Video: Obama's Statement on Christmas Day Attack

Video: Obama’s Statement on Christmas Day Attack

US NewsDecember 2009 • Views: 3,429

UPDATE at 12/28/09 4:35:35 pm:

ABC News has pictures of the explosive device sewn into accused bomber Abdulmutallab’s underwear: Northwest Airlines Bomb Photos - ABC News.

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167 comments

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:35:23pm

review of watchlist system: good

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:35:48pm

Review of screening processes : good

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:36:27pm

We are going to come after you if you were behind this. Also good

wrenchwench Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:37:56pm

He's not wearing a tie!!!1!!

/nontroversey

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:37:58pm

OT: If anyone was wondering what Code Pink is doing these days, for the next three of them, they're doing a hunger strike in front of the Egyptian Consulate in San Francisco.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:38:25pm

re: #4 wrenchwench

He's not wearing a tie!!!1!!

/nontroversey

Flag pin?

pharmmajor Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:39:12pm

Excellent speech, Mr. President.

I just hope that, unlike your predecessor, you will work to strengthen security measures without curtailing civil liberties.

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:39:18pm

I also liked how he wrapped it up -- we each have to have each other's back in a world where extremists seek to destroy innocents through any means. Our best defense is our own vigilance tempered with reason.

Spare O'Lake Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:39:36pm

Excellent statement by Obama. Too bad Napolitano previously barfed it up so badly.

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:39:38pm

re: #4 wrenchwench

He's not wearing a tie!!!1!!

/nontroversey

My only wish is that he's wearing swim trunks and flip flops.

Bagua Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:40:01pm

Looking at the distressing photos of the actual bomb, what is shocking is the small amount of powder and tiny amount of acid needed to pose a real threat. It is hard to image such a threat can be successfully defended against while there exist people with the will and means to attack us.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:40:26pm

re: #10 Gus 802

My only wish is that he's wearing swim trunks and flip flops.

Snorkel gear? A starfish clinging to his head?

wrenchwench Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:40:27pm

re: #6 SanFranciscoZionist

Flag pin?

He's wearing a flag pin, after not wearing a flag pin!!!1!!

/like that?

Bloodnok Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:40:33pm

Nice job, Mr. President.

Charles Johnson Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:40:51pm

re: #10 Gus 802

My only wish is that he's wearing swim trunks and flip flops.

How do you know he wasn't?

rwmofo Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:41:14pm

I like the fact that he singled out four specific countries toward the end. Good statement overall, but we need to have cooperation from any and all countries where flights to the US originate.

sandbox Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:41:50pm

I don't think Pres. Obama, Holder, and Napoltano take the war with radical islam as seriously as they should. Moving the KSM and other trials from military to civilian courts was foolish. Who are we trying to impress? Now the latest jihadi will be tried in a civilian court.

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:42:41pm

re: #15 Charles

How do you know he wasn't?

That would have been cool.

BTW, a transcript is up at the White House site:

[Link: www.whitehouse.gov...]

Obdicut Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:43:12pm

I was glad to see him naming specific things that happened afterwards. I was also glad to see him credit civilians, because I think that's more damaging to terrorist morale than anything else-- the idea of failure, of no glory at all.

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:43:33pm

Excerpt:

...I've directed my national security team to keep up the pressure on those who would attack our country. We do not yet have all the answers about this latest attempt, but those who would slaughter innocent men, women and children must know that the United States will more -- do more than simply strengthen our defenses. We will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us, whether they are from Afghanistan or Pakistan, Yemen or Somalia, or anywhere where they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland.

Killgore Trout Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:43:56pm

I'm outraged!
/wingnut

Spare O'Lake Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:44:15pm

Definitely ladies panties:
[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:44:30pm

re: #12 SanFranciscoZionist

Snorkel gear? A starfish clinging to his head?

Straw hat, corn cob pipe, and a pair of dark sunglasses.

HelloDare Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:46:32pm

re: #7 pharmmajor

Excellent speech, Mr. President.

I just hope that, unlike your predecessor, you will work to strengthen security measures without curtailing civil liberties.

What specific curtailed civil liberties are you referring to?

political lunatic Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:46:52pm

re: #4 wrenchwench

t3h sekrit muslin iz l1ar!!!!11!!1!!! He pretended to arrest him so he could let the terrist go for being a 'Merica hater! We'll bring you the ~~photoshop~~evidence as soon as it comes!!!
(Running out of ideas really sucks.)

///

The Sanity Inspector Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:47:59pm

re: #5 SanFranciscoZionist

OT: If anyone was wondering what Code Pink is doing these days, for the next three of them, they're doing a hunger strike in front of the Egyptian Consulate in San Francisco.

What in the world for?

Killgore Trout Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:48:13pm

Orly is revolting!
Orly Taitz Seems To Suggest Call To Arms Against Obama

What is the real intention of this Kenyan, Indonesian communist usurper? Is it to provide security for us or to destroy our security? Judge for yourself.

Seeing targeted destruction of our economy, our security, dissipation of American jobs, massive corruption in the Government, Congress Department of Justice and Judiciary, it might be time to start rallies and protests using our second amendment right to bare arms and organise in militias.

Velvet Elvis Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:48:43pm

re: #17 sandbox

I don't think Pres. Obama, Holder, and Napoltano take the war with radical islam as seriously as they should. Moving the KSM and other trials from military to civilian courts was foolish. Who are we trying to impress? Now the latest jihadi will be tried in a civilian court.

Given that the others were captured on foreign soil I can see the argument but to say that someone captured on US soil shouldn't be tried in the US Courts is absurd.

The Sanity Inspector Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:49:44pm

re: #10 Gus 802

My only wish is that he's wearing swim trunks and flip flops.

