all his gaffes. Not only that, Dean stands firmly behind all later retractions of his gaffes. (Most of these gaffes occur during unsupervised visits with reporters, away from his handlers, who should know better. At least John Hinckley Jr. got a court ruling for his).

For example, Dean told a newspaper recently that he's "resisted pronouncing a sentence before (Osama's) guilt is found." (Dean's answers to reporters' questions resemble Improvised Explosive Devices). Dean says we shouldn't automatically assume Osama's guilt for 9/11, what, with all those 'interesting theories out there' that Bush got advance warning from the Saudis. We should withhold judgment and let a jury decide guilt or innocence here. (9/11 -- a classic Whodunit). Dean, to his credit, still stands firmly behind that statement. Dean, again to his credit, also stands firmly behind a later clarification of that statement, stressing he never said we should withhold judgment on guilt or innocence here, given Osama all but "admitted he is responsible for killing 3,000 Americans." (Now I know why Dean became a doctor. He'd never afford the growing medical bills from self-inflicted wounds).

To be fair, Dean's never really ruled-out the Death penalty for Osama. It all really depends on whether -- or how -- Osama is captured. If he had his druthers, Dean says he'd shoot Osama (it would be the first time Dean shoots something other than his foot). Showing a flash of genius, Dean calmly explained the Dean Rule on whether Osama lives or dies: "If we capture him alive, we have to stand for the rule of law," presume his innocence, and give him a fair trial. (Osama may be a very bad man, but he'd never give no-bid contracts to Halliburton). If he's captured dead, we presume he's dead, and skip the fair trial. (Bumper-sticker: Vote for Dean! Despite nagging doubts, Dean vows at least to bring Osama in for
questioning).

Sen. Joe Lieberman challenged Dean to open up his gubernatorial record in Vermont (yeah, yeah, pile on, pile on, why don'tcha, Senator? With a record as governor like Dean's, you'd seal it up, too; nobody would run on that record.)

Dean's record in Vermont is so well hidden, even Hans Blix wouldn't find it. (Not even with both Hans!)

Dean, of humble upbringing on Park Avenue and in the Hamptons, says he's "tired of coming to the South and fighting elections on God, guns and gays." So he's coming to the South, fighting this election on God, guns and gays instead. Dean is a man of deep religious conviction in the South, signaling he plans to invoke Jesus in speeches throughout the Bible-Belt. (With a guy like Dean as president, all America would be deep in prayer). So deep and abiding is Dean's religious faith, it easily outlasts a Britney Spear marriage. (Wouldn't surprise me if it holds out through the Michigan primary).

Rep. Dennis Kucinich accused Bush of deliberate deception, of lying his way into war (BUSH LIED! SADDAM ALMOST DIED!) And of ignoring Osama.

Regarding Iraq, Democrats say Weapons of Mass Destruction didn't exist because we haven't found them. Regarding Afghanistan, Democrats say Osama still exists even if we haven't found him.

To insure national security, and reassure Americans he's serious about it, Kucinich vowed to slash defense by 15 percent. As ranking member on a key committee, "I know the kind of waste that goes on there," noted Kucinich. (Speaking of waste, why the Rover mission in search of life on Mars when Kucinich is proof of alien life in Iowa?)

Sheesh, must be Mad Cow. (By the way, did you see the cries of joy and jubilation in the Mission Control room, celebrating the safe landing of the "Mars Rover Spirit," a six-wheeled robot? Very moving. Not since the Dean endorsement had Al Gore gotten so much applause).

Speaking of Mad Cow, the White House dismissed talk of further quarantines; despite suspicions of carrying the dreaded disease, there are no plans to detain the 9 '04 Democrats. Good call? You bet. America is no safer since the capture of that Holstein in Washington. There's still raunchy food out there (See Wendy's). Though I'd bet the Bush administration had this Mad Cow hidden away somewhere just to bring it out before Christmas!

Tired former Army Gen. Wesley Clark, appearing on CNN's Late Edition Sunday, blasted Bush's policy on Iraq. Clark, who took action when the U.S. faced an imminent threat from weapons of mass graves in Kosovo 4 years ago, said Baghdad is sinking into total chaos; it's a veritable shooting gallery, a bloodbath. Clark says the first thing he'll do as president is jet on over to this bloodbath and have a long, quiet chat with Generals in Baghdad. To date, no weapons of mass graves have been found in Kosovo, the main justification for war, despite U.S.-led search crews scouring the province for years. Clintonistas insist WMGs will eventually be found, dismissing claims of KLA links to terrorism. (You're either with us or with the anti-terrorists!) Clark, who pulled out of Iowa recently, declined to attend the debate, hosted by the Des Moines Register.

