The first US Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Tom Ridge, admitted that our security may have been politicized. In his book, The Test of Our Time, he wondered if the "terror alert" was being raised for political reasons to sway the 2004 presidential election. He writes "after that episode, I knew I had to follow through with my plans to leave the federal government for the private sector." The implication here is that top White House officials acted not in the best interest of the people of the United States with regards to our national security, but in its own interest.
Watching Ridge's interview on the "Rachel Maddow Show" and "Hardball with Chris Matthews," I was incredibly disheartened. I was so sad. He was so weakened by his backpedaling and maneuvering. I wondered who got to him, probably that sinister sneering one. It is indeed very difficult to say you meant one thing when it is obvious what you meant through your printed words. I can only imagine what was happening in the Bush White House; it seems like we indeed had a rouge VP. Dick Cheney seems to have been running his own presidency. Maybe President Bush was acting wisely in not pardoning the convicted felon, Scooter Libby, Dick Cheney's Chief of Staff and National Security Affairs Assistant.
To think that Ridge, who had such power and influence over our security after 911, could be pressured to raise the "terror alert" for political reasons is alarming. It also reminds us about the seemingly unjust reasons that going to war with Iraq was necessary from the start. Politicizing the presidency was said about Ronald Reagan and the Iranian hostage crisis. Was there a book released from a top White House administration official implementing the president then? I was too young to remember. Think about it: Here we have the Homeland Security Secretary emphatically suggesting that top White House officials used the safety of Americans for political advantage. What does that say to other nations?
From WMDs to torture to politicizing the presidency with the security of Americans, it's amazing what seems to have occurred during George Bush's administration. I think there needs to be a full investigation and prosecutions if necessary from the top down. I had been reluctant to say this because of national security reasons. But who is above the law? Dick Cheney's recent appearances have also been so alarming. In an interview with Chris Wallace last Sunday Cheney essentially said that it is okay to break the law as long as the end justifies the means. Do you think that would work in a court of law for you or me?
6 comments:
Are Americans considered puppets to be toyed with by political interests? As an American, mother and human being, I'm appalled at the notion that any of our leaders would sanction raising terror alerts to advance a political agenda. Judith, an investigation is a good idea. This politicizing our sense of security is deplorable.
There simply should not be any surprise about Ridge's remarks in print and his squeamish backing up. I'm surprised he hasn't apologized for something. After 911 the first thing we got was a commission on how it hppened not one on why it happened. Then we got the Patriots Act which was designed to protect the government from patriots. Iraq followed with its shock and awe, faulty reporting, lies about weapons of mass destruction, the end of hostilities years before thousands more were killed, the economy is improving Bush said in the face of regression, It was a great big game being played with us as the pieces. People have been asking for investigations and trials for many years now. The Bush, Chaney, Rove team should not get away with it, but they will. The gullability of the American people, sheeple as someone calls them, will let them. We don't need to fear what other nations think of us. Our reputation is in the basement. This latest disgraceful behavior about health care assures it.
Kelly - Someone that I respect emailed me today and said that he did not think that an investigation would be helpful. I disagree. But I am always open and will hear just about anyone out. This particular person is honorable indeed. We still might disagree on this. We'll see.
DB - It would be incredibly difficult to disagree with much of what you have said here. Thank you for such clear words. The "sheeple" desciption made me laugh. Perhaps, I should have cried.
Judith, the term "sheeple" comes from one of our blogspotters. I don't remember off hand who she is. But when I come across it again I'll let you know so that the proper credit is given.
DB
I like it, DB.
Post a Comment