"I'm not wearing any pants. Film at eleven."

lawhawk Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:49:47pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

It's all about the inflection....

Orly is revolting.

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:50:11pm

Now I'm wondering if more e-chatter in forums about this drove that strike in Yemen earlier this month.

Firstinla Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:50:38pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

There is no mention of a right to "bare arms" in the Constitution. Nor in the Preamble of the Constitution.

John Neverbend Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:51:03pm

re: #22 Spare O'Lake

Definitely ladies panties:
[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

The idea in yesterday's thread of flying wearing nothing other than an airline issue robe is not looking as far-fetched as it might have seemed at first.

sandbox Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:51:14pm

re: #28 Conservative Moonbat

The only reason he was captured on US soil was because the plane he was on, and tried to blow up, happened to land in the US.

Obdicut Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:51:18pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

She didn't really say bare arms, did she?

lawhawk Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:51:37pm

re: #31 Thanos

Definitely plausible; it also looks like Obama is expanding the GWoT (or what they're calling it at the WH) these days to include Yemen in a big way.

wrenchwench Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:51:46pm

re: #32 Firstinla

There is no mention of a right to "bare arms" in the Constitution. Nor in the Preamble of the Constitution.

Maybe she's defending Michelle's sleevelessness.

political lunatic Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:51:54pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

She's gunna git'em with her super beams of bad dental hygiene and her mighty justice ray! ///

Daniel Ballard Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:51:55pm

Good speech. I'm glad he stepped up to talk about this incident.
No reflection on Obama, but how is it we did not already have air marshals on the incoming flights to the us as he mentioned? Are they largely a myth to make us feel better? Been quite a few in flight incidents without one showing up. Seems they are rare on actual flights.

John Neverbend Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:52:19pm

re: #35 Obdicut

She didn't really say bare arms, did she?

Of course she was talking about rolling up one's sleeves prior to a fight, don't you know. //

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:52:38pm

re: #36 lawhawk

Definitely plausible; it also looks like Obama is expanding the GWoT (or what they're calling it at the WH) these days to include Yemen in a big way.

Here's the article on it
[Link: www.businessweek.com...]

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:52:57pm

re: #17 sandbox

I don't think Pres. Obama, Holder, and Napoltano take the war with radical islam as seriously as they should. Moving the KSM and other trials from military to civilian courts was foolish. Who are we trying to impress? Now the latest jihadi will be tried in a civilian court.

The lastest guy was nabbed in U.S. airspace.

What would 'taking it seriously' look like to you?

The Sanity Inspector Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:53:05pm

re: #28 Conservative Moonbat

Given that the others were captured on foreign soil I can see the argument but to say that someone captured on US soil shouldn't be tried in the US Courts is absurd.

Plus a civilian trial of this Detroit incident guy won't betray any national security secrets, it doesn't look like.

rwmofo Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:53:23pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Orly is revolting!
Orly Taitz Seems To Suggest Call To Arms Against Obama

Yeah. Once the militia is organized they need to find a nice padded room for Orly where she can cause no further ham.

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:53:36pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Orly is revolting!
Orly Taitz Seems To Suggest Call To Arms Against Obama

OK, time to pull out the handcuffs or the straitjacket. Can't decide which.

Bagua Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:54:02pm

The content of the speech was good but the presentation wasn't up to his usual standards. When Obama uses a teleprompter, he comes across well and doesn't appear to be reading lines. His cadence is all wrong when he has to keep looking down at the script like this video.

At a time of national fear like this I preferred Bush's approach, he would flub more lines of course, but it was more genuine.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:54:14pm

re: #22 Spare O'Lake

Definitely ladies panties:
[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

Ya think? Those just look to me like tighty-whities that have been cut off someone.

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:54:44pm

The perp had his ticket on the 16th so the strike could have been an attempt at interruption, but if so I'm betting they didn't know what they were trying to interrupt, only that something was going down.

Firstinla Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:54:55pm

re: #45 Gus 802

One of these says scientists will invent something to make stupidity painful.

Velvet Elvis Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:55:05pm

re: #34 sandbox

The only reason he was captured on US soil was because the plane he was on, and tried to blow up, happened to land in the US.

that's not more than enough? Don't forget that it was a US airline and the destination was a US city.

There's no legal justification for trying him in any kind of special court. None.

Daniel Ballard Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:55:11pm

re: #45 Gus 802

Just take away the pens, keyboards and microphones. Thean check for sharp objects. Can't be too careful.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:55:50pm

re: #26 The Sanity Inspector

What in the world for?

Egyptians closed the Rafah border crossing for a couple of weeks, just as Code Pink's international mission bringing warm winter coats and school supplies to the children of Gaza was prepared to walk up through the Sinai on New Years'. CP is in a snit.

I suspect that the Egyptians will let them go through eventually, but one can always hope.

What, me worry? Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:55:52pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Orly is revolting!
Orly Taitz Seems To Suggest Call To Arms Against Obama

Why is it I always hear 70s porn music music when I see her.

political lunatic Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:56:23pm

re: #45 Gus 802

They should get her disbarred first (why hasn't this happened yet?), watch the crazy for a while, and then straitjacket.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:56:40pm

re: #27 Killgore Trout

Orly is revolting!
Orly Taitz Seems To Suggest Call To Arms Against Obama

Orly, no one is suggesting you don't have a right to bare arms, but seriously, babe, it's not a good idea unless you're nineteen, or are as toned as Michelle.

John Neverbend Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:56:45pm

re: #49 Firstinla

One of these says scientists will invent something to make stupidity painful.

It already exists and is called the "remedial slap across the face".

