Originally posted at TexasKaos.com
This is what happens when you have credibility: you are taken seriously.
I applaud the British intelligence agents who helped bust this attack and save American lives.
|
I'm proud that our own agents were able to work with the international community to save American lives and avert a devastating attack.
The details are still being released, but the accusations appear very credible.
This is enormously different from another terror plot "foiled" by the Bush administration here.
Many of us progressives (including myself) questioned the timing of the Miami Terror Cell arrests which occurred the same day as the story about Bush spying on our FINANCIAL records became public.
It wasn't just progressive bloggers questioning the story but also mainstream publications like CNN and MSNBC.
Whether or not you believe the Miami plot was genuine or political cover, ask yourself one question:
Why is the British story taken seriously and why did so MANY people question and even doubt Bush's Miami Seven arrests?
|
The key word here? Credible. [Update:]
Is the GOP & this Administration credible? Let's use the definition of credible to answer that:
Credible:1. Capable of being believed; plausible. See Synonyms at plausible.
2. Worthy of confidence; reliable.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you believe the Bush administration?
- Are they reliable?
- Have they earned your confidence?
Why were the reactions to the two plots so different?
Are we naive? Is our anger at Bush blinding us? Do we all really hate America?
No. After so many lies and misleading statements and failures to stand up and accept responsibility, the Bush administration has lost the trust of a large number (most if you believe polls) Americans.
Some of the numerous lies and ethical lapses by this administration:
Simply put, by lying or at worst basing major policies on bad evidence (um, like a WAR), the Bush administration has lost all credibility.
And that's dangerous because what will happen if there is a serious threat and we don't take them seriously?
Will people be seriously hurt or die because they didn't believe the Bush Administration?
Terrorism is real and very dangerous.
Without a doubt terrorists exist, many of them are Muslim extremists (because there are nutcases in every religion), and we need to take our security very seriously.
Some of us have not forgotten 9/11 or that the mastermind of the attack is still free and leading more attacks.
It is vital to our national and personal security that we have in charge leaders who can competently and honestly deal with terrorism.
After all that noise that Friday of the Miami Seven arrests, did anyone hear a peep about that major arrest again?
I'm not going to debate the Miami Seven plot again but I would like to compare some facts about these two plots because credibility has everything to do with facts.
| Miami Plot | UK Plot |
Stage of attack | Earliest Stages - Alberto Gonzales | Dry run in 2 days |
Al Qaeda Connection | Took an "Al Qaeda" oath - lead by FBI agent | This is not a case of wannabes fantasizing about an attack. We believe it was the real deal. To target multiple airlines with such a plan requires a sophistication that strongly points to al-Qaeda," |
Financing | Relied on undercover FBI agent for funds. Asked for $50,000 buy materials including fertilizers for bombs. Ringleader stated he was "self-employed" and made $30,000/yr. | Unknown but enough to finance and train 29 terrorists to carry out attacks on at least 10 American airliners (tickets, food, lodging, false passports, etc...). Each agent had bomb making components. |
Agencies involved | FBI, Justice Department, Bush Administration | British, American, French, Pakistanit, at least. |
Home of Plotters | Miami ghetto, Haiti - Family members of the young men denid the allegations on television. | Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh |
Media Frenzy | HUGE story on the day of the arrests as Bush, Gonzales, and several agents go into a frenzy regarding plot. By Monday, few press conferences held by Justice Department officials, etc... | TBD. |
These are just a few of the facts that differentiate the two plots. And you do not have to question the honesty of the Administration's actions to question their credibility.
After all, handling terrorism competently also determines your credibility.
I know I have my opinion on the reasons behind the Miami Seven arrests (which may differ from yours), but the main point is that many MANY Americans simply do not trust these guys - even to handle something as important as terrorism.
That is a profound fact there: Millions of Americans do not trust their government.
We need a government that we trust to handle our security seriously - one that will not manipulate it for political gain.
Today Bush is getting on tv congratulating himself for stopping this plot but it was not his credit to take (something he's habitually done). Grand Moff Texan discusses how this plot demonstrates once again the Bush administration's inability to fight terrorism competently.
This lack of credibility is not only harmful to the Administration ability to lead - but it is downright dangerous to the welfare of this nation and the lives of Americans.
America deserves a government it can trust.