A great article from the middle of nowhere, Maine.
http://magic-city-news.com/article_1521.shtmlAttorney General John Ashcroft made a dramatic television appearance on Wednesday. He warned Americans that al Queda is planning an attack within our borders in the next few months, with a "specific intention to hit the United States hard." In his announcement, Mr. Ashcroft paused for emphasis before stressing the word "hard." (It was a very theatrical moment.)
Conveniently, the danger zone coincides with the precise time period leading up to the presidential election. Just as conveniently, national security remains (inexplicably) one of the last areas in which Mr. Bush leads Mr. Kerry in the polls.
To many, it seemed a transparent effort to deflect the attention of American voters from the Iraqi quagmire.
Was Ashcroft’s action politically motivated? "The administration did not raise the terrorist threat advisory from its current level…and the White House said Mr. Bush would not alter his schedule because of security concerns…Officials at the Department of Homeland Security said just a day before Mr. Ashcroft’s announcement that they had no new intelligence pointing to the threat of an attack…" (New York Times, 5/26/04)
When questioned about the timing of the announcement, Mr. Ashcroft explained, "We believe the public, like all of us, needs a reminder."
A reminder of what, exactly?
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