Cathypop Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:56:45pm

re: #45 Gus 802

OK, time to pull out the handcuffs or the straitjacket. Can't decide which.

Pull out the duct tape. Now!

sandbox Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:56:52pm

re: #42 SanFranciscoZionist

"Taking it seriously" would mean not exercising Presidential discretion to move the islamic terrorist trials from a military to a civilian court. I hope Congress can reverse this. Attny Gen. Holder's defense of the decision before Congressional Committee was very weak.

Big Steve Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:57:15pm

These new rules or non-rules or rules only if the pilot wants to are ridiculous. Once a weapon of some sort makes it onto the plane no amount of trying to manage passenger behavior will work.

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:57:31pm

re: #39 Rightwingconspirator

I'm glad he stepped up to talk about this incident

. As opposed to..... locking himself in his room?
Not that he didn't have tons of warts, but dammit, I really wish we had Dubya in the WH now for this type of crap.
The responsibility claim by Al Q today was especially troubling.
They really have no respect for an extended hand, and we have no business leaving ours hanging out there just now.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:57:41pm

re: #32 Firstinla

There is no mention of a right to "bare arms" in the Constitution. Nor in the Preamble of the Constitution.

I think dress code is one of those things implicitly left to the states.

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:58:02pm

re: #46 Bagua

The content of the speech was good but the presentation wasn't up to his usual standards. When Obama uses a teleprompter, he comes across well and doesn't appear to be reading lines. His cadence is all wrong when he has to keep looking down at the script like this video.

At a time of national fear like this I preferred Bush's approach, he would flub more lines of course, but it was more genuine.

Watch it again but don't look at the video and listen to his voice. I think it was rather strongly delivered which is what the topic required. He expresses conviction and determination in his voice.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:58:43pm

re: #34 sandbox

The only reason he was captured on US soil was because the plane he was on, and tried to blow up, happened to land in the US.

True enough, but it still has legal ramifications. If they'd picked him up on the ground in Holland, the Dutch would have him.

The Sanity Inspector Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:58:45pm

re: #45 Gus 802

OK, time to pull out the handcuffs or the straitjacket. Can't decide which.

Speaking of taking up arms against the present administration, I'm somewhat disquieted by an article I saw at a prominent far-right site. It's a paean of praise for the AK-47, "Automatic For The People". I don't immediately see the point of such an article, outside of a firearms mag.

Bagua Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:58:51pm

re: #39 Rightwingconspirator

Good speech. I'm glad he stepped up to talk about this incident.
No reflection on Obama, but how is it we did not already have air marshals on the incoming flights to the us as he mentioned? Are they largely a myth to make us feel better? Been quite a few in flight incidents without one showing up. Seems they are rare on actual flights.

How much safety would even 10 armed air marshals provide against a threat like this? Once he has smuggled the bomb on board there is nothing to stop him except ineptitude or malfunction, both of which appeared to have averted an atrocity.

John Neverbend Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:59:11pm

re: #52 SanFranciscoZionist

Egyptians closed the Rafah border crossing for a couple of weeks, just as Code Pink's international mission bringing warm winter coats and school supplies to the children of Gaza was prepared to walk up through the Sinai on New Years'

It's odd that Israel hasn't been blamed yet.

Achilles Tang Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:59:11pm

I have many words about this, but I will keep them as thoughts.

Two al Qaeda Leaders Behind Northwest Flight 253 Terror Plot Were Released by U.S.

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:59:20pm

re: #62 Gus 802
It makes no difference what or how POTUS speaks to terrorists. What they are watching for is his follow up.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 4:59:29pm

re: #40 John Neverbend

Of course she was talking about rolling up one's sleeves prior to a fight, don't you know. //

First, you roll up your sleeves. Then, per Michelle Bachmann, you slit your wrists. THEN you can fight.

Killgore Trout Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:00:18pm

re: #67 Naso Tang

I have many words about this, but I will keep them as thoughts.

Two al Qaeda Leaders Behind Northwest Flight 253 Terror Plot Were Released by U.S.

Hmmm, that's not good.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:00:18pm

re: #45 Gus 802

OK, time to pull out the handcuffs or the straitjacket. Can't decide which.

Just hit her in the ass with a tranq dart.

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:00:48pm

re: #67 Naso Tang

I have many words about this, but I will keep them as thoughts.

Two al Qaeda Leaders Behind Northwest Flight 253 Terror Plot Were Released by U.S.

just fuck me.. arggggggggg

/happened with Bush at the helm before ODS kicks in...

rwmofo Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:00:55pm

re: #71 SanFranciscoZionist

Just hit her in the ass with a tranq dart.

Heh.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:02:05pm

re: #58 sandbox

"Taking it seriously" would mean not exercising Presidential discretion to move the islamic terrorist trials from a military to a civilian court. I hope Congress can reverse this. Attny Gen. Holder's defense of the decision before Congressional Committee was very weak.

I tend to agree with you, but I hardly think one poor decision is evidence of much except a poor decision.

Obdicut Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:02:33pm

re: #67 Naso Tang

That article seems to have a lot of info in it I haven't seen elsewhere-- maybe 48 hours rule?

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:02:45pm

WTF,. everyone knows that art therapy always cures terrorists, what went wrong?

Saudi Arabia where they entered into an "art therapy rehabilitation program" and were set free, according to U.S. and Saudi officials.

Velvet Elvis Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:03:01pm

re: #67 Naso Tang

I have many words about this, but I will keep them as thoughts.

Two al Qaeda Leaders Behind Northwest Flight 253 Terror Plot Were Released by U.S.

I've got some more.

