Saddam Wanted To Build WMDs (and would have done it if not for George W. Bush)

Interrogator: Invasion Surprised Saddam, Tells 60 Minutes Former Dictator Bragged About Eluding Capture - CBS News

He also intended and had the wherewithal to restart the weapons program. "Saddam still had the engineers. The folks that he needed to reconstitute his program are still there," says Piro. "He wanted to pursue all of WMD... to reconstitute his entire WMD program." This included chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, Piro says.

Saddam Hussein once used chemical weapons. He was clearly ready to build them again. Getting Saddam out was the right thing to do.

Bin Laden In Pakistan

Tip to Drudge

From ABC New Blotter:

In the most definitive statement in years, America's top intelligence official said Tuesday Osama bin laden is in Pakistan actively re-establishing al Qaeda training camps.

In order for us to truly fight the Global War on Terror it seems we need to not wait for Pakistan to get bin Laden. Why aren't we leading the charge in getting these terrorists who killed 3000 Americans?

CNN - Top bin Laden Associate Killed

U.S.: Top bin Laden associate killed - CNN.com

A top Taliban military commander described as a close associate of Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar was killed in an airstrike this week close to the border with Pakistan, the U.S. military said Saturday.

This is some good news if true.

FAQ - The Shiites and the Sunnis

FAQ - The Shiites and the Sunnis

Please check out the above link for an article by Dean Barnett. Very enlightening.

Dutch Burqa Ban

BREITBART.COM - Dutch Muslims hit out at proposed burqa ban

Rita Verdonk, minister of immigration and integration, said the bill proposed a ban on the basis that covering the face constituted a risk to public order and safety.

The ban would be imposed in public and "semi-public" places such as schools, courts, ministries and trains, her spokesman Martin Bruinsma told AFP.

So why isn't the United States doing the same thing? This is a security issue. Want to drive? Take it off. Want to get on a plane? Take it off. There needs to be a line drawn on tolerance and this seems like a good line.

One time my family was in a cingular store and a lady (I think it was) can in with all back with only her eyes showing. It was freaky and my wife and I had quite a discussion about this. What if this lady wanted to pay with a credit card? The merchant has a duty to check IDs and compare with the actual face.

This is also an assimilation issue. America has certain traditions and cultural distinctions that are American. We should not have to change us and jeapordize security for this radical view of Islam. There are other countries where this is welcome and normal. If I go to one of those countries then I would honor their culture and tradtions.

York on Clinton's Excuses

Byron York on Bill Clinton & Terrorism on National Review Online

Just take a look.

Bill Clinton Unhinged

I'm watching the intervew with former President Clinton on FOX and am amazed that this man was our president. He's so flippin' insecure and defensive. It's strange watching this guy keep blaming "right-wingers" for everything and worships at the alter of Richard Clarke.

It's Still All About Bill

My Way News

Former President Bill Clinton, angrily defending his efforts to capture Osama bin Laden, accused the Bush administration of doing far less to stop the al Qaeda leader before the September 11 attacks.

It's so sad to see former President Clinton act like this. He's clearly in need of attention. History is clear that Clinton was very distracted with the whole Lewinsky scandal and even when he took action he never took the action needed to get UBL. He can say all he wants but he does not have history on his side. At the end of his presidency he was so concerned about his legacy, especially with Israel and the Palestinians. When he left office he was focused on pardons, gift registries and drawing attention to himself, especially on inauguration day.

Bill needs to go back to raising money to fight AIDS, extreme poverty and helping to make the environment better. I just don't think that keeps Bill happy though. History will look back at him as a very irrelevant and unimportant presidents ever. He was smart enough to go along with the Republican majorities and claim things they started as his.

9/11 - 5 Years Later

I can't believe it's been five years since the world changed. For a while, most Americans agreed we had a common enemy. After a few months things began to change. Many of our allies soon forgot and later more Americans forgot. What 9/11 did for me was crystalize that there really is a group of Islamic Fascists that will do what they can to kill people that don't follow their beliefs. As a country, we are forgetting that lesson. The duty of the leadership of America is to do all it can to stop terrorism. Just think of what our world will look like if the Islamic Fascists have their way.

What lessons have we collectively learned from 9/11? I don't see much. It just seems so many people have foregotten what happened and why.

Britain - What Were You Thinking?

WP: Muslim rage takes root in Britain - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

Especially during the 1980s and 1990s, Britain became the refuge of choice for scores of Islamic radicals who had been expelled or exiled from their home countries for their inflammatory sermons and speeches.

There's a difference between tolerance and stupidity. Our allies have been stupid in letting these folks into their country. What did they think? That these extremists would change their ways?

Poor Little Gitmo Detainees

Sh*t Hits The Man At Gitmo - August 2, 2006

Where's the mainstream press on this one? These folks are animals yet some folks have decided to make these people into persecuted heroes. The Gitmo detainees are the worst of the worst and would gladly love to kill and and all of us.

Karzai - Ungrateful

Afghan president urges change in war on terror - South and Central Asia - MSNBC.com

"It is not acceptable for us that in all this fighting, Afghans are dying. In the last three to four weeks, 500 to 600 Afghans were killed. (Even) if they are Taliban, they are sons of this land," he said.

Karzai is just flippin' wrong. He says "that we must engage strategically in disarming terrorism by stopping their sources of supply of money, training, equipment and motivation". He just doesn't get it. Those are just tools that bad people are using. The bad people need to be stopped! These types of ungratefulness just tick me off and have got to tick off those soldiers and families that have given so much to fight terrorism.

