by Clio
First, The Bold Pursuit offers our condolences to those most affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001: the families, friends and associates of the victims. We also wish to pay tribute to the first responders who taught us the true meaning of heroism.
Nine years after that dreadful morning, the Cordoba Initiative, led by Chairman Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, plans to construct a $100 million, 13-story Islamic center, including a mosque. Chairman Imam Rauf is quoted as saying, "I wouldn't say that the United States deserved what happened [on September 11th], but the United States policies were an accessory to the crime that happened.”
Showing posts with label september 11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label september 11. Show all posts
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Seven Minutes or 58 Days -- Contrasts in Presidential Leadership
by Clio
September 11, 2001: President George W. Bush waited seven minutes before excusing himself from a classroom full of school children – and the liberal media excoriated him for not rushing out of the room to take command of the crisis.
58 Days after the oil rig explosion, Mr. Obama, in the wake of public criticism, reluctantly meets with BP’s Chief Executive Officer… for 20 minutes.
9:05am, September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush was in Sarasota, Florida at the Emma Booker Elementary School visiting a class of second graders when Andrew Card, the White House Chief of Staff, approached the president and whispered in his ear that a second plane struck one of the World Trade Center Towers (he was informed by Card that a plane had crashed into one of the towers at 9:00am, but, at that time, no one knew whether it was an intentional act or an accident).
The media covered the visit to the grade school and the nation watched as the president, sitting in a chair next to a podium, absorbed the reality of Card’s news and waited for an appropriate moment to leave without alarming the children. His visage is grave. Still and stoic, he sat for seven minutes …
Seven minutes…
9:30am, the President meets with his National Security Advisor, Condoleezza Rice.
9:57am, per pre-existing Secret Service protocol, the President boarded Air Force One, en route to Barksdale Air Force base in Louisiana. Vice President Dick Cheney puts America’s military on high alert. An hour later, he speaks with Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld and New York Senator Charles Schumer.
1:04pm, three hours and fifty-nine minutes after learning of the second plane crash, President Bush placed our military on world-wide high alert status and asserts: "Make no mistake: The United States will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts."
1:14pm, the President telephones New York’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani and Governor George Pataki and assures them "I know your heart is broken and your city is strained and anything we can do, let me know."
During the next few hours, the President has a number of telephone conversations and conferences with his national security staff, the vice president and administration staff while en route to Washington, D.C.
8:30pm, 12 and half hours after the first attack, President George W. Bush addressed the nation. He told us what happened, what was learned within the past 12 and a half hours and the actions taken within this time frame:
Twenty-six days after the terrorist attacks, October 7, 2001, President Bush addressed the nation and announced that military strikes were underway in Afghanistan against the Taliban, identified as linked to and headquarters for Al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the September 11th attacks. Below are excerpts from the president’s speech:
On April 20, 2010, an explosion occurred on an oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, in the Gulf of Mexico. The rig, owned by Transocean Ltd. and operated by BP, collapsed, killing 11 people and spewing over 42,000 gallons of oil into the Gulf. The flow of oil continues at approximately that rate each day since the explosion. (Some experts disagree on the amount of oil gushing into the Gulf – most estimates are much higher than 42,000 gallons per day.)
April 22, two days later, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is questioned about the explosion by the press aboard Air Force One…"Has [the president] reached out to anyone in Louisiana over the oil rig explosion?" Gibbs responded, "Let me check on that. I don't believe so . . .
April 26, six days after the explosion of the rig, Mr. Obama tasked Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar with investigating the cause of the accident and proposing new regulations within 30 days.
April 28, Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton said, "The president is very closely monitoring the situation . . .
April 30, Obama placed a moratorium on permits for new offshore drilling sites until after the BP spill investigation is concluded.
May 3, thirteen days after the explosion and spill, the media asks White House press secretary Robert Gibbs if Mr. Obama has spoken to BP. His answer: "I don't believe the president has spoken with anybody at BP.”
May 11, twenty-one days later: Mr. Gibbs said, "I would say the president is deeply frustrated that we have not plugged this leak. Secretary [of Energy Steven] Chu is heading to the area to work with the response team to make sure that we have some of the best and brightest minds down there trying to think through next steps for doing so."
May 22, twenty-two days after the event, with over 40,000 gallons of oil continuing to befoul the Gulf waters each day, the president announced the creation of a national commission, led by former Sen. Bob Graham and former EPA Administrator William K. Reilly, to investigate the government's response to the spill.
May 28, Mr. Obama makes a second trip to the Gulf.
June 8, Mr. Obama appears on NBC’s “Today,” and tells host Matt Lauer, "I don't sit around just talking to experts because this is a college seminar, we talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers - so I know whose ass to kick."