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:03:03pm

re: #70 Killgore Trout
Oh Hell's bells... let's just relocate the gitmo guys to Illinois, so Al Q' can have another target to dangle before their true believers.///
Talk about your motivation..... as if they needed more.

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:03:17pm

re: #68 tradewind

It makes no difference what or how POTUS speaks to terrorists. What they are watching for is his follow up.

The president was addressing the American people.

Terrorists won't care about who or what is delivered from any American president.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:03:19pm

re: #60 tradewind

. As opposed to... locking himself in his room?
Not that he didn't have tons of warts, but dammit, I really wish we had Dubya in the WH now for this type of crap.
The responsibility claim by Al Q today was especially troubling.
They really have no respect for an extended hand, and we have no business leaving ours hanging out there just now.

Who's extending a hand to Al Qaeda?

Walter L. Newton Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:03:58pm

re: #34 sandbox

The only reason he was captured on US soil was because the plane he was on, and tried to blow up, happened to land in the US.

You seem to be a little thick tonight. It was a crime, in US air space, on a US airline... We have not declared war against Islam, there for we can only try him in criminal court. This issue is about this terrorist, not the KSM people.

What part of that don't you understand?

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:04:01pm

re: #76 Thanos
There's playdoh plastique time, followed by a trip to the PETN zoo.///

HelloDare Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:04:30pm

re: #52 SanFranciscoZionist

Egyptians closed the Rafah border crossing for a couple of weeks, just as Code Pink's international mission bringing warm winter coats and school supplies to the children of Gaza was prepared to walk up through the Sinai on New Years'. CP is in a snit.

I suspect that the Egyptians will let them go through eventually, but one can always hope.

When will the world notice that the Egyptians have had a wall to keep the Palestinians out of Egypt and they're in the process of building a bigger, better one?

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:05:01pm

re: #80 SanFranciscoZionist

Who's extending a hand to Al Qaeda?

I'm scratching my head about that one too.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:05:08pm

re: #65 Bagua

How much safety would even 10 armed air marshals provide against a threat like this? Once he has smuggled the bomb on board there is nothing to stop him except ineptitude or malfunction, both of which appeared to have averted an atrocity.

Yeah, I must admit that the only real purpose an air marshall might have served in this case would be to have handcuffs. Or to be able to shoot him and put him out of his misery. Not that they aren't a good idea, but in this case, the passengers and crew seem to have been able to exert all the physical force needed.

John Neverbend Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:05:37pm

re: #77 Conservative Moonbat

I've got some more.

'I think the phrase rhymes with "clucking bell".' - Blackadder goes forth.

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:05:38pm

re: #60 tradewind

. As opposed to... locking himself in his room?
Not that he didn't have tons of warts, but dammit, I really wish we had Dubya in the WH now for this type of crap.
The responsibility claim by Al Q today was especially troubling.
They really have no respect for an extended hand, and we have no business leaving ours hanging out there just now.

According to the link upthread Bush released two of the perps behind this in 2007, are you sure about that?

The Sanity Inspector Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:05:44pm

re: #83 HelloDare

When will the world notice that the Egyptians have had a wall to keep the Palestinians out of Egypt and they're in the process of building a bigger, better one?

The minute they also recognize Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist attacks.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:05:55pm

re: #66 John Neverbend

It's odd that Israel hasn't been blamed yet.

Well, it's their fault that the Gazans are starving and shivering. It's just Egypt's fault that CP can't get in with the warm coats.

Spare O'Lake Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:06:03pm

re: #47 SanFranciscoZionist

Ya think? Those just look to me like tighty-whities that have been cut off someone.

I don't think so...thin waistband, gathered, shiny, yellowish material. But then again these undies have certainly taken quite a beating, so I guess you might be right.

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:06:17pm

re: #80 SanFranciscoZionist
Who said anyone was?
Obama has made reference often to the Extended Hand as a diplomatic concept, a tool for showing countries that may feel less than friendly towards us that we're actually not such cowboys.
I'm just saying that maybe he might want to practice making a fist.

Ojoe Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:06:35pm

Feel the love coming from the religion of peace. Merry Christmas & peace on earth, God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay ...

Shouldn't say any more,

How

Very

Sad

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:06:58pm

re: #67 Naso Tang

I have many words about this, but I will keep them as thoughts.

Two al Qaeda Leaders Behind Northwest Flight 253 Terror Plot Were Released by U.S.

I can see that Saudi rehab program is working really well.

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:07:08pm

re: #91 tradewind

Maybe Republican presidents shouldn't release AQ terrorists either.

sandbox Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:07:55pm

re: #81 Walter L. Newton

You may be correct on the legal technicalities. However I have favored since the 911 Jihad attacks a Congressional Declaration of War against radical islam which would, among other things, allow a case like this (and there will be more) to be tried in a military court.

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:07:55pm

re: #76 Thanos

WTF,. everyone knows that art therapy always cures terrorists, what went wrong?

//

Basketweaving for Jihadis.

Summer Seale Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:08:06pm

RE: Orly Taitz

I find myself in a dilemma. As many here know, I can easily channel Sarah Palin just by turning off my brain and saying any old silly thing without completely finishing the train of thought in most cases...

...but I'm sorta at a loss when it comes to Orly. The fact is that it's hard to parody shrill insane people like Orly and Pamela Geller...because they're so annoying that you can't even get more annoying than they already are in a parody.

First, I'd have to type in all caps to go over the top that they already go over every day, and second of all...it would just end up as a series of disjointed words with no structural cohesion to the sentence.

So until I can figure out a way to make them sound even crazier than they already do (can't really...) and do it in such a way as it doesn't sound even worse than a mosquito constantly buzzing in your ear (can't think of how to do that either...), I'll just have to refrain from even attempting it for the moment.

