Security and safety for Obama scares me. Is Secret Service management doing enough?

[conservdem]

I believe in the integrity and professionalism of our Secret Service. I have not doubt that all on the front line would gladly give their life to protect who they are assigned to protect. But still remain concerned for his safety when I see the headlines and photo on Drudge. PAPER: Police ordered to stop weapon screening at Obama's Dallas rally...

Crowd of 17,000 seemed 'friendly'...

UPDATE: Secret Service says secure...

WIRE: Many Blacks Worry About Obama's Safety...


(Yes I read Drudge regularly)

Is the management of the Secret Service acting properly? Can someone please allay my concerns?

[Nitrogenica]

1. Before 9/11 wasn't Bush's administration acting unconcerned about terrorists?

What about Bhutto? Was that a failure in security?

I have always felt, in fact, Republicans were always weak on the security of all of us, only strong on the security of those who agreed with them on every issue.

One form of security is wealth.

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. Insecurity for the most of us IS security for them. nt

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. Wish I could.

>>Is the management of the Secret Service acting properly? Can someone please allay my concerns?>>>

I worry about it also.

[PATRICK]

3. Some months ago

when Obama first started getting extra security it was worrisome because of the publicized reasoning that
sends out an unwanted public message at the same time- that Obama was more a target than the others. Being new to this both he and his wife disliked both that message and the the awkward confinements of security. Naturally, it got in the way during campaign rallies and appearances. Only very recently has it become certain that he is the leading contender now. At that point security SHOULD have shifted but the campaign is still very intense and in need of the same accessible campaign style- as unfortunately crowds and enthusiasm increase as well.

So along come the naturally queasy Dallas police and it is so bad they don't worry so much about the pertinent fact of ADVERTISING nationally that security is lax. So we have come full circle on this, but now security must be tightened to presidential nominee levels, no excuses. Given the interplay in responsibility and choice and awareness between the campaign and the security agencies(and the worries of outsiders) few outside have a really good picture. No doubt that murkily saying it was all OK and then quietly upping the level will reassure the concerned public not at all. There is no reason to get into the lose lose security decisions that afflicted RFK after the assassinations of his brother and MLK. If Obama is making the bad choices himself the agents should give him less choice in the matter now.

People attending these events could inform us how things are really going. Little else can be trusted to allay concerns considering how this has been handled in the media and elsewhere.

[blm]

5. His closest body man was Kerry's body man for years. Kerry's been a target for BFEE

operatives since he started uncovering IranContra, and especially BCCI and CIA drugrunning.

Marvin is as trustworthy as they come. If something is afoot with Secret Service he'll smell it out.

[conservdem]

6. Thanks. That makes me feel a little better.

I do not think the apparent shortcomings have been purposeful, but I hope that things will improve swiftly.

[conservdem]

7. kick