ABC News Reporting Zarqawi Has Been Killed

I just flipped on Nightline and instead there is a special report that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq was killed in a bombing. This is great news in the Global War on Terror. I pray for the peace of Iraq and this give Iraq more hope for peace. Great job, US military!

MSNBC - Gitmo Prisoners Reportedly Ambush Guards

U.S.: Gitmo guards tricked with 'suicide' - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com

Prisoners wielding improvised weapons attacked military guards trying to save a detainee pretending to commit suicide at the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the base commander said Friday.

This is not a place that the US should be closing at all. The prisoners being held here are people that, if released, would go back to Iraq or Afghanistan or America. These are people that are terrorists who aren't just on a side in combat. They are ones who will continue to terrorize until they die.

Security in DC a Bit Overdone

One of the things you notice the most about DC is security. Every flippin' building has metal detectors and X-ray machines. It seems the terrorists have suceeded as some level. There are hardly any trash cans! The terrorists want big and significant targets. We should guard the major ones but some things are a bit overdone. I'm not sure the Postal Service museum warrants armed guards, metal detectors and X-ray machines.

Do We Want A War With Islam?

Hugh Hewitt: February 05, 2006 - February 11, 2006 Archives

Hugh Hewitt asks the following questions: "Are we at war with Islam? Do you want a war with Islam?"

Of course we don't, at least we shouldn't. As I've stated earlier these cartoons are morally wrong although the author has a right to have them published (if anyone wants to publish them) and nobody should fear for their safety because of any association with the cartoons. How should Christians behave with this? Is it a good thing for Christians to publicly mock another faith? How does that help our ultimate mission, to spead the love of Jesus?

We are at war with terrorism not Islam. Just because the terrorists are Islamic does not mean we go after all Islam. The people who are burning down buildings over this cartoon are terrorists and we will need to deal with them eventually.

UPDATE: I want to clarify my last sentence in this post. The people who are burning down buildings are acting like terrorists. If they continue down this path and eventually go further in committing terrorist acts then we will eventually be forced to deal with them.

Technorati Tags: jyllands-posten mohammed

Exellent Timeline of Cartoon Controversy

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > World -- Protesters torch Danish mission in Beirut as violence escalates over caricatures of prophet Muhammad - This article from the local fishwrap has a good timeline of the cartoon controversy.

Technorati Tags: jyllands-posten mohammed

Not Helping Their Cause At All

CNN.com - Danish consulate in Beirut ablaze - Feb 5, 2006 - Although I'm not a big fan of the cartoons these people have chosen terrorism to make their case. Bad Choice! This type of behavior indicates to me that these same people would love to take up even harsher actions. Now is not the time to back down from the Global War on Terror (GWoT).

Technorati Tags: jyllands-posten mohammed

They Take Away Dignity

As we see Jill Carroll plead for her life it reminds me of what we are up against. The terrorists have such little regard for human life and the dignity it deserves. It's pretty clear to me that they will kill this young lady and the last memories people will have of her will be this video. As I try and digest this whole thing it needs to be remembered that there are bad guys out there and this is what they are all about. They have ZERO regard for life and would relish the opportunity to kill us all if we don't conform to their views. As a nation I hope we don't lose heart.

James K. Glassman - The Dog That Has Not Barked

Hat tip to Real Clear Politics

TCS Daily - The Dog That Has Not Barked

As I write, 1,576 days have passed since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and still there has been no subsequent terrorist assault on American soil.

Please read the rest. The last paragraph is gold.

The terrorists’ lack of success is the result of a response that has been aggressive and single-minded -- at home, in Iraq and in places we know little about. The policy is working. It has kept us safe. We tamper with it at our own extreme peril.

NRO - September 10 America

The Editors on National Security Agency & Surveillance on National Review Online

We are once again living in September 10 America. The signs are all around us: Congress's acting to neuter interrogations of terrorist detainees; the Senate's filibustering the reauthorization of the most important piece of counterterrorism legislation since 9/11, the Patriot Act (Sen. John Sununu, who supports the filibuster, responds to our Friday editorial here); and now the controversy over National Security Agency intercepts of conversations between persons in the United States and suspected al Qaeda operatives overseas.

This is an editorial worth reading as much of America forgets 9/11. How quickly we forget!

Bush Acts While Others Play Politics

Bush acknowledges secret order for domestic spying - Yahoo! News

"In the weeks following the terrorist attacks on our nation, I authorized the National Security Agency, consistent with U.S. law and the Constitution, to intercept the international communications of people with known links to al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations," he said.

"This is a highly classified program that is crucial to our national security," Bush said.

While many politicians try to get a political upper hand, President Bush does all he can, legally, to fight terrorism. It seems there are only a few in Washington who really remember 9/11. Of course, if it happens again they'll all get on the Capital steps to sing "God Bless America" again. Now is not the time to go soft on terrorism but it seems we are heading down that path. Dang it! Renew the flippin' Patriot Act now and get down to business of stopping terrorism.

Terrorist Letters

TenNapel.com - Home of Doug TenNapel - Terrorist Letter Reports What Mainstream Media Will Not...

Just go read Doug's entry.

MSNBC - Al-Zarqawi #2 Killed

U.S.: Al-Zarqawi No. 2 killed in Baghdad - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com

The second-in-command of Al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Azzam, was shot and killed by U.S.-led forces in Baghdad on Sunday, the U.S. military confirmed on Tuesday.

Good deal!

North Korea - When A Deal Is Not A Deal

N. Korea adds condition to end nuke programs - Asia-Pacific - MSNBC.com

North Korea said Tuesday it would not dismantle its nuclear weapons program until the United States first provides an atomic energy reactor, casting doubt on its commitment to a breakthrough agreement reached at international arms talks.