Just thought I'd pass along my thoughts for the moment. =)

Charles Johnson Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:08:55pm

re: #67 Naso Tang

I have many words about this, but I will keep them as thoughts.

Two al Qaeda Leaders Behind Northwest Flight 253 Terror Plot Were Released by U.S.

Yep. And if that's true, it was during the Bush administration.

Dark_Falcon Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:09:04pm

re: #94 Thanos

Maybe Republican presidents shouldn't release AQ terrorists either.

Quite Concur.

100

Velvet Elvis Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:10:28pm

re: #95 sandbox

You may be correct on the legal technicalities. However I have favored since the 911 Jihad attacks a Congressional Declaration of War against radical islam which would, among other things, allow a case like this (and there will be more) to be tried in a military court.

That's as stupid an idea as a "War on Terror" you can't have a war against an idea or a tactic.

101

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:10:31pm

re: #98 Charles

Yep. And if that's true, it was during the Bush administration.

I'm hoping it's not true, waiting on more sources. It's ugly if it is true.

102

Fat Bastard Vegetarian Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:10:57pm

re: #92 Ojoe

You'd be cool to have a/an "insert the type if liquid that you prefer here" with.

103

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:11:16pm

re: #91 tradewind

Who said anyone was?
Obama has made reference often to the Extended Hand as a diplomatic concept, a tool for showing countries that may feel less than friendly towards us that we're actually not such cowboys.
I'm just saying that maybe he might want to practice making a fist.

Making a fist?

You mean like authorizing an airstrike in Somalia in September?

Ordering another one in Yemen early this month?

Or heightening the Afghanistan conflict and increasing "boots on the ground" during the first year of his presidency?

104

Walter L. Newton Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:11:18pm

re: #95 sandbox

You may be correct on the legal technicalities. However I have favored since the 911 Jihad attacks a Congressional Declaration of War against radical islam which would, among other things, allow a case like this (and there will be more) to be tried in a military court.

It doesn't matter what you "favor," up said up thread "I don't think Pres. Obama, Holder, and Napoltano take the war with radical islam as seriously as they should. Moving the KSM and other trials from military to civilian courts was foolish. Who are we trying to impress? Now the latest jihadi will be tried in a civilian court."

You indicated that this is wrong. It's not, plain and simple and you have no argument in it's "favor." In this case Obama, Holder, and Napoltano are 100 percent correct in handling this as a criminal case... no matter what you want.

105

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:11:27pm

re: #87 Thanos
For the last time.....
I am not talking about diplomatic dealings with individual combatants or loosely organized terrorist cells.
It's an attitude in general ' I'm going to undo the image that America has had ' that I believe has backfired.
And the sheer incompetence of Napolitano at HS is inexcusable. ' The system worked'.?????
No. The passengers worked. Your system flunked.

106

abolitionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:11:33pm

Abdulmutallab: More Like Me In Yemen
Accused Northwest Bomber Says More Bombers On the Way; Al Qaeda Promises to Hit Americans

And in a tape released four days before the attempted destruction of the Detroit-bound Northwest plane, the leader of al Qaeda in Yemen boasted of what was planned for Americans, saying, "We are carrying a bomb to hit the enemies of God."

There's a video there too.

107

Dark_Falcon Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:11:37pm

re: #98 Charles

Yep. And if that's true, it was during the Bush administration.

Indeed. Bush made a mistake releasing those terrorists. Once we capture an Al Qaeda member, they should be held indefinitely as enemy combatants. A confirmed member of any branch of Al Qaeda cannot be reliably rehabilitated.

108

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:11:51pm

re: #83 HelloDare

When will the world notice that the Egyptians have had a wall to keep the Palestinians out of Egypt and they're in the process of building a bigger, better one?

The world doesn't care. Egypt is entitled to safe borders, and the Israelis probably made them, and anyway, that's not the point.

///

109

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:12:16pm

re: #105 tradewind

For the last time...
I am not talking about diplomatic dealings with individual combatants or loosely organized terrorist cells.
It's an attitude in general ' I'm going to undo the image that America has had ' that I believe has backfired.
And the sheer incompetence of Napolitano at HS is inexcusable. ' The system worked'.???
No. The passengers worked. Your system flunked.

Your system? Are you in France?

110

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:12:47pm

re: #104 Walter L. Newton

Thanks Walter I was going to point out the logical fallacy of sandbox's strawman as well, but you've done admirably well.

111

Velvet Elvis Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:12:48pm

re: #101 Thanos

I'm hoping it's not true, waiting on more sources. It's ugly if it is true.

You know if the CIA had come off the intelligence they were holding and released it so these guys could have been put on trial in a civilian court rather than kept in the gitmo holding pen, maybe none of this would ever have happened. They had to have been picked up for something.

112

Ojoe Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:12:48pm

Pressurized fuselage explosion test.

What the SOB was trying to do.

113

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:13:09pm

re: #91 tradewind

Who said anyone was?
Obama has made reference often to the Extended Hand as a diplomatic concept, a tool for showing countries that may feel less than friendly towards us that we're actually not such cowboys.
I'm just saying that maybe he might want to practice making a fist.

I think the extended hand keeps our sort of friends off balance, while the drones can speak loud and clear to our definite enemies.

114

wrenchwench Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:13:31pm

re: #97 Summer

Take a look at this masterful work. She was up against many of the same difficulties you outlined, and even went for the capslock as you suggested might be necessary. Lolspeak. It works wonders!

115

Walter L. Newton Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:14:00pm

re: #110 Thanos

Thanks Walter I was going to point out the logical fallacy of sandbox's strawman as well, but you've done admirably well.