(Thuggish language from the inhabitant of the Oval Office – did you cringe upon hearing this lame attempt at taking a strong position on the issue?)
What else was on Mr. Obama’s agenda during this crisis?
April 20: attended fundraiser for Senator Barbara Boxer, California
April 22, hosts Rose Garden reception to honor Earth Day
April 23, vacations in Asheville, NC: has lunch, hike and a round of golf
April 24, golf, dinner at the Biltmore
April 25, brunch at Grove Park Resort
April 26, hosts NY Yankees at White House reception
April 28, visits Iowa for pie
April 29, attends DNC fundraiser at private residence
May 1, joins Jay Leno for comedy routine at WHCD
May 2, visits Louisiana -- first trip
May 3, hosts Navy football team
May 4, private lunch with Nobel Laureate, Elie Wiesel
May 5, Cinco de Mayo party at White House
May 8, more golf at Fort Belvoir
May 9, commencement speech Hampton University
May 11, golf with the vice president
May 12, private reception for President Karzai
May 13, flies to Buffalo for Duff's hot wings
May 14, makes a speech in the Rose Garden regarding the oil spill
May 15, golf, May 16, golf
May 17, hosts University of Connecticut Women's basketball team
May 18, tours factory in Ohio
May 19, hosts state dinner
May 20, meets with rock star/activist, Bono
May 21, visits Pittsburgh Steelers
... golf, golf, party, fundraiser, golf, hosts party, golf, weekend vacation, golf, basketball, barbecue, skips Arlington wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington, hosts part for Paul McCartney at the White House.
June 1, day 43 after leak begins, Mr. Obama meets with Bob Graham regarding the oil spill … more parties, events, golf, fundraisers
June 16, Mr. Obama finally meets with BP Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward for 20 minutes. Mr. Obama obtains a compensation guarantee of 20 billion dollars, placed in an escrow account.
58 Days … later.
In fairness, all presidents have long days of meetings, special events (including meeting sports teams and rock stars), bestowing awards and visiting various private and public affairs.
Nevertheless, when a disaster strikes and the country suffers, it is incumbent on the nation’s leader to prioritize his agenda, attend to his people, ensure that his administration meets with state or local leaders, coordinates efforts with federal agencies, as well as offer aid and comfort to those in distress.
Contrasts in Leadership: Action and Accountability
President Bush’s actions in response to the September 11th attacks are measured in minutes, hours and days. Within three weeks of the terrorist acts, military strikes began in Afghanistan where the terrorist group was based.
Barack Obama compared the BP oil leak to the Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (perhaps a more apt comparison is with Hurricane Katrina in 2005 – see note below).
There is no doubt that the BP oil spill is a disaster of undetermined magnitude, with over 7 million barrels of oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico thus far and endangering its ecosystem including Bluefin tuna, brown pelicans, shrimp, dolphins, sea turtles and plankton.
The Gulf region’s economic outlook is precarious: per the National Ocean Economics Program, approximately $1 billion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is attributed to fishing; $13 billion in tourism and $11 billion in oil. Furthermore, this region yields about 20 percent of America’s oyster production and 75 percent of the domestic shrimp output. As the oil sullies the waters and beaches, the effect on tourism for both Louisiana and Florida, may be catastrophic.
The reality in the Gulf is indisputable; this is an extraordinary ecological and economic disaster that demands immediate and effective efforts. The White House has failed to meet the challenge. It appears that its attempts to manage the situation are a consequence of public and media disapproval.
Real leadership requires immediate, decisive action in response to calamitous events. As president, reassuring constituents that you are in charge, concerned and responding appropriately is a vital element of the job.
Clearly, the timelines shown above highlight a sharp contrast in leadership styles (or lack thereof) between Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama.
America needs a leader who will arrange his priorities according to their significance: pushing fair work compensation for illegal aliens; summoning a general, in the midst of prosecuting a war, to the White House to account for unflattering statements made to Rolling Stone magazine or summoning all assets and experts to a devastating domestic disaster, already in progress.
Recent reports indicate that the situation may have repercussions that span beyond the noted and predicted effects on the Gulf coast area. Scientists are evaluating scenarios, but only time will tell if this oil spill ranks as one of the worst natural disasters in American history.
Time will also tell if the current president failed to act promptly and effectively on behalf of his country, perhaps Mr. Obama’s greatest “ego”-logical disaster.
One more note about presidential timelines: General Stanley McChrystal, in August 2009, asked Mr. Obama for the deployment of 40,000 additional troops (some reports indicate that the number was as high as 80,000) to Afghanistan. Mr. Obama launched a three-month review: December 2009, the Commander-in-Chief finally decided to send 30,000 troops.