Anyone surprised? Any deal with these thugs has to be extremely verifiable or else we'll get taken for a ride just like 1994. We should have two goals for NK; make sure they don't build nuke weapons and open up things a bit so the massive starvation can be addressed by our charitable organizations.

September 11, Four Years Out

As a country, I hope we haven't forgotten 9/11. I know we have the effects of Katrina to deal with now ("Nothing Is Sound") but when there are millions of people out there who want to destroy America we need to keep up the War on Terror. We can never forget what happened and never marginalize it either. Innocent people were just going to work and 3000 were murdered. This could happen again so we must remain on the alert.

As I ponder 9/11 I still go straight to the Alan Jackson song Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning):

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Lyrics from azlyrics

One Guy Gets It - Tony Blair

We need to listen to what Tony Blair is trying to do to get rid of terrorists in his country. Tony understands that life is more precious than political correctness.

London Man Shot Dead Not Connected To Bombings

CNN and MSNBC (no links yet) are reporting that the guy shot the other day in the subway was not connected to the bombings. I know the first reaction will be that this is horrible. Well, the idiot should have not been running away from the cops. Here they are, all wound up in dealing with these terrorists, and some flippin' moron decides to cause a problem. I would encourage the Londoners to not back down but to keep up their strong work. The reaction will be a bunch of false outrage but they need to keep going. It seems the terrorists are making a push to make a dent in the efforts to bring us down. Now is not the time to back down.

Colson on Reform in Islam

BreakPoint | The Trouble with Islam

Which brings me back to Saudi Arabia. In her book, Manji asks a question that infuriates mainstream Muslim groups: "Who is the real colonizer of Muslims-”America or Arabia?" According to Manji, many of mainstream Islam's worst features, like its treatment of women and its "deep-seated anti-Semitism," are the product of "Arab Imperialism."

I think it's a good sign that Muslims are self-examining Islam. They are the ones that can make the changes that are needed. I don't trust anyone who is "anti-semitic" just like I don't trust anyone who's anti-Black or anti-Asian.

I Don't See A Problem Here

British Muslim says he was denied entry to U.S. - Attacks on London - MSNBC.com

In September, Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, was ejected from the United States without explanation. Islam's flight from London was forced to make an emergency landing in Maine when U.S. authorities discovered he was aboard.

Oh how are memories are short! Cat Stevens called for the death of Salmon Rushdie back in the day. We should keep those types of folks out.

To the main part of the article, THERE WAS A FLIPPIN' BOMBING IN LONDON BY ENGLISH MUSLIM EXTREMISTS! We should be careful. Until we hear these clerics totally denouncing terrorism, including against Israel, then they are falling short and they shouldn't be allowed into our country. Would we allow a blantant anti-Black person into our country? Same deal, folks.

Flying the Union Jack

Michelle Malkin: THE 7/7 ATTACKS: UNITY - Why we fly the Union Jack today.

Terrorist Attack in London

Tip to Drudge.

Four Blasts Hit London, Killing at Least 2

Three explosions rocked the London subway and one tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday. The blasts killed at least two people and reportedly injured more than 90 in what a shaken Prime Minister Tony Blair called a series of "barbaric" terrorist attacks.

CNN is reporting that these numbers will go up. The cowards have struck again and it is a stark reminder of the type of people we are dealing with. They (still don't really know who it is) will target CIVILIANS in their way to or from work and are the worst of the worst. Unbelievable.

UPDATE: Instapundit and Michelle Malkin (and here and here) are all over this story.

UPDATE 2: Who did it?

Keep Gitmo Open

Cheney insists Guantanamo to stay open - Terrorism & Security - MSNBC.com - I'm hoping that Gitmo does stay open. Oh, how we forget history. So many have just let 9/11/01 slip from their mind and would rather believe the absolute worst about our military. I just saw a clip of Chuck Hagel wanting to close it and am not surprised. That guy just wants the MSM to love him. Where is the primary contender to run against him?

I do want the prisoners treated with respect but interrogations need to continue.

3/11 - One Year Since

Michelle Malkin: MADRID'S 3/11 ANNIVERSARY - I can't believe this had slipped my mind but we can never forget that 191 were murdered and more than 1,500 wounded (per MSNBC). Regretfully, this was a big win for the terrorists as the election was affected and Spain pulled out of the Iraq War.

One Huge Reason To Protect Our Borders

The New York Times > International > Americas > U.S. Aides Cite Worry on Qaeda Infiltration From Mexico

Intelligence that "strongly suggests" that Al Qaeda operatives have considered using the Mexican border as an entry point was cited in written testimony by Adm. James M. Loy, the deputy secretary of homeland security. But he wrote that there was "currently no conclusive evidence" that this had succeeded.

I am all about making sure that people from Mexico who want to work in the US get a chance to do that work. I will not, though, say that their right to work overwhelms our need to protect our borders from terrorists. In terms of immigration policy I believe that protecting the US from terrorists has to be the driving force in any future changes. Isn't this just a big duh?

KMC on EasonGate Jordan, Ward Churchill, and Ayman al Zawahiri

Crosswalk.com - Kevin McCullough's Weblog - EasonGate Jordan, Ward Churchill, and Ayman al Zawahiri

I've not been following the Eason Jordan and Ward Churchill stories much because I just don't want to even deal too much with these jerks. Kevin McCullough is someone following the stories and compares these idiots' statements to the #2 man in al Qaeda. There comes a point when some people are actually choosing the wrong side and even embracing it. Very sad that these 2 folks have any influence at all.