Thanks... now, when it comes to KSM and NYC...

116

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:14:01pm

re: #94 Thanos

Maybe Republican presidents shouldn't release AQ terrorists either.

But you know, they MEAN business, even if they do dumbass stuff.

//Sorry, this is a bit of a bitter point with me.

117

Bagua Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:14:09pm

re: #74 SanFranciscoZionist

I tend to agree with you, but I hardly think one poor decision is evidence of much except a poor decision.

Tend to agree with you also. One misstep, however large or debatable, is not evidence of not taking terrorism "seriously". We have active wars and operations in several foreign regions, and a wealth of likely activities that we know nothing about until some missile strike is reported. I don't see any backing down in the "war on terror" at this point except for some changes in rhetoric and image.

The point about the air marshal is that an entire aircraft of them would do nothing to prevent this kind of attack, except to reduce the number of potential terrorist.

This and the shoe bomber were lucky because the terrorists were inept and the devices prone to failure. It is irrational to believe that we will always be lucky and the terrorists never competent as they have been in the past.

118

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:14:15pm

re: #103 Gus 802
Maybe what he actually needs to do is flip a bird, then, to the idea that someone's feelings may be hurt if they are accidentally put on a no fly list because a wide net is cast.
Somalian airstrikes..... now that's really living on the edge.////

119

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:14:28pm

re: #105 tradewind

What's more open handed? Speaking softly and carrying a big hellfire stick, or talking tough and releasing terrorists at the behest of the Saudis?

120

Dark_Falcon Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:14:41pm

re: #103 Gus 802

Making a fist?

You mean like authorizing an airstrike in Somalia in September?

Ordering another one in Yemen early this month?

Or heightening the Afghanistan conflict and increasing "boots on the ground" during the first year of his presidency?

It would help if he actually got angry about the terrorists. Make the point that we aim to crush those who would attack us with terror. Not "stop them", "crush them". They enemy must be made to fear us. As the wise Roman saying went: "Let them hate, as long as they fear."

121

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:14:50pm

re: #95 sandbox

You may be correct on the legal technicalities. However I have favored since the 911 Jihad attacks a Congressional Declaration of War against radical islam which would, among other things, allow a case like this (and there will be more) to be tried in a military court.

Radical Islam is not a nation state. It's not even an organization. That's like declaring war on the Anabaptists.

122

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:15:30pm

re: #109 Gus 802
I was 'talking ' to Ms Napolitano....but you knew that.

123

Ojoe Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:15:48pm

re: #11 Bagua

Right you are. Unfortunately they will eventually manage something really big, I think. Then all bets are off.

124

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:15:56pm

re: #120 Dark_Falcon
Spot on.

125

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:16:15pm

re: #122 tradewind

I was 'talking ' to Ms Napolitano...but you knew that.

Actually, no, I didn't know that.

126

Randall Gross Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:16:26pm

re: #115 Walter L. Newton

Thanks... now, when it comes to KSM and NYC...

I agree that the R's in congress should have gotten the legislation right instead of hackneyed way back in 2006 and that military tribunals should have worked and that many of those perps should have been at the ends of ropes in Gitmo long ago.

127

webevintage Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:16:55pm

re: #114 wrenchwench

Take a look at this masterful work. She was up against many of the same difficulties you outlined, and even went for the capslock as you suggested might be necessary. Lolspeak. It works wonders!

I blush, but here is my secret:
[Link: speaklolcat.com...]

128

lawhawk Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:17:14pm

re: #98 Charles

It was bad when Bush was releasing them to "rehabilitation facilities" in Saudi Arabia and/or Yemen (as several others were). Obama and his fellow Democrats were pushing for that to be accelerated; now when the Democrats are in a position to close, they've tried accelerating the moving of the detainees to close Gitmo entirely.

It remains a stupendously bad idea.

129

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:17:28pm

re: #118 tradewind

Maybe what he actually needs to do is flip a bird, then, to the idea that someone's feelings may be hurt if they are accidentally put on a no fly list because a wide net is cast.
Somalian airstrikes... now that's really living on the edge.///

I'm gonna guess-this is about profiling?

130

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:17:46pm

re: #121 SanFranciscoZionist

Radical Islam is not a nation state

.... true, but it is nurtured, protected, and sealed off from the eyes of its enemies by more than one nation state. It's like the concept of felony murder...... just because you didn't pull the trigger.....

131

Velvet Elvis Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:17:53pm

re: #112 Ojoe

Pressurized fuselage explosion test.

What the SOB was trying to do.

50g of PETN detonating
underpants dude had 80

Youtube Video

132

Walter L. Newton Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:18:08pm

re: #121 SanFranciscoZionist

Radical Islam is not a nation state. It's not even an organization. That's like declaring war on the Anabaptists.

I thought we killed them all off in the 1800's?
//

133

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:18:17pm

re: #120 Dark_Falcon

It would help if he actually got angry about the terrorists. Make the point that we aim to crush those who would attack us with terror. Not "stop them", "crush them". They enemy must be made to fear us. As the wise Roman saying went: "Let them hate, as long as they fear."

Semantics. He was perfectly appropriate:

We will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us, whether they are from Afghanistan or Pakistan, Yemen or Somalia, or anywhere where they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland.

Every element of our national power includes the might of the United States military.

134

The Shadow Do Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:19:03pm

Anyone have more current statistics? I read somewhere recently that the percentage of recidivists in this population has been going up - not surprising as time passes more and more will be found back in the murderers mix.

NY Times: Later Terror Link Cited for 1 in 7 Freed Detainees

135

wrenchwench Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:20:33pm

re: #127 webevintage

I blush, but here is my secret:
[Link: speaklolcat.com...]