Approximately, 116 troops died in Afghanistan between August and December, while Mr. Obama “dithered,” and delayed his response to General McChyrstal’s request for soldiers.
Note:
Hurricane Katrina
President Bush was soundly criticized for his lack of action as Hurricane Katrina approached the Louisiana coastline. While some of the criticism may have been warranted, it should be noted that on Saturday, Aug 27, 2005 – two days prior to Katrina’s landfall, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco asked President Bush to declare a State of Emergency for the state of Louisiana due to Hurricane Katrina Bush complied, authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA "to coordinate all disaster relief efforts…" and freeing up federal money for the state.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
September 11, 2001: President George W. Bush waited seven minutes before excusing himself from a classroom full of school children – and the liberal media excoriated him for not rushing out of the room to take command of the crisis.
58 Days after the oil rig explosion, Mr. Obama, in the wake of public criticism, reluctantly meets with BP’s Chief Executive Officer… for 20 minutes.
9:05am, September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush was in Sarasota, Florida at the Emma Booker Elementary School visiting a class of second graders when Andrew Card, the White House Chief of Staff, approached the president and whispered in his ear that a second plane struck one of the World Trade Center Towers (he was informed by Card that a plane had crashed into one of the towers at 9:00am, but, at that time, no one knew whether it was an intentional act or an accident).
The media covered the visit to the grade school and the nation watched as the president, sitting in a chair next to a podium, absorbed the reality of Card’s news and waited for an appropriate moment to leave without alarming the children. His visage is grave. Still and stoic, he sat for seven minutes …
Seven minutes…
9:30am, the President meets with his National Security Advisor, Condoleezza Rice.
9:57am, per pre-existing Secret Service protocol, the President boarded Air Force One, en route to Barksdale Air Force base in Louisiana. Vice President Dick Cheney puts America’s military on high alert. An hour later, he speaks with Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld and New York Senator Charles Schumer.
1:04pm, three hours and fifty-nine minutes after learning of the second plane crash, President Bush placed our military on world-wide high alert status and asserts: "Make no mistake: The United States will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts."
1:14pm, the President telephones New York’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani and Governor George Pataki and assures them "I know your heart is broken and your city is strained and anything we can do, let me know."
During the next few hours, the President has a number of telephone conversations and conferences with his national security staff, the vice president and administration staff while en route to Washington, D.C.
8:30pm, 12 and half hours after the first attack, President George W. Bush addressed the nation. He told us what happened, what was learned within the past 12 and a half hours and the actions taken within this time frame:
“Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks...”
“The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice…”
Twenty-six days after the terrorist attacks, October 7, 2001, President Bush addressed the nation and announced that military strikes were underway in Afghanistan against the Taliban, identified as linked to and headquarters for Al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the September 11th attacks. Below are excerpts from the president’s speech:
"More than two weeks ago, I gave Taliban leaders a series of clear and specific demands: Close terrorist training camps. Hand over leaders of the Al Qaeda network. And return all foreign nationals, including American citizens, unjustly detained in their country…”Oil Rig Explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, April 20, 2010
"None of these demands was met. And now, the Taliban will pay a price.
The president closed his speech with the following statement:
"The battle is now joined on many fronts. We will not waiver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.
"Thank you. May God continue to bless America."
On April 20, 2010, an explosion occurred on an oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, in the Gulf of Mexico. The rig, owned by Transocean Ltd. and operated by BP, collapsed, killing 11 people and spewing over 42,000 gallons of oil into the Gulf. The flow of oil continues at approximately that rate each day since the explosion. (Some experts disagree on the amount of oil gushing into the Gulf – most estimates are much higher than 42,000 gallons per day.)
April 22, two days later, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is questioned about the explosion by the press aboard Air Force One…"Has [the president] reached out to anyone in Louisiana over the oil rig explosion?" Gibbs responded, "Let me check on that. I don't believe so . . .
April 26, six days after the explosion of the rig, Mr. Obama tasked Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar with investigating the cause of the accident and proposing new regulations within 30 days.
April 28, Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton said, "The president is very closely monitoring the situation . . .
April 30, Obama placed a moratorium on permits for new offshore drilling sites until after the BP spill investigation is concluded.
May 3, thirteen days after the explosion and spill, the media asks White House press secretary Robert Gibbs if Mr. Obama has spoken to BP. His answer: "I don't believe the president has spoken with anybody at BP.”
May 11, twenty-one days later: Mr. Gibbs said, "I would say the president is deeply frustrated that we have not plugged this leak. Secretary [of Energy Steven] Chu is heading to the area to work with the response team to make sure that we have some of the best and brightest minds down there trying to think through next steps for doing so."