Scary - Christians on PalTalk Chat Service Tracked by Radical Islamic Web Site

The Counterterrorism Blog: Christians on PalTalk Chat Service Tracked by Radical Islamic Web Site

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross has a new and important article about how some Christians who debate Muslims on the PalTalk chat service are being tracked. This is horrible. I hate to scare folks but I don't even like to think of where this can go.

Air Marshal Dress Code - What Are The Priorities

Michelle Malkin: AIR RAGE

From a memo titled "Office Policy - Appropriate Dress and Equipment":

In addition to ADM 3702, male dress attire will consist of at a minimum, an appropriate sport coat (conservative in nature/style, color and fabric) that is readily available and worn by the FAM while on mission and in travel status...It is not acceptable to carry a sport coat in the FAMs travel bag. Appropriate dress also may include collared sport or Polo type shirts or banded type necks (turtle or crew neck).

You just hope this is an Internet myth but you just know it's not. Either they are undercover (as they should be) or not. If they are going to broadcast their existance then just put them in an intimidating uniform with their sidearm showing. Read Michelle's full entry for the real scoop.

Negotiate With Al-Qaeda?

FrontPage magazine.com :: Osama's Big Lie by Daveed Gartenstein-Ross

Mr. Gartenstein-Ross digs deep into how Al-Qaeda is trying to deceive the West into negotiations. I'm still working through the article myself.

Margaret Hassan Murdered

MSNBC - Kidnapped aid worker in Iraq believed dead

These kidnappings and subsequence brutal murders show the true colors of our enemy. They make these poor people beg for their lives (stripping them of their diginity and humanity) then brutally killing them. If I weren't a Christian, when we captured these killers we'd smother them with pigs blood and a dead pig's carcus. Then make them choke on pig entrails.

Fortunately, we have a higher standard of humanity for them. Even those terrorists should be treated humanely.

UPDATE: A better picture to remember Mrs. Hassan with.

Arafat Dead

One terrorist down, many to go.

One of the forerunners of terrorism, Arafat tried to make himself respectable. Unfortunately, many world leaders embrassed him. What we never got were any apologies or true renunciations of terrorism from Arafat. He'd say one thing in English to one audience then have another message for his PLO terrorist commrades in Arabic.

UPDATE: See PowerLine's appendix to Arafat's obit.

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross - Jihadi Rap

FrontPage magazine.com :: Jihadi Rap by Daveed Gartenstein-Ross

Just some real nasty stuff about another way to create more anti-Americanism and terrorism. Be careful what is coming into your house and also keep track of who's puting this junk out.

Tommy Franks - War of Words

Tip to Real Clear Politics.

The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Contributor: War of Words

Many hurdles remain, of course. But the gravest danger would result from the withdrawal of American troops before we finish our work. Today we are asking our servicemen and women to do more, in more places, than we have in decades. They deserve honest, consistent, no-spin leadership that respects them, their families and their sacrifices. The war against terrorism is the right war at the right time for the right reasons. And Iraq is one of the places that war must be fought and won. George W. Bush has his eye on that ball and Senator John Kerry does not.

General Franks gives some history on the war on terror including the Tora Bora myth.

Perspective on 9/11

As some may have noticed I didn't make a big entry about 9/11 on the 3rd anniversary of this horrible attack. In all honestry, 9/11 is one of the main themes of this blog and it's something I think about every day and write about terrorism and the current war on terror frequently. This election, for me, is focused on one issue, defeating Islamic terrorism. It is almost silly to me to remember just one day when it is still so fresh in my mind. Maybe in 20 years it will have drifted further away but it's something at the forefront right now and has been that way for 3 years and 2 days.

An interesting stat from my pastor; the weekend after 9/11/01 saw 1000 extra people attend services that weekend. That number has quickly dwindled back to "normal". I guess many people have forgotten what 9/11 was and that they are just mortals. None of us are guaranteed a tomorrow yet we act like we will live forever.

Sorry for the rambling but it is early.

This Can't Be Good

Courtesy of Stones Cry Out

Yahoo! News - Blast, Mushroom Cloud Reported in N. Korea

Remembering the Attack

Tip to The Corner.

America Attacked 9 1 1

Ralph Peters - WHEN THE KILLERS COME FOR THE KIDS

Tip to PowerLineBlog

New York Post Online Edition: WHEN THE KILLERS COME FOR THE KIDS

Or a nearly universal one. Those Muslims who preach Jihad against the West decided years ago that killing Jewish or Christian children is not only acceptable, but pleasing to their god when done by "martyrs."
It isn't politically correct to say this, of course. We're supposed to pretend that Islam is a "religion of peace." All right, then: It's time for Muslims to stand up for the once-noble, nearly lost traditions of their faith and condemn what Arab and Chechen terrorists and blasphemers did in the Russian town of Beslan.
If Muslim religious leaders around the world will not publicly condemn the taking of children as hostages and their subsequent slaughter -- if those "men of faith" will not issue a condemnation without reservations or caveats -- then no one need pretend any longer that all religions are equally sound and moral.

Now is not the time to let up in the war against Islamic terrorists. They violate any and all civilized practices. If they don't get their way they kill innocents, pure and simple.

Shelby Leaks

Courtesty of Drudge.

Investigators Concluded Shelby Leaked Message (washingtonpost.com)

Specifically, Fox News chief political correspondent Carl Cameron confirmed to FBI investigators that Shelby verbally divulged the information to him during a June 19, 2002, interview, minutes after Shelby's committee had been given the information in a classified briefing, according to the sources, who declined to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the case.