~~Stolen!~~ Bookmarked!

136

Ojoe Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:21:04pm

re: #131 Conservative Moonbat

Now at all the airports:

May I see in your underpants, sir? or Madame?

137

Gretchen G.Tiger Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:22:21pm

re: #7 pharmmajor

Excellent speech, Mr. President.

I just hope that, unlike your predecessor, you will work to strengthen security measures without curtailing civil liberties.

How exactly is that accomplished?

138

Firstinla Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:22:24pm

re: #136 Ojoe

Would rather be on welfare then have that job.

139

Spare O'Lake Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:23:00pm

re: #121 SanFranciscoZionist

Radical Islam is not a nation state. It's not even an organization. That's like declaring war on the Anabaptists.

The point is that we need to interdict and stamp out the radical Islamist terrorist infrastructure - it is the enemy sworn to kill us. And we cannot afford to give it a pass in order to avoid offending the sensibilities of moderate Muslims, especially when the moderates are either unable or unwilling to take steps to clean their own house.

140

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:23:39pm

re: #123 Ojoe

Right you are. Unfortunately they will eventually manage something really big, I think. Then all bets are off.

God forbid, but maybe, probably even.

Newsflash to the United States of America. We are in a life-and-death struggle here, even if the odds are overwhelmingly on our side.

There is no way to absolutely ensure that there will never be another successful terrorist strike on U.S. soil. None. It doesn't matter if we have Democrats or Republicans in the White House or Congress. It doesn't matter if we talk harshly or kindly to the Arab world. Everything we can do may not be enough, and some things we may not want to do for various reasons.

More American civilians will almost assuredly die in this conflict.

I'm not happy about this, but I've been living in close contact with Israel long enough to understand it. This is how it's gonna be. The only way out is through.

We need to get our respective acts together. We need to realize that we cannot refuse to let any swarthy men onto U.S. flights, and that we will have to spend more time dealing with airport security. We need to realize that we cannot pout and fire the head of Homeland Security every time the Dutch screw up. We need to stop whining already, and start thinking smart.

141

Decatur Deb Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:24:09pm

re: #121 SanFranciscoZionist

Radical Islam is not a nation state. It's not even an organization. That's like declaring war on the Anabaptists.

Been done.

[Link: www.frontline.org.za...]

142

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:24:33pm

re: #130 tradewind

... true, but it is nurtured, protected, and sealed off from the eyes of its enemies by more than one nation state. It's like the concept of felony murder... just because you didn't pull the trigger...

That does not seem to be what this gentleman is asking for.

143

Ojoe Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:24:56pm

re: #138 Firstinlat

Teacher teacher I declare
I see someone's underwear

May be red may be white
May be full of dynamite

144

SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:25:58pm

re: #139 Spare O'Lake

The point is that we need to interdict and stamp out the radical Islamist terrorist infrastructure - it is the enemy sworn to kill us. And we cannot afford to give it a pass in order to avoid offending the sensibilities of moderate Muslims, especially when the moderates are either unable or unwilling to take steps to clean their own house.

Who's giving what a pass for whose sensibilities? Huh?

145

Sheila Broflovski Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:26:55pm

re: #5 SanFranciscoZionist

OT: If anyone was wondering what Code Pink is doing these days, for the next three of them, they're doing a hunger strike in front of the Egyptian Consulate in San Francisco.

Piss off Code Pink.
Buy Ahava Products!

146

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:27:02pm

re: #129 SanFranciscoZionist
If you call putting a muslim whose father has called the American embassy and warned them that his son is a nutjob who may blow something up on our TSA no fly list ' profiling', then yeah. They really should have profiled his explosive-lined ass.
Let the ACLU drag out the tired old ' The last terrorist was a guy named McVeigh' all they want..... while most muslims are not terrorists, most terrorist acts against the west now are by muslims. That's a difficult fact for some, but it is still a fact.

147

SixDegrees Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:27:28pm

re: #34 sandbox

The only reason he was captured on US soil was because the plane he was on, and tried to blow up, happened to land in the US.

Uh - yes. Which places the crime squarely under US jurisdiction.

148

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:27:29pm

re: #140 SanFranciscoZionist

...

We need to realize that we cannot pout and fire the head of Homeland Security every time the Dutch screw up. We need to stop whining already, and start thinking smart.

I think the concept is lost on many people that they dropped the ball in Schiphol.

149

Bagua Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:28:43pm

re: #140 SanFranciscoZionist

Sounds good except for the last paragraph. This is an open vulnerability, not a Dutch screw up. It is highly unlikely that airport screening will get severe enough to prevent these sort of attacks.

150

Dark_Falcon Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:29:50pm

re: #146 tradewind

If you call putting a muslim whose father has called the American embassy and warned them that his son is a nutjob who may blow something up on our TSA no fly list ' profiling', then yeah. They really should have profiled his explosive-lined ass.
Let the ACLU drag out the tired old ' The last terrorist was a guy named McVeigh' all they want... while most muslims are not terrorists, most terrorist acts against the west now are by muslims. That's a difficult fact for some, but it is still a fact.

Quite Concur.

151

SixDegrees Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:30:08pm

re: #58 sandbox

"Taking it seriously" would mean not exercising Presidential discretion to move the islamic terrorist trials from a military to a civilian court. I hope Congress can reverse this. Attny Gen. Holder's defense of the decision before Congressional Committee was very weak.

Congress has no say in the matter. It's a decision that rests with the Executive Branch, which assigned the final determination to the Justice Department. Given that there's nothing illegal or unconstitutional about the action, that's where the buck stops.

