Real Insecurity
My Democratic Colleagues Don't Shoot Straight.
March 29, 2006
This afternoon, congressional Democrats will, at long last, unveil their security "agenda," something they call "Real Security." Unfortunately, the culture of obstruction they have created on important m atters of national security demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of the nature of the war on terror, and the policies necessary to secure our country.
Recent political criticisms and attacks on the president and on the Republican leadership in the U.S. Senate are beyond the pale -- most notably when it comes from those who fought reauthorization of important measures that protect our country, such as the USA Patriot Act, and those who have criticized critical intelligence-gathering authorities. ...
Today Democrats will profess support for the following "policies": Eliminate Osama bin Laden; destroy al Qaeda; finish the job in Afghanistan; increase human-intelligence capabilities; eliminate terrorist breeding grounds; transition to full Iraqi sovereignty and promote stability in the region; increase investment in military manpower; implement the remaining 9/11 Commission recommendations; secure the nation's ports; and eliminate dependence on foreign sources of energy by encouraging the use of alternative fuel sources.
Sound familiar? It should. These are all efforts that the administration and Republican Congress have implemented, or that Democrats have delayed or otherwise blocked. A brief review demonstrates disturbing inconsistencies that refuse to be reconciled:
· Win the war on terror, yet fight to kill the Patriot Act ...
· Voice support for the troops, despite past calls for retreat ...
· Defeat the terrorists, but oppose legal surveillance ...
There are simply too many inconsistencies in their "agenda." No rebranding of image, policy makeover, or revisionist marketing ploys will secure our nation or protect our ports and borders. But t here is hope to b e found in the common sense of the American people and their ability to see today's announcement for what it is: a misguided election-year political attack that some in the Democrat caucus hope will draw attention away from a culture of obstructio n, and a lack of constructive, original ideas.
The Republican leadership in the Congress and the administration work daily to bolster homeland security and fortify our nation's defense. Those who would criticize these efforts should stop politicizing national security, stop listening to their political and media consultants, and start uniting behind our common defense.
That would be real security.
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