May 22, twenty-two days after the event, with over 40,000 gallons of oil continuing to befoul the Gulf waters each day, the president announced the creation of a national commission, led by former Sen. Bob Graham and former EPA Administrator William K. Reilly, to investigate the government's response to the spill.
May 28, Mr. Obama makes a second trip to the Gulf.
June 8, Mr. Obama appears on NBC’s “Today,” and tells host Matt Lauer, "I don't sit around just talking to experts because this is a college seminar, we talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers - so I know whose ass to kick."
(Thuggish language from the inhabitant of the Oval Office – did you cringe upon hearing this lame attempt at taking a strong position on the issue?)
What else was on Mr. Obama’s agenda during this crisis?
April 20: attended fundraiser for Senator Barbara Boxer, California
April 22, hosts Rose Garden reception to honor Earth Day
April 23, vacations in Asheville, NC: has lunch, hike and a round of golf
April 24, golf, dinner at the Biltmore
April 25, brunch at Grove Park Resort
April 26, hosts NY Yankees at White House reception
April 28, visits Iowa for pie
April 29, attends DNC fundraiser at private residence
May 1, joins Jay Leno for comedy routine at WHCD
May 2, visits Louisiana -- first trip
May 3, hosts Navy football team
May 4, private lunch with Nobel Laureate, Elie Wiesel
May 5, Cinco de Mayo party at White House
May 8, more golf at Fort Belvoir
May 9, commencement speech Hampton University
May 11, golf with the vice president
May 12, private reception for President Karzai
May 13, flies to Buffalo for Duff's hot wings
May 14, makes a speech in the Rose Garden regarding the oil spill
May 15, golf, May 16, golf
May 17, hosts University of Connecticut Women's basketball team
May 18, tours factory in Ohio
May 19, hosts state dinner
May 20, meets with rock star/activist, Bono
May 21, visits Pittsburgh Steelers
... golf, golf, party, fundraiser, golf, hosts party, golf, weekend vacation, golf, basketball, barbecue, skips Arlington wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington, hosts part for Paul McCartney at the White House.
June 1, day 43 after leak begins, Mr. Obama meets with Bob Graham regarding the oil spill … more parties, events, golf, fundraisers
June 16, Mr. Obama finally meets with BP Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward for 20 minutes. Mr. Obama obtains a compensation guarantee of 20 billion dollars, placed in an escrow account.
58 Days … later.
In fairness, all presidents have long days of meetings, special events (including meeting sports teams and rock stars), bestowing awards and visiting various private and public affairs.
Nevertheless, when a disaster strikes and the country suffers, it is incumbent on the nation’s leader to prioritize his agenda, attend to his people, ensure that his administration meets with state or local leaders, coordinates efforts with federal agencies, as well as offer aid and comfort to those in distress.
Contrasts in Leadership: Action and Accountability
President Bush’s actions in response to the September 11th attacks are measured in minutes, hours and days. Within three weeks of the terrorist acts, military strikes began in Afghanistan where the terrorist group was based.
Barack Obama compared the BP oil leak to the Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (perhaps a more apt comparison is with Hurricane Katrina in 2005 – see note below).
There is no doubt that the BP oil spill is a disaster of undetermined magnitude, with over 7 million barrels of oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico thus far and endangering its ecosystem including Bluefin tuna, brown pelicans, shrimp, dolphins, sea turtles and plankton.
The Gulf region’s economic outlook is precarious: per the National Ocean Economics Program, approximately $1 billion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is attributed to fishing; $13 billion in tourism and $11 billion in oil. Furthermore, this region yields about 20 percent of America’s oyster production and 75 percent of the domestic shrimp output. As the oil sullies the waters and beaches, the effect on tourism for both Louisiana and Florida, may be catastrophic.
The reality in the Gulf is indisputable; this is an extraordinary ecological and economic disaster that demands immediate and effective efforts. The White House has failed to meet the challenge. It appears that its attempts to manage the situation are a consequence of public and media disapproval.
Real leadership requires immediate, decisive action in response to calamitous events. As president, reassuring constituents that you are in charge, concerned and responding appropriately is a vital element of the job.
Clearly, the timelines shown above highlight a sharp contrast in leadership styles (or lack thereof) between Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama.
America needs a leader who will arrange his priorities according to their significance: pushing fair work compensation for illegal aliens; summoning a general, in the midst of prosecuting a war, to the White House to account for unflattering statements made to Rolling Stone magazine or summoning all assets and experts to a devastating domestic disaster, already in progress.
Recent reports indicate that the situation may have repercussions that span beyond the noted and predicted effects on the Gulf coast area. Scientists are evaluating scenarios, but only time will tell if this oil spill ranks as one of the worst natural disasters in American history.