Good for Carl Cameron for blowing the whistle on Shelby. If Shelby screwed up on accident then he needs some retraining on dealing with classified information. If he intentionally leaked then he needs to not be given classified information (see Sen. Leahy) and should leave the Senate. This is serious business folks. It can seriously compromise sources or let the bad guys know we might be on to them.

Cameron did not air the material. Moments after Shelby spoke with Cameron, he met with CNN reporter Dana Bash, and about half an hour after that, CNN broadcast the material, the sources said. CNN cited "two congressional sources" in its report.

Shame on CNN for airing the information if they knew it was classified. If not, then they should be a bit more careful. Again, this is important.

FoxNews - Kerry Says Intel Reforms 'Long Overdue'

FOXNews.com - You Decide 2004 - Kerry Says Intel Reforms 'Long Overdue'

I saw a bit of Kerry's speech. He also said that he's been advocating change for a long time (I thought now was the time for non-partisanship). His proposed changes were to just cut over a billion dollars for the CIA. Give me a break. John Kerry hasn't done a darn thing in his Senate career to enhance our defense or security. Most of his votes have been against weapons systems and growing our capabilities. The 60's view does not work in a post-9/11 world.

I Believe the Jacobsens, Also

Michelle Malkin: I BELIEVE THE JACOBSENS

I watched the whole Scarborough show also. Either this is a fraud by the Jacobsens worthy of prosecution or they are to be believed. One of my theories was that this was a jerk-around by the Syrians. I think all these dry runs are a distraction from something else. Between the political conventions and the Olympics I'm very cautious. It's time to throw political correctness out the door. I racial profile when I fly and anyone who doesn't needs to remember 9/11. Heck, I even profiled Darrell Issa before I recognized him on a flight.

If I am on a plane and someone tries something they will not suceed. America, it's time to step up and remember 9/11. Let's get ready.

MSNBC - 9/11 Panel Seeks Major Changes

MSNBC - 9/11 panel seeks major changes

What I really get out of this article is that government cannot fix all of our problems. It is as messed up and disorganized as our worst corporations. The amount of waste and lack of accountability is attrocious. Just the fact that it is almost impossible to fire many government employees because of union protections just hurts. You end up with really good people having to spend too much time helping to bring up the rear. There are situations where some people just aren't capable of performing a job and there needs to be a way to move them out. This happens in corporations and needs to happen in government.

Another common problem is the building up of empires. This happens in the real work force and in the government. The problem with the government empires is they start out as something good but are virtually impossible to remove. When one's empire is threatened they sometimes don't look towards the greater good but only towards the preservation of the empire.

Let's hope for all of our sakes that our intelligence operations can be shaken out so they can truly be effective. Again, lots of great people but the system is just broke.

Wow, Good Thing We Have The 9/11 Commission

Yahoo! News - 9/11 Panel: Al Qaeda to Keep Trying to Attack U.S.

Al Qaeda has changed drastically since the Sept. 11 attacks but it will keep trying to strike in the United States to inflict mass casualties, the panel investigating the 2001 hijackings said on Wednesday.

I hope this commission will get us more information than the obvious. Next thing they'll tell us that Al Qaeda hates Jews.

Let's Get This Straight, Once and for All

FOXNews.com - U.S. & World - Saudi Kidnappers Threaten to Kill Hostage

This is our enemy. They use absolute terror to try and force their beliefs on the rest of the world. This isn't some legal matter or criminal matter. If they have their way they would kill most of us on site. What if they had a nuke?

Folks, let's get serious about getting these bad guys. The focus on things like prisoner abuse is important but some proper context needs to be applied. Flying commanders from their posts in the Middle East to keep answering the same questions seems to have slowed down for now but I expect it to pick up at the next political opportunity.

I have a growing concern about Saudi Arabia. Are they going to ask us to help? If not, can they defend themselves? If there is an overthrow we've got to be ready to secure the oil or there will be a major world economic impact.

Newsmax - Woolsey: CIA Not the Main Problem

NewsMax.com: Woolsey: CIA Not the Main Problem

"The country was asleep," he concluded.

I agree, still glad Tenet is leaving.

Don't Let The Door Hit You In The Butt

OpinionJournal - Featured Article

We can think of several better choices, from former CIA Director (under Bill Clinton) and sometime Agency critic Jim Woolsey, to California Congressman Chris Cox (who led the China nuclear probe of the late 1990s), to Rudy Giuliani. The point is to appoint someone who won't be co-opted by the Agency's culture of caution and self-preservation.

Rudy!

Be On The Lookout

FOXNews.com - Top Stories - Feds: Al Qaeda Plans to 'Hit the U.S. Hard'

Hugh Recommends

Hugh Hewitt wants us to spread the word.

Victor Davis Hanson on Rumsfeld and Iraq on National Review Online

What If We Have Bin Laden?

So let's say we get UBL in custody. We know he'd have direct knowledge of future terrorist actions; ones that could kill thousands of civilians. What do we allow the interrogators do? Do we allow them to put UBL in a dress and take pictures of him? Do we surround him with dead pigs? Do we strip him and have a woman soldier give him a "thumbs up"? Do we threaten to post those pictures on the internet for the whole world to see? What do we do to get that information?

Just asking.

Let's Remember What We Are Fighting Against

Yahoo! News - Video Seems to Show Beheading of American

Is this what Teddy/Manslaughter Kennedy thinks we are doing to Iraqis? Let's get back to the common enemy folks. These terrorists would gladly cut your head off also.

Time for Another Regime Change?

NewsMax.com: Gadhafi Threatens to Bomb 'Evil' West

This guy is unstable and dangerous.

