Cross posted at
The Next Agenda.
That's the question that Tony Snow just threw out as the "defining question" of the CT Senate race.
Obviously, in his view, Lieberman does. And that's good thing to him, because the Republicans have bet the farm on the war on terror.
"The war on terror is vital. Not only are the stakes high. But the rewards are high."
He just said that. I think it is true, but not in the way he means. <cough>Halliburton</cough>
But do the Republicans really believe it?
I don't think they do.
If I ran a country and believed I was fighting a life or death war against such sneaky foes, I would make sure that my borders were secure.
And they're not.
People are moving across the American border with fake documents all the time, five years after 911.
If I believed in the war on terror, I would be checking all the shipping I could to make sure no one was slipping something I didn't want into the country.
And they're not.
The vast majority of shipping loads are uninspected.
If I believed, I would be bending over backwards to kill my enemies' families and friends, but with kindness and not bombs.
And they're not.
The policy in Afghanistan to wipe out the poppy trade is not only failing to stop it, but wipes out families' livelihood without adequate recompense.
If I believed I would do everything I could to encourage the young of my enemies to choose life rather than death. I would stop sowing the dragon's teeth.
And they're not.
Siding with Israel's attempt to bomb Hezbollah out of existence at such a terrible cost to the Lebanese people and infrastructure, is breeding new hatred of the US all over the world.
If I believed, I would insist that now was not the time for frivolity and porkbarrelling. I would make sure all assets would go to where we needed the most protection, not where we needed the most votes.
And they're not.
Homeland Security decided that NYC didn't have sites that needed protecting, but rinkydink tourist traps in the middle of the country did.
Not only do I not believe in the war on terror, I don't believe there is a war on terror.
I believe the Republicans are committing to defeating democracy at home, to fighting it here so they don't have to fight it there.
They're throwing everything they're got into the fight in order to win.
But they're not.