Time will also tell if the current president failed to act promptly and effectively on behalf of his country, perhaps Mr. Obama’s greatest “ego”-logical disaster.
One more note about presidential timelines: General Stanley McChrystal, in August 2009, asked Mr. Obama for the deployment of 40,000 additional troops (some reports indicate that the number was as high as 80,000) to Afghanistan. Mr. Obama launched a three-month review: December 2009, the Commander-in-Chief finally decided to send 30,000 troops.
Approximately, 116 troops died in Afghanistan between August and December, while Mr. Obama “dithered,” and delayed his response to General McChyrstal’s request for soldiers.
Note:
Hurricane Katrina
President Bush was soundly criticized for his lack of action as Hurricane Katrina approached the Louisiana coastline. While some of the criticism may have been warranted, it should be noted that on Saturday, Aug 27, 2005 – two days prior to Katrina’s landfall, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco asked President Bush to declare a State of Emergency for the state of Louisiana due to Hurricane Katrina Bush complied, authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA "to coordinate all disaster relief efforts…" and freeing up federal money for the state.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Obama: AWOL at Arlington on Memorial Day
by Clio
For the first time since 1992, the American president is delegating the wreath-laying service at Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day; Mr. Obama is jetting to Chicago aboard Air Force One to enjoy the three-day weekend with his family, leaving the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to Vice President Joe Biden.
In 2002, President George W. Bush attended a solemn ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer; 9387 American soldiers are buried in this cemetery near Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first town in France to be liberated by American troops during the World War II D-Day Invasion, June 6, 1944. Many remember watching the televised ceremonies and President Bush's moving tribute these fallen heroes.
Fortunately, the men and women who serve in uniform can take comfort knowing that the current president’s priorities are in order: he will return to the White House on June 2nd, just in time to present Sir Paul McCartney with the Gershwin Prize, a lifetime achievement award for contributions to pop music.
This marks the first time since 1992 that a U.S. President has delegated honoring those who died in service to our nation. During his 1992 presidential campaign, former President George H.W. Bush, a decorated military war hero, observed the holiday in Maine while his vice president, Dan Quayle (who served in the Illinois National Guard), attended to the ceremony in his stead.
The mainstream media remains Mr. Obama’s friend and marketing division by defending his decision to skip the wreath-laying on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier next Monday:
“So what the hell do these conservatives want out of Obama? And does it matter if Obama throws some leaves on a tomb?” David Corn, www.politicsdaily.com
Let’s take a moment to assess Mr. Obama and his relationship with the military and his concern for the security of our country:
Mr. Obama has not served in the military.
Mr. Obama finds the phrase “war on terror” distasteful, preferring “overseas contingency operation.” Terrorism is now “man-caused disasters.”
Mr. Obama doesn’t condone using terms like “radical Islam,” nor does he approve of the term “enemy combatant.” The Obama administration prefers: "individuals who provide substantial support to al-Qaida forces in other parts of the world may properly be deemed part of al-Qaida itself ...”
Mr. Obama’s Attorney General, Eric Holder, wants to give “individuals who provide substantial support to al-Qaida …” civilian trials in New York City (the scene of the most heinous attack on American soil, September 11, 2001) instead of military tribunals despite strong objections from the American people, including many of the families of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Recently, three Navy Seals were charged with abusing Ahmed Hashim Abed who claimed that Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe punched him in the stomach. Also charged, Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Keefe with dereliction of duty based on allegations that they failed to safeguard the prisoner.
According to USNavySeals.com, an unofficial blog; “In addition to being accused of masterminding the killing of four Blackwater contractors and dragging their charred bodies in the streets before hanging them [from] a bridge over the Euphrates, [Abed] is also said to have committed a series of killings – beheadings included – as an Al Qaeda operative in western Anbar province. He is also said to be responsible for recruitment, weapons trafficking, ambushes and attacks using improvised explosive devices…”
Three American heroes were arrested, charged and tried because a terrorist claimed that one punched him in the stomach; all three Navy Seals were found not guilty.
On November 5, 2009, another “man-caused disaster” occurred at Fort Hood; Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan murdered 13 people and wounded 29 others in the first act of terrorism on American soil since September 11, 2001.
Mr. Obama was slow to issue a statement regarding the attack, eventually noting the attack during a brief press conference before moving on to promote his health care agenda.
Mr. Obama called the attack a “tragedy,” not terrorism.
The administration and military failed to note or act on information about Major Hasan, a Muslim born in Virginia to Jordanian immigrants.