So, have all those horrible things Democrats have been saying about Bush taken a toll on Bush?

The Democrat attacks are taking a devastating toll. On Democrats.

"President Bush begins the election year with the national mood improving, his support on key issues building and his Democratic opponents struggling to gain an edge," USA Today reports, citing the latest Gallup poll, which pegs Bush's job approval rate at 60 percent. The poll, conducted January 2-5, also shows him getting high marks on handling of the economy, education, world affairs and Iraq. Showing America evenly divided, Bush evenly divides Howard Dean, the fiery antiwar Gaffe-A-Thon front-runner by 22 percentage points, 59%-37%.
America is oh, oh, so evenly divided!

Brilliant observers say the poll doesn't mean squat -- it's just a temporary bounce from the capture of Saddam Hussein. Ah, that 'splains it. But what's weird is that a CNN/TIME poll released just days ago had Howard Dean trailing Bush a scant 5 percentage points, 51%-46%. Which means Bush must have captured Saddam Hussein again! Sneaky guy, this Bush, eh? Imagine that? If Bush keeps capturing Saddam, from here till November, what's a Democrat to do?

;-) Anyway, that's...

My two cents...

"JohnHuang2"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 01-05-04...Military Monday 01-06-04...And the Good News Is... 01-07-04...Our Whitehouse Pets... the exclusive interview...

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[Pippin]

Did you read my post earlier at #71?

That tells you where I stand on this particular issue and how I feel about President Bush.

[Kudsman]

Regarding Afghanistan, Democrats say Osama still exists even if we haven't found him.

WhoooHoo! Atta boy JH2. If that SOB is making tapes, then he is getting them to Al Jwhatever TV somehow. Or else he's sitting right in the studio. Whether the transfer is direct or by courier, once we got one the jig is up. If the Al Jwhatever press is being "escorted in" then start with the enablers. Get him or get whomever is making those tapes. Tic-toc it doesn't stop. I'm sure the US Intel is doing everything it can right now.

Still I can't help but woonder if it could it be possible that all involved parties have an interest in keeping the boogeyman alive? Some to believe in perpetuating a Jihad, and some to think of providing time and cover for "nation building". I don't know, I just look forward to it being over soon. Hopefully very soon.

[Kudsman]

WMG's!!! HAHAHAHA. This is too good. Great job by both of you. Congrats Aqua on your raise.

[Kudsman]

Hello Mayor. I do look forward to your readings that you link. I compare your NIV version to my NAB one and note the similarities and differences. It is quite interesting. Sometimes. To me. Thanks for what you do.

[FreeTheHostages]

All I ask is for a simple apology.

[Aquamarine]

Hi Pippin. I have some problems with this immigration policy also. The American's whose ancestor's settled this country have to pay Income Tax because the law says so and if you don't believe it just see what the IRS has to say about it. Have seen many a people ruined over not paying their taxes, as the penalties pile up. Why should the Mexican's be allowed to break the immigration laws and then even be rewarded by receiving social security?

They say no one else will work for 5 dollars an hour. I say raise the pay, most of those employer's are millionaires who can well afford better pay. The problem with this country is it forgot how to be faithful to itself.
The really guilty party is the employer's of these illegals...it's like modern day slavery based on greed as always.

I'll still vote for Bush, there is no way I'd vote for a democrat.

[Aquamarine]

Thanks Cal. Mooooooooo :)

[Aquamarine]

Hi Dixie! We'll be here when you get back...at least some of us will. :)

[Aquamarine]

"Dean's record in Vermont is so well hidden, even Hans Blix wouldn't find it. (Not even with both Hans!)" Bwahahahaha.

Makes some laugh and some groan. LOL!

Hi JW!

[Molly Pitcher]

Afternoon, John, Aqua, Billie, everyone!

WOW, John! You really sliced and diced 'em today!! He, he....they deserved every cut:-))

[Aquamarine]

Thanks!

[Aquamarine]

Hi Molly!

Have to go now, y'all hold the fort down.......

