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?
Thanks for keeping us informed. You watch so we don't have to. Bless you! :)
Couric interrupted with her very dark depiction of the Bush administration: "the sort of unbridled, power, right?"
Gee, mzzzzzzz Perkie. How about the "unbridled power" of nine unelected, jobs for life, Justices? Or the "unbridled power" of Congress, who for 60+ years has been ABUSING the Commerce Clause and passing ILLEGAL laws???
So I guess it's okay for two branches of the gubmint to have "unbridled power", but the Executive, because right now he's a Republican, can't. Is that about it?
Appreciate your sacrifice.
The Stone Age Press lives in a Bubble! We want the TSA to spy on Terrorists.
Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters
Many thanks - for whatever strange reason, it really is my pleasure!
And just in case the MSM's free and relentless campaigning for democrats start making inroads, once the GOP produces commercials showing democrats' outrageous statements & behavior, they'll help republicans win in landslides.
CBS supposedly wants her to be head of their evening news soon. What a joke.
I want to commend you for having a stomach to watch such nonsense on a daily basis. It I had too, I'd be one of the most obnoxious person on the planet.
Don't you think that they look for a guest who is going to put Iran 5 years away from making their own nukes? Of course, this person doesn't want to believe the President is right on much.
Thanks, Texan. Wish I did have the stomach for it. Since beginning these reports I have - seriously - been diagnosed with acid reflux and now pop a daily Prilosec!
"Thanks, Texan. Wish I did have the stomach for it. Since beginning these reports I have - seriously - been diagnosed with acid reflux and now pop a daily Prilosec!"
Perhaps FR can have a fund raiser to help you cover the cost of your Meds.
once the GOP produces commercials showing democrats' outrageous statements & behavior, they'll help republicans win in landslides.Who was the person in the Roosevelt administration in the 30's who came up with the idea that the best way to show the American people how bad the Nazis were was to just show straight clips of their speeches (with English subtitles). They let the Nazis speak for themselves and the American people saw the truth about them. Who was that person? I tried using google, but I can't come up with a good set of words to search on.
Anyway, the same tactic will work here. Just show clips of RAT speeches, with subtitle "translations" which sum up the RAT "message" in a few words (as summarized by us, of course). I know the RNC has already done some of this. They should (and probably will) do more.
Thanks for the list - good to have confirmation of the enemy within. I thought I just saw a 2005 list the other day, but can't find it right now.
she still there? Thought she left.
If the President possessed "unbridled power" Katie and her ilk would be in jail.
Bush didn't brief Katie and her MSM buddies; ergo, unbridled power. That is self evident to them from the talk at the cocktail parties Katie attends.
I can't think of who you are talking about, but I'm hoping the GOP will use the same strategy. It can be done on radio ads as well.
Yeah, that dummy GWB is losing this debate.
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