Since the attack on Ft. Hood, we’ve learned the FBI and Major Hasan’s superiors were aware of Major Hasan’s extremist views at least six months prior to the attack. Major Hasan was monitored by intelligence services because he exchanged e-mails, asking for guidance regarding violence, with radical Imam Anwar al-Awlaki.
U.S. Major Hasan’s business cards identified him as a “Soldier of Islam.”
Hasan was “on the radar” of his associates, superiors and officials, yet they failed to act due to concerns about “…hearings and potential legal conflict.” Fox News
When one takes all of the above into consideration, it is obvious that the current administration is reluctant to identify radical Islamic terrorists and their hostile agenda for America, yet comfortable showing a lack of respect and support for those who serve in uniform.
After a year and a half of apologizing to the world for his perceptions of America’s transgressions and bowing to foreign kings, Mr. Obama continues to show his true colors … and they are not Red, White and Blue.
This Memorial Day, The Bold Pursuit honors the men and women who serve in uniform and pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our freedom and democracy. Below is The Sentinels Creed of the Tomb Guards at Arlington National Cemetery:
After reading The Sentinels Creed, it’s easy to understand why so many Americans are displeased with Mr. Obama’s decision to take a personal vacation instead of paying tribute to those who served our nation.
TombGuard.Org:
“The Sentinel's Creed are the 99 words we live by. The words bring vast emotions to the surface when spoken by a Sentinel. We tend to stand a little taller, back a little straighter and our head just a little higher. These words capture the true meaning of why we are Tomb Guards. When ever a Tomb Guard salutes a commissioned officer, they always say in a loud voice:
For the first time since 1992, the American president is delegating the wreath-laying service at Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day; Mr. Obama is jetting to Chicago aboard Air Force One to enjoy the three-day weekend with his family, leaving the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to Vice President Joe Biden.
In 2002, President George W. Bush attended a solemn ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer; 9387 American soldiers are buried in this cemetery near Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first town in France to be liberated by American troops during the World War II D-Day Invasion, June 6, 1944. Many remember watching the televised ceremonies and President Bush's moving tribute these fallen heroes.
Fortunately, the men and women who serve in uniform can take comfort knowing that the current president’s priorities are in order: he will return to the White House on June 2nd, just in time to present Sir Paul McCartney with the Gershwin Prize, a lifetime achievement award for contributions to pop music.
This marks the first time since 1992 that a U.S. President has delegated honoring those who died in service to our nation. During his 1992 presidential campaign, former President George H.W. Bush, a decorated military war hero, observed the holiday in Maine while his vice president, Dan Quayle (who served in the Illinois National Guard), attended to the ceremony in his stead.
The mainstream media remains Mr. Obama’s friend and marketing division by defending his decision to skip the wreath-laying on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier next Monday:
“So what the hell do these conservatives want out of Obama? And does it matter if Obama throws some leaves on a tomb?” David Corn, www.politicsdaily.com
Let’s take a moment to assess Mr. Obama and his relationship with the military and his concern for the security of our country:
Mr. Obama has not served in the military.
Mr. Obama finds the phrase “war on terror” distasteful, preferring “overseas contingency operation.” Terrorism is now “man-caused disasters.”
Mr. Obama doesn’t condone using terms like “radical Islam,” nor does he approve of the term “enemy combatant.” The Obama administration prefers: "individuals who provide substantial support to al-Qaida forces in other parts of the world may properly be deemed part of al-Qaida itself ...”
Mr. Obama’s Attorney General, Eric Holder, wants to give “individuals who provide substantial support to al-Qaida …” civilian trials in New York City (the scene of the most heinous attack on American soil, September 11, 2001) instead of military tribunals despite strong objections from the American people, including many of the families of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Recently, three Navy Seals were charged with abusing Ahmed Hashim Abed who claimed that Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew McCabe punched him in the stomach. Also charged, Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas and Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Keefe with dereliction of duty based on allegations that they failed to safeguard the prisoner.
According to USNavySeals.com, an unofficial blog; “In addition to being accused of masterminding the killing of four Blackwater contractors and dragging their charred bodies in the streets before hanging them [from] a bridge over the Euphrates, [Abed] is also said to have committed a series of killings – beheadings included – as an Al Qaeda operative in western Anbar province. He is also said to be responsible for recruitment, weapons trafficking, ambushes and attacks using improvised explosive devices…”
Three American heroes were arrested, charged and tried because a terrorist claimed that one punched him in the stomach; all three Navy Seals were found not guilty.
On November 5, 2009, another “man-caused disaster” occurred at Fort Hood; Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan murdered 13 people and wounded 29 others in the first act of terrorism on American soil since September 11, 2001.
Mr. Obama was slow to issue a statement regarding the attack, eventually noting the attack during a brief press conference before moving on to promote his health care agenda.