Losing a Better Man

ESPN.com - NFL - Ex-NFL player Tillman killed in Afghanistan

In May of 2002, Pat announced his intentions to join the Army, turning down a $3.6 million contract offer in the process.

How many of us would turn down an amazing amount of money for a cause we believed in. Pat Tillman was truly a man who is worthy of being called a hero.

This Just Looks Bad

CNN.com - White House, Saudis: No election deal on oil - Apr 19, 2004

President Bush needs (needed?) to lower his ties with Saudi Arabia. Of course John Kerry will distort what may have happened with the Saudis but something that cannot be foregotten is that 15 of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia. Clean it up George.

Why Isn't This Story Being Reported by the Big News Orgs?

NewsMax.com: Inside King Abdullah: Al-Qaida WMDs Came From Syria

This should be a huge story. Where's Fox, CNN, NBC, ABC or CBS?

UPDATE: At least PowerLine is blogging on this topic.

Patriot Act in Action

Two who didn't get away - The Washington Times: Commentary

Justice Department officials both in D.C. and San Diego say the Patriot Act provision that allows information that has been gathered in intelligence investigations to be shared with criminal investigators was particularly helpful here.

Candidates arguing against the Patriot Act (which many of them voted for) really need to remember what happened on 9/11. There may be some flaws to the act but treating it like it's something horrible is very wrong-headed.

Get Her Out

The American Spectator - Gorelick Licked

Integrity of the 9/11 commission has been greatly compromised by Gorelick. Also note the idiotic question from Ben-Veniste to Ashcroft. Quite listening to Michael Moore, Mr. Ben-Veniste.

Zuckerman on 9/11 Hindsight

Courtesy of RealClearPolitics.

Mortimer B. Zuckerman: The high cost of hindsight (4/19/04)

An honest question to ask would be if Clinton or Gore were president would 9/11 have been prevented? No one knows but I'd bet the results would have been the same. I do think our response to terrorism would have been different.

Podhoretz - The Truth Hurts

Tip to RealClearPolitics.

New York Post Online Edition: The Truth Hurts

Great highlights of how Bob Kerry and Richard Ben-Veniste turned the hearings into a partisan mess. Way to put party before country, again.

Richard Ben-Veniste - 9/11 Commish Member and Partisan Hack

Power Line: Live-Blogging Rice's Testimony

Richard Ben-Veniste is the type of person that makes this 9/11 commission a big joke. Too bad he didn't go after Richard Clarke like that. Follow the link above on continued blogging of today's hearings.

UPDATE: PowerLine seems to be quite disappointed that Rice is not going after Clarke and the Clinton Administration. I'm actually kind of glad she took the high road while Clarke too the low road. It truly shows what type of people they are and the administrations they defended. The Bush Administration has so much on the Clinton Administration but what does it profit anyone to go hard after them. This is a different tone from Clinton. Again, it shows what type of people they are.

PowerLine - It's a Joke, But We're Not Laughing

Power Line: It's a Joke, But We're Not Laughing

Zakaria - The Best Way to Beat Terror

MSNBC - The Best Ways To Beat Terror

Not sure if I agree with everything but good points are made.

Miniter - Against Selected Enemies

Courtesy of RealClearPolitics.

Opinion Journal - Against Selected Enemies.

Richard Miniter tells of his great disappointment in Richard Clarke's book. He'd interviewed Clarke many times and thought the new book would be a great look at the failures to stop 9/11. Instead it just a Bush bashing book.

Hitchens - Guess who used to believe in the Iraq/al-Qaida connection?

Tip to RealClearPolitics.

Clarke's Progress - Guess who used to believe in the Iraq/al-Qaida connection? By Christopher Hitchens

Just Do It, Condi

Sept. 11 Panel to Press Rice to Testify Publicly

This is one that the Bush Administration cannot win. With the mainstream press pushing that she should testify, she might as well. The executive privilege argument is legit but won't work in this environment.

Newsmax - House Intel Chair: Clarke is 'Lying'

NewsMax.com: Inside Cover Story

Clarke’s testimony to our committee is 180 degrees out of line with what he is saying in his book," Rep. Porter Goss, R-Fla., told Roll Call yesterday. "He’s either lying in his book or he lied to our committee. It’s one or the other."

and

"If he was lying to a congressional committee, he's got a big problem here," Goss warned.

Krauthhammer on Clarke

Tip from Real Clear Politics.

Sept. 11, Lies and 'Mistakes' (washingtonpost.com)

Clinton had one justification after another for going on the offensive: American blood spilled in the 1993 World Trade Center attack, the embassy bombings of 1998, the undeniable act of war in the attack on the USS Cole in 2000. Response: A single, transparently useless, cruise missile attack on empty Afghan tents, plus a (mistaken!) attack on a Sudanese pharmaceutical factory.

Here's more:

Second, he becomes not just a perjurer but a partisan perjurer. He savages Bush for not having made al Qaeda his top national security priority, but he refuses even to call a "mistake" Clinton's staggering dereliction in putting Yasser Arafat and Yugoslavia(!) above fighting al Qaeda.

And this:

Clinton was in office eight years, not eight months. As Clarke himself said in a 2002 National Security Council briefing, the Clinton administration never made a plan for dealing with al Qaeda and never left one behind for the Bush administration.

And this:

Clarke is clearly an angry man, angry that Condoleezza Rice demoted him, angry that he was denied a coveted bureaucratic job by the Bush administration. Angry and unreliable. He told the commission to disregard what he said in his 2002 briefing because he was, in effect, spinning. "I've done it for several presidents," he said. He's still at it, spinning now for himself.

