It begins with an ominous photo of men bearing undeniably evil intent. Then the voiceover, couched in a tone that leaves no doubt of the intended gravity: THESE PEOPLE WANT TO KILL US…. By the end of the commercial, John Kerry has been painted as a terrorist’s best friend. What is unconscionable about this is that this collection of lies, innuendo, and unfounded character assassination is passed off as Gospel.
The Bush campaign and their attack dogs act as if the terrorist threat against this country began on 9.11 (in fact, the Bush White House ignored the clues that were available), and that they are the last remaining obstacles between America and complete, unchecked terrorist murder and mayhem. The reality could hardly be farther from the truth, though 9.11 does provide a graphic symbol for Republicans to rally the forces of fear and ignorance.
A careful examination of the historical facts would easily reveal that the terrorist threat against the US did NOT begin with the 9.11 attacks. Just off the top of my head, I can think of the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen, Oklahoma City, the African embassy bombings, and the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Lebanon. There are, of course, numerous other examples available, which even a bare minimum of research would reveal. Why, then, are Republicans acting as if The World As We Knew It came to an end on 9.11.01?
Why? Because they know that it is very possible and surprisingly easy to terrorize Americans into thinking that a vote for John Kerry is a de facto vote for Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda network. The sad reality is that most Americans are sheep, and are easily and willingly led to wherever those who would frighten them the most would lead them. Republicans employ these tactics, however shameless they may be, because THEY WORK. So much for raising the level of political debate. After all, it really is all about winning.
WE DESERVE BETTER.
You're right -- it didn't begin on 9/11,and the Democrat incumbent that Kerry supported did very little to secure the US in his 8 years in office. Yet somehow you folks are outraged that President Bush didn't fix all the problems in 8 months.
Excuse me, Greg, but Bill Clinton did more to stop the spread of terrorism that is generally acknowledged. It's just not politically expedient for Republicans to own up to that reality.
In addition, no reasonable person would expect Bush to fix "all the problems" in 8 months. We should be able to expect him to respond to clues that he was presented with during that period. Stop acting as if Bush is the answer to our prayers, willya?
When I was stationed in Germany in the early 1970's we were evacuated from our barracks on a regular basis because of bomb threats, mainly attributed to Islamic groups.
The Munich Olympics was their biggest attack, but not the only one.
The evidence is rather clear that the current administration had no interest in combatting terorism until September 11th. They had warnings, but did nothing about them.
It is correct to say "...this didn't start on 9.11.01" Plans for that evil attack began years prior, perhaps even before Clinton. So I have trouble with the notion that Clinton's alleged successes against terrorism are understated. But this is beside the point.
9/11 Was very different than the many acts of terrorism that preceded it.
9/11 Changed things. Forever.
9/11 Awoke the sleeping giant, again.
Country full of sheep? I think not.