Mr. Obama called the attack a “tragedy,” not terrorism.
The administration and military failed to note or act on information about Major Hasan, a Muslim born in Virginia to Jordanian immigrants.
Since the attack on Ft. Hood, we’ve learned the FBI and Major Hasan’s superiors were aware of Major Hasan’s extremist views at least six months prior to the attack. Major Hasan was monitored by intelligence services because he exchanged e-mails, asking for guidance regarding violence, with radical Imam Anwar al-Awlaki.
U.S. Major Hasan’s business cards identified him as a “Soldier of Islam.”
Hasan was “on the radar” of his associates, superiors and officials, yet they failed to act due to concerns about “…hearings and potential legal conflict.” Fox News
When one takes all of the above into consideration, it is obvious that the current administration is reluctant to identify radical Islamic terrorists and their hostile agenda for America, yet comfortable showing a lack of respect and support for those who serve in uniform.
After a year and a half of apologizing to the world for his perceptions of America’s transgressions and bowing to foreign kings, Mr. Obama continues to show his true colors … and they are not Red, White and Blue.
This Memorial Day, The Bold Pursuit honors the men and women who serve in uniform and pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our freedom and democracy. Below is The Sentinels Creed of the Tomb Guards at Arlington National Cemetery:
The Sentinels Creed
My dedication to this sacred duty
is total and whole-hearted.
In the responsibility bestowed on me
never will I falter.
And with dignity and perseverance
my standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise
and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence
to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect,
his bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day,
alone in the thoughtful peace of night,
this soldier will in honored glory rest
under my eternal vigilance.
After reading The Sentinels Creed, it’s easy to understand why so many Americans are displeased with Mr. Obama’s decision to take a personal vacation instead of paying tribute to those who served our nation.
TombGuard.Org:
“The Sentinel's Creed are the 99 words we live by. The words bring vast emotions to the surface when spoken by a Sentinel. We tend to stand a little taller, back a little straighter and our head just a little higher. These words capture the true meaning of why we are Tomb Guards. When ever a Tomb Guard salutes a commissioned officer, they always say in a loud voice:
"Line Six, Sir!"
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Friday, September 11, 2009
An Inconceivable Violation...
by Clio
On September 11, 2001, I awakened late in the morning to another sunny day in Calabasas. Sunlight seeped through the slats of my bedroom blinds as I put on my robe and stumbled into the kitchen to make my morning cup of tea.
I didn’t rush or worry about getting to the office on time; I was recently unemployed. My company, a subsidiary of large privately-held publishing group, laid off its entire staff a few days earlier – the result of a depressed economy.
The light on my answering machine blinked, but I ignored it – probably another call to a company that used to have my phone number or a telemarketer.
After retrieving the newspaper, I closed my front door with one hand and pressed the play button on the answering machine with the other. I froze as I heard my mother’s voice, urging me to stay calm, that she and my Dad were okay and to not be afraid… end of message. My parents live in Portland, Oregon, so many thoughts raced through my mind: St. Helens erupted again, their house was on fire or there was a car accident.
I remember thinking that if it was St. Helens, it would probably be on the news, so I looked for the television remote while punching in my mother’s phone number: busy. I dropped the phone and turned on the TV.
Sights and sounds exploded before my eyes on CNN; my knees weakened and I crumbled to the carpet. With shaking hands holding the remote, I surfed the cable news channels, only to see the same visions of panic and pain. News anchors reported assaults on the Pentagon and New York and planes crashing in Pennsylvania, it was clear: America was under attack.
I watched terrified people running, covered in gray dust; my television screen filled with images of flames and buildings collapsing, creating tsunamis of dust and debris. I didn’t know that the pandemonium and horror in front of my eyes took place three hours earlier – everything seemed immediate and confusing.
I tried to reconcile my mother’s voice mail message with the television footage, the barrage of reporters’ words and alarming sights … bombs, the Pentagon, fires … Initially, I thought our country was the target of an invasion (based on my mother’s reassurances from Portland) and tried to think of who would have the audacity to launch an attack on America?
Eventually, news reports put the words and pictures into context: there were terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon, as well as another plane crash, its mission unfulfilled due to a courageous coup by the hijacked passengers, into a vacant field in Pennsylvania.
Professionally, I’ve been a publicist, business development executive and, now, a media consultant and writer. That morning, as I watched jet-fueled planes, filled with innocent civilians, deliberately driven into the Twin Towers, the only words I could verbalize were “oh, my God, oh my God” – literally, a plea or a prayer, but not a phrase I used frivolously or with disrespect.