[TexasCowboy]

Pip, I was just as mad as anybody over our President's refusal to face this insanity of illegal immigration.
It IS a BIG issue to me, but once again I misjudged our President.
I could see no evidence that he was giving any thought about how to correct the problems; I was wrong.

As I stated on a thread yesterday, a lot of freepers remind me of lemmings.
When one jumps over the cliff the others are bound and determined to follow.

The whole transcript of the President's speech concerning illegal immigration was on a thread yesterday, but I'll bet not one person out of ten who read it did so with an open mind.

One problem that exists now is that most freepers are too young to remember the old Bracero Program, from which the President's program is patterned.
It worked very well, and I've often wondered why it was discontinued.
Employers would request a certain number of illegals to work for a certain period of time.
In my dad's case, he requested 150 to work for a period of three months on the cotton farm in West Texas.
He provided for their welfare and was responsible for them for the duration of their stay.
When their stay was finished, the trucks picked them up and took them back to Mexico.

The only difference I see in the President's program is that he is going to give them a chance to apply for citizenship and become a citizen the hard way, albeit from the back of the line.
I think that is a good addition.

I'm probably one of the few on FR who has switched from being an avid antagonist about illegal immigration to applauding his recent program.
He's getting a lot of flak from his opponents over this program, but I expect more from FReepers.
We have no political agenda except to promote Conservative principles.
I think this program fits our ideals, and I will stand behind the President with this the same way I've stood behind him in his war effort.

Thank you, God, for George W. Bush!

[MeekOneGOP]

Amen !

[MeekOneGOP]

The Texas Dodocrat:

Remap could create an endangered species -
Texas' white Democratic Reps struggle for survival

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you, God, for George W. Bush!

Amen to that !

And thank you, sir, for your post ! I need to read that transcript of his speech.

[LadyX]

Thoughtful analysis, TC...
Yes, when we were youngsters, all immigration was on the condition that each person must have a sponsor.
That person had to assume responsibility for housing and work, and their adjustment to the new way of life here and their burden on all of us.
If unsuited, unhappy, committed crimes or did not stay employed, they could be returned to their homeland. We thus were spared most of today's endless problems with illegal entrants.

In today's lessened morality, there are many persons who for a 'fee' would 'sponsor' workers, pocketing the 'entrance fee' and looking the other way as to where they went or what they did.
It would require an enormous new area of government to oversee and enforce the conduct of such 'bosses,' but still, that is perhaps better than the sieve the borders have become.

One huge segment for concern is the many who come here on visas - many as students - who quietly move into a life here and no one ever follows up to determine where they currently live or if they returned upon expiration of the visa.

One observation I made is for at least two decades, small nonproductive motels all over America have been quietly purchased by foreigners; quite a few of Middle Eastern descent. The motels usually have no restaurant in them, lessening outside traffic that might notice the users of the rooms.
It therefore is possible for 'illegals' to reside there, going out regularly to menial jobs.
Again, not noticed by the clientele of these non-luxury, inexpensive motel rooms looking for a 'cheap' one night stay on their journey.

Oh, yes - could they not house small cells of potential terrorists, patiently waiting for an opportunity and/or a signal from their backers to create havoc with large strikes, or many small ones all over an area???

They easily are thus already in place in virtually every fair-sized city in America....no need to look for them to arrive on airplanes or ships, already all over the United States.

They know most Americans do not even 'see' insignificant them, as we go about work and the pursuit of wealth and gluttony.

America in general is completely asleep at the wheel, unable to see the forest for the trees.....

[Aquamarine]

Something else that all three of us can relate to is the First Responders who are out all night, responding to the DUI wrecks and fights that these illegals get into. There's many a story I could tell about the trouble that's caused by criminals who have no legal right to even be here.
The crime is so bad in Mexico that most have bars on their windows and won't walk the streets alone. It will come to that here one day if we don't start to weed out the criminals through legal immigration.

[nicmarlo]

ty, Aqua....hope you had a good day today.

[TexasCowboy]

For those who might have missed the transcript of the President's speech:

President Bush Proposes New Temporary Worker Program

Bottom line is that someone has to be responsible for these temporary workers.
We can't continue letting them blend into our society with no accountability.

I look on the President's plan as a stop gap measure which had to be done.
It's like the little boy sticking his finger in the dam to stop the flow.
Now we can concentrate on what to do about the water that's already accumulated.