152

The Sanity Inspector Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:31:18pm

re: #113 SanFranciscoZionist

I think the extended hand keeps our sort of friends off balance, while the drones can speak loud and clear to our definite enemies.

Extended hand, clenched fist, guns, hmmm....

Youtube Video

153

Firstinla Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:31:20pm

Time to watch Minnesota stomp on the Bears. Have a great evening everyone.

154

Spare O'Lake Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:32:23pm

re: #140 SanFranciscoZionist

God forbid, but maybe, probably even.

Newsflash to the United States of America. We are in a life-and-death struggle here, even if the odds are overwhelmingly on our side.

There is no way to absolutely ensure that there will never be another successful terrorist strike on U.S. soil. None. It doesn't matter if we have Democrats or Republicans in the White House or Congress. It doesn't matter if we talk harshly or kindly to the Arab world. Everything we can do may not be enough, and some things we may not want to do for various reasons.

More American civilians will almost assuredly die in this conflict.

I'm not happy about this, but I've been living in close contact with Israel long enough to understand it. This is how it's gonna be. The only way out is through.

We need to get our respective acts together. We need to realize that we cannot refuse to let any swarthy men onto U.S. flights, and that we will have to spend more time dealing with airport security. We need to realize that we cannot pout and fire the head of Homeland Security every time the Dutch screw up. We need to stop whining already, and start thinking smart.

Newsflash to you:
Profiling is not a dirty word when applied to airport security. We are talking about allocating limited search and surveillance resources in a rational manner.

155

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:33:34pm

re: #133 Gus 802
No military force needed to stick a name on a no-fly list... just the intestinal fortitude to ignore the possibility that Keith Ellison or Ibrahim Hooper, say, might get upset.

156

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:35:08pm

re: #149 Bagua
I wonder why Lagos' airport was removed from the ' unsafe' list? It used to be posted as a ' don't go there' advisory in all the airports in the US.

157

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:37:34pm

re: #155 tradewind

No military force needed to stick a name on a no-fly list... just the intestinal fortitude to ignore the possibility that Keith Ellison or Ibrahim Hooper, say, might get upset.

That's an internal problem within the US government and it's systemic. That nothing was done after the father allegedly called the US Embassy in Nigeria and nothing was done. That was just 6 weeks ago and we all know how slow the Federal government works.

The current TIDE list includes 500,000 people. This one alleged warning fell through. What is the option then? Do we put all of those people on the no-fly list? What about new recruits into a Jihad? What prevents them from falling through the cracks of paper work.

I don't think the answer is in paper work. The answer lies with airport security in addition to the paper trail. They are all tools of the trade. However, given the fact that we can't keep track of everyone on Earth the best defense is at the gates of our airports.

158

Dark_Falcon Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:39:00pm

re: #153 Firstinla

Time to watch Minnesota stomp on the Bears. Have a great evening everyone.

I'm from Chicago, but I also hope the Vikings pound the Bears into the turf. I want the Bears to lose badly in order to intensify the demand that Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo (the Bears head coach and general manager, respectively) be fired.

159

tradewind Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:39:02pm

re: #148 Gus 802
Schipol security is as good as any in Europe. He was a through passenger and was not routinely required to be re-screened, but had he been on our TSA list, he would have been yanked before he re-boarded. With the device he used, profiling before boarding really was the only firewall....he would probably have escaped even a pat down. Those were some pretty flimsy boy panties.

160

What, me worry? Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:41:54pm

re: #140 SanFranciscoZionist

But here's my quibble. It's been 8 years since 9/11. I'm not saying that our airports should look like the year 2525, but we have the technology to keep ourselves safe (xrays) even if not in every hub, than at least in international airports. There are dogs. Dogs would have sniffed this guy out. What about good ole fashion smarts? Did the guy have a passport? I haven't figured that out yet. Is it true the UK had him on a no fly list and denied him a visa? His father complains to the US embassy and nothing happens?

If we do everything possible to thwart these attempts and they STILL happen, then I'll cut TSA et al some slack. Otherwise, no deal.

161

Gus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:44:26pm

re: #159 tradewind

Schipol security is as good as any in Europe. He was a through passenger and was not routinely required to be re-screened, but had he been on our TSA list, he would have been yanked before he re-boarded. With the device he used, profiling before boarding really was the only firewall...he would probably have escaped even a pat down. Those were some pretty flimsy boy panties.

The automated x-ray machine at Schiphol is voluntary. He probably wasn't even patted down. There are also explosive detecting machines that can be used and as previously discussed mechanical detectors and canine sniffers that could have been used.

He should have been prevented from entering the aircraft had the paper work been done correctly but he wasn't prevented. This has nothing to do with profiling since he was already a suspect since he was on the TIDE list.

In the future there will be someone who isn't on any list. Again, the best line of defense is at the airport and if at the time profiling is used as a tool that's perfectly acceptable -- until such time we have a fully automated array of detection devices.

162

sandbox Mon, Dec 28, 2009 5:58:47pm

re: #121 SanFranciscoZionist

I understand that Radical Islam is not a nation state, that it is a movement. Just because the US never declared war against a movement doesn't mean it can't be done. We have to start thinking out of the box.

163

zephirus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 6:08:24pm

re: #161 Gus 802

They would find a way around profiling - they would just find someone who doesn't look like a jihadist. We can go broke putting up more and more elaborate defenses such as your "fully automated array of detection devices", and even if there's no attack, they still win. And there are always trains, crowded restaurants, etc. etc. There is little that can be done against lunatics who are willing to blow themselves up. What will end terrorism? I don't know.

164

zephirus Mon, Dec 28, 2009 6:22:00pm

re: #53 marjoriemoon