Tuesday, June 03, 2003

This is scary: President on security: Tough talk, soft funding By STEPHEN J. SCHULHOFER With the risk of a terrorist attack again at the dangerous ''orange'' level, Bush administration press releases assure us that homeland security remains the president's No. 1 priority. His actions, unfortunately, are dangerously at odds with his words. The Bush administration has won a reputation for toughness by claiming sweeping surveillance authority and broad emergency powers to detain citizens and foreign nationals without judicial approval. But when money is needed, homeland counter-terrorism priorities repeatedly take a back seat to the president's tax-cutting agenda. Last year, Congress appropriated millions to enhance airport security, FBI counter-terrorism technology and protection of the food and water supply. But in August, President Bush froze the bulk of these funds, stressing the need for ''fiscal restraint.'' Obviously, cutting taxes cuts revenue. You must read more.  Laura 6:34:17 PM    comment [] You have to read the whole thing to believe it. I'm shocked the Post published it, and I expect the hammer to fall: Bush Sticks to the Broad Strokes In Mideast Peace Push, President Wary of Details and Deep Intervention By Glenn Kessler Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, June 3, 2003; Page A01 President Bush, who today begins his first high-profile effort at Middle East peacemaking, is convinced that Israel must accept a Palestinian state to ensure its survival, according to current and former aides who have heard him discuss the subject. But they say he has shown little interest in the details of the complex disputes in the region and remains skeptical of intervening deeply in the negotiating process. Bush often has a viscerally negative reaction when officials try to delve deeply into issues -- such as the final borders of Israel and a Palestinian state, or the status of Jerusalem -- that are central to the conflict, according to people who have participated in discussions with the president. President Bill Clinton at the end of his term debated those questions at length with Israelis and Palestinians, but Bush dismisses them as "all those old issues," two participants in interagency debates said. My question is, if he doesn't know or care about the details 'cos they're icky, what's he there to talk about with the Arab leaders?  He's stopped long enough in each city to get a photo and a human interest story, then he's off to the next capital for the same.  Does he really believe what he's doing is foreign policy?  And another question begs:  If he's not concerned with the details, who is?  Who is analyzing the data and talking to experts and making policy?  And really, if the Post is now allowing some people to ask questions, what must the rest of the world be thinking?  Josh has a chart.  The thing is, Rove/Bush are staging this whole Grand Tour for Fox's benefit.  "Our Leader is taking Our Message to the world!"  Good thing Bush is not interested in the details or he might see the trail of hard feelings he's leaving in his wake.  I don't know if I'm ashamed, I was born in Texas, but I sure am embarrassed.  He may fool middle America, but he does not fool the rest of the world. Laura 6:16:53 PM    comment [] Here's a cool thing.  It lets you search your area for properties owned by Clear Channel.  Go ahead, try it.  See who you need to look out for in your neighborhood. Laura 5:30:44 PM    comment []

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