And this:

Look. George W. Bush did not distinguish himself on terrorism in the first eight months of his presidency. Whatever his failings, however, they pale in comparison to those of his predecessor.

Clinton was in office eight years, not eight months. As Clarke himself said in a 2002 National Security Council briefing, the Clinton administration never made a plan for dealing with al Qaeda and never left one behind for the Bush administration.

Iraq/al Qaeda Connection

Courtesy Real Clear Politics.

usnews.com: Opinion: Michael Barone: Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence (3/24/04)

Exactly! In a post-9/11 world we can't just brush aside evidence because it doesn't fit our politics. We must keep after the terrorists and follow the evidence wherever it may lead.

More on Clarke from Rep. Shays

Thanks to Power Line Blog.

Maybe 30 years in the government is just too long. This guy seems to have just been a beaurocrat who is all talk but has never done anything of any significance.

Lowery Rips Clarke a New One

Courtesy of Real Clear Politics.

New York Post Online Edition: CLARKE'S COLLAPSE

Absolutely devastating to the reputation of Clarke. This guy is the worst kind of opportunist. If he felt things were so bad in 2002 why didn't he resign and tell the public. Why wait until now?

The Urgency of Richard Clarke

If the Bush Administration was doing such a bad job on terrorism when Clarke quit, why did he wait to get his book finished and published? He should have resigned in disgust and IMMEDIATELY been shouting from the mountain tops. I'm also tired of the networks saying Clarke was Bush's terrorism expert.

Where Is Condi?

Why isn't Condi Rice being allowed to testify by the Bush Administration? This is dumb and bad "strategery".

A Win for Terror

David Frum's Diary on National Review Online

I can't say it any better, nor will I try.

Cutting and Running

FOXNews.com - Top Stories - New Spanish Leader Vows Iraq Pullout

Again, not good.

Socialists Win in Spain

CNN.com - Spain: Poll triumph for Socialists - Mar 15, 2004

Not good in the war on terror.

Terrorism Perspective from the UK

Adrian Warnock provides some UK persective on the latest terrorist attack. Check out the effect of terrorism on a nation and some of the terrorism fatigue out there.

A Horrible Reminder - We Are Still At War

Yahoo! News - Spain Mourns 'Our September 11,' Qaeda Link Probed

As I begin absorbing what has happened in Spain I keep going back to the thought "we are still at war". What kind of people target civilians like what happened on 3/11/04 and 9/11/01? These are brutal killers that must be continued to be hunted. A lot of progress has been made in the fight but it still continues.

As someone said on Hugh Hewitt's show "we are all Spaniards".

One More Bad Guy Gone

SignOnSanDiego.com > In Iraq -- Hijacker of Italian ship in 1985 dead in U.S. custody in Iraq

In memory of Leon Klinghoffer.

Spirit of America Website

I like what these folks are doing to fight terrorism.

Spirit of America

Saddam - Is America Safer

In response to the capture of Saddam the typical anti-war reponse is "but we just went to terror threat level Orange, we're not any safer since the capture of Saddam".

That's a nice little sound bite but let's dig deeper. I'll agree partially that since the capture we aren't that much safer. The reason we are safer is that Saddam was knocked out of power and no longer has access to money to give to terrorists, there is no training of terrorists in Iraq and he can never use or build WMDs. No matter if WMDs are found or not we know from the Kay report that there were active programs and we also know he's used chemical weapons before. This man is out of power and no longer a current or future threat to America. His capture does not make the physical America much safer but does help keep the troops safer.

Did Clinton Believe in an Iraq-al Qaeda Connecton?

The Clinton View of Iraq-al Qaeda Ties

I will also offer a hint to the Democratic candidates on how a presidential candidate is to behave from this article:

The current president certainly agrees. "I think you give the commander in chief the benefit of the doubt," said George W. Bush, governor of Texas, on August 20, 1998, the same day as the U.S. counterstrikes. "This is a foreign policy matter. I'm confident he's working on the best intelligence available, and I hope it's successful."

Let's Be Cautious

Bush: Libya Agrees to Arms Inspections

As stated yesterday, this is good news but the more I think about it we must be real careful. Gadhafi is a certified nut so any inspections need to be complete and thorough. At the same time, if Libya is sincere then we must find a way to "trust, yet verify".

Intended Consequences

FOXNews.com - Top Stories - Libya to Allow Weapons Inspections

I'm assuming Gadhafi saw the video of the captured Saddam.

Update on 9/11 Report

9/11 Chair: There's No Evidence to Blame Clinton or Bush Teams

Terrorism Before Bush

insignificant thoughts: Wake Up Call..

Insignificant Thoughts published a list of terrorist attacks that occured before President Bush took office, debunking any arguments that what we are doing in Iraq is causing any more terrorism than before. The list is quite long and gives a good grasp on what we are fighting against.

9/11 Could Have Been Prevented (duh!)

CBS News | 9/11 Chair: Attack Was Preventable | December 17, 2003 20:27:15

Of course it was preventable. That's what our President is doing now, trying to prevent another 9/11 or worse. Taking Saddam out helps in this effort. Saddam will never be able to try and acquire WMDs, let terrorists train in Iraq and he can't fund any more Johnny Jihad's in Palestine who commit homicide.

Palestinians Lose a Hero

I was just watching CNN (yes, you caught me) and they ran a story about how the Palestinians are morning the loss of Saddam. OK, Israel is supposed to trust those folks?

Sanctions Against Syria

President Bush has signed a bill that places sanctions against Syria. Good! I just hope that our actions follow our (written) words. We must deal with countries that support terrorism quickly and effectively.

Gaffney and Grover

The accusations that Frank Gaffney have made against Grover Norquist about the influence of radical Islamists and Islamist organizations. (To start go to the Powerline entry) I heard a bit of the back and forth on Hugh Hewitt's show yesterday. For the most part I was not convinced that either was convincing enough until Norquist started talking about trusting certain people in the White House because of their security clearances. Let's remember, the people charged in the Gitmo problems had clearances. The perfect types of guys to infiltrate are ones that have clearances. I'm thinking that Norquist is taking too many people at their word and I call on him (as Hugh has) to respond to Gaffney's accusations, paragraph by paragraph.

Just remember, plenty of the later proven communists who were in our governent in the 1940's and 1950's also were considered to be trusted.

UPDATE: More analysis from Powerline.

The Murder In Istanbul

As has been stated by the President and other grown up politicians in America and around the world, we are just in the beginning stages in the war on terrorism. It's up to the serious people to keep their eyes on the ball. This is not a war of vengence but a war of justice and prevention.

If you don't believe that this is going to be a long war then look at what happened in Istanbul:

Sure glad of this item found in this CNN article:

In New York, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution condemning the bombings.

Sometimes that about all the UN is good for. Heck, too many countries in the UN are part of the problem in terms of their funding and harboring of terrorists.

UPDATE: Remarks from Roger L. Simon on his appearance on Blog Father, Hugh Hewitt's show to talk about the media importance (or lack thereof) of this latest attack.

Bush in London

I've not seen nor read the full speech that President Bush gave today in London. Kevin, over at BushCheney2004 has and I recommend you look at what he posted and what Hugh Hewitt posted on his website.

Al Qaeda and Saddam

UPDATE: Original article by The Weekly Standard is here.

The myth that Saddam was safe in his box before we attacked Iraq is exploded in the 16-page memo compiled by various spy agencies that was presented to the Senate Intelligence Committe. The Weekly Standard has reported this information but now their site is down. Power Line Blog gave a couple links that discuss the story.

The world is a safer place now that Saddam is out of power. Not only do some terrorist groups now have a lot less support but the government of The Sudan no longer are receiving weapons from Saddam. Taking out the terrorists, or at least keeping them on the run, only helps the world to be safer.

Fighting Terrorism

I'm opening up a new front in the war on terrorism. Based on some inspiring words from my pastor, I'm going to commit to praying for terrorists, especially al Qaeda. This does not mean I will be taking a less aggressive stance than the one being taken by President Bush but as long as hearts of the terrorists are filled with hate, they will be a threat, no matter what we do militarily.

My prayer is that Christ will appear to them in their dreams (I will provide some stories on this tonight) and reveal His love for them. This is the only way they can be reached, since these terrorists do not allow any type of Christian evangalism.

I will also do some research to see if there is a organized effort. If not, I will start one.

UPDATE: As I think more about this topic, I'm saddened that my heart has been so hard in the past. Why does it take terrorism to change my heart. The motive for this type of movement must not be fear, but love towards fellow human beings.

UPDATE 2: Kevin McCullough has just started a Prayer Alliance about this topic. Take a look at the entry here and sign up.

Must Read - Victor Davis Hanson

Please read this article in National Review.

It's Been 2 Years

September 11, 2001.... how can we ever forget? I'm sorry to say, it seems so many have. The current fighting in Iraq is a classic example. Many bad guys are heading over to Iraq to try and fight the US, yet we've got leaders of a major political party who offer nothing but complaints and no help. These are the types of people Ann Coulter has written about in "Treason". They are so blinded by political opportunism that they'll do or say anything to criticize the opposition.

I remember when President Clinton was trying to broker a deal between Israel and Arafat that candidate Bush just kept the criticisms out even though Clinton was helping Barak give away the ship. Nor did Bush criticize Clinton when the USS Cole was attacked.

As President Bush has stated repeatedly since 9/11, this is a war on terror and will continue for quite a long time. Now is not the time to give up. On the terrorism issue, we must unite. That does not mean we can't disagree with tactics but so much is blatantly over the top from the opposition party.

This is also not a war about revenge, but a war of prevention and the pursuit of justice. Those must be our goals. Neutralizing people that are active threats against our country is the job of this President. Now is not the time for us to go wobley or the next 9/11 will be worse.

I Agree With Alan Dershowitz?

Alan Dershowitz has a brilliant article on terrorism and the UN's role in aiding it. The article is here.

"Never give up, never surrender"

It looks to me like the terrorists are getting a bit bolder. Now is not the time to cut and run. I believe the terrorists are thinking we are losing our will to fight them off. Well, if you read what the press says, that would be correct but I don't believe everything I read. I hope and pray that President Bush will keep his resolve to fight terrorism at any place and at any time.

Arrests In Virginia

This is just darn scary. I still wouldn't trade the freedoms we do have for a police state. Gotta keep after the bad guys, though.

Bob Graham of Florida (D)

I was watching some excerpts from a speech that presidential candidate Bob Graham gave. His big campaing issue is terrorism, a very good and important issue. What he said, though, was quite disturbing and seems to be an out and out lie. He said that the Bush Administration was neglecting the war on terrorism and that he mislead the American people on the war with Iraq. Of course, he offered no proof. The list of Democrats who believed that Iraq had WMDs is long and includes Clinton and Gore. How is the war on terrorism being neglected when our military just kicked the snot out of one of the leading exports of terrorism, Iraq. We have a military presence all over the place chasing every lead that is out there. Senator Graham, you used to be highly respected, but now you are leading yourself down a path of irrelevance.

Remember, in a post 9/11 world it's just not safe to vote Democrat.