Unable to move from my spot on the floor, I sat and watched the reports for hours; silent tears streamed from my eyes. I was numb with the horror of what my brain told me was inconceivable.
In the hours and days that followed, the true culprits were revealed: a terrorist group, Al-Qaeda.
2,975 innocent lives were lost on September 11, 2001 (I won’t add the deaths of the 19 terrorists to that toll; they don’t deserve, in my opinion, to be counted among their victims).
The terrorists rejoiced at their success, but I knew they had made a huge mistake. The fiends who planned and carried out their heinous attacks seriously underestimated or misunderstood America. There would be retribution for their lethal schemes and it would be swift and decisive.
While examining the rubble and remains of the Twin Towers in New York City, President George Bush draped his arm around a fireman, and, with megaphone in hand, addressed hundreds of workers and rescuers at the scene. A shout from the crowd; someone couldn’t hear the President’s words:
“I can hear you. I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!”
- President George W. Bush, September 14, 2001
He kept his word. On October 7, 2001, a strong and effective military strike, Operation Enduring Freedom, was successfully mounted against the terrorists and their supporters in Afghanistan.
“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend – even a friend whose name it never knew. “
- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001
Eight years after the attacks, I can still recall every emotion I felt that morning, as well as the intensity of the anger and grief that permeated every waking moment. I remember the sight American flags flying from every house, apartment or car – even billboards. It was hard to find an American who wasn’t a patriot – an angry, indignant and injured patriot.
My personal belief system encourages me to forgive and forget, but September 11th is my personal exception. I will never forget and I pray that Americans and the rest of the world will never forget what happened on that day. Sadly, we must continue to keep these memories alive, to remember the fallen – the victims and the heroes. We must remember for the safety of our country, for the protection of our freedom and way of life.
It is vital that we remember every minute of that day, from the moment we first glimpsed those visions of horror on television, as well as the sadness, anger and resolve for retribution that we, as a nation, felt in the days and weeks ahead. We must remember, so we can make sure it doesn't happen again.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
On September 11, 2001, I awakened late in the morning to another sunny day in Calabasas. Sunlight seeped through the slats of my bedroom blinds as I put on my robe and stumbled into the kitchen to make my morning cup of tea.
I didn’t rush or worry about getting to the office on time; I was recently unemployed. My company, a subsidiary of large privately-held publishing group, laid off its entire staff a few days earlier – the result of a depressed economy.
The light on my answering machine blinked, but I ignored it – probably another call to a company that used to have my phone number or a telemarketer.
After retrieving the newspaper, I closed my front door with one hand and pressed the play button on the answering machine with the other. I froze as I heard my mother’s voice, urging me to stay calm, that she and my Dad were okay and to not be afraid… end of message. My parents live in Portland, Oregon, so many thoughts raced through my mind: St. Helens erupted again, their house was on fire or there was a car accident.
I remember thinking that if it was St. Helens, it would probably be on the news, so I looked for the television remote while punching in my mother’s phone number: busy. I dropped the phone and turned on the TV.
Sights and sounds exploded before my eyes on CNN; my knees weakened and I crumbled to the carpet. With shaking hands holding the remote, I surfed the cable news channels, only to see the same visions of panic and pain. News anchors reported assaults on the Pentagon and New York and planes crashing in Pennsylvania, it was clear: America was under attack.
I watched terrified people running, covered in gray dust; my television screen filled with images of flames and buildings collapsing, creating tsunamis of dust and debris. I didn’t know that the pandemonium and horror in front of my eyes took place three hours earlier – everything seemed immediate and confusing.
I tried to reconcile my mother’s voice mail message with the television footage, the barrage of reporters’ words and alarming sights … bombs, the Pentagon, fires … Initially, I thought our country was the target of an invasion (based on my mother’s reassurances from Portland) and tried to think of who would have the audacity to launch an attack on America?
Eventually, news reports put the words and pictures into context: there were terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, the Pentagon, as well as another plane crash, its mission unfulfilled due to a courageous coup by the hijacked passengers, into a vacant field in Pennsylvania.
Professionally, I’ve been a publicist, business development executive and, now, a media consultant and writer. That morning, as I watched jet-fueled planes, filled with innocent civilians, deliberately driven into the Twin Towers, the only words I could verbalize were “oh, my God, oh my God” – literally, a plea or a prayer, but not a phrase I used frivolously or with disrespect.
Unable to move from my spot on the floor, I sat and watched the reports for hours; silent tears streamed from my eyes. I was numb with the horror of what my brain told me was inconceivable.
In the hours and days that followed, the true culprits were revealed: a terrorist group, Al-Qaeda.
2,975 innocent lives were lost on September 11, 2001 (I won’t add the deaths of the 19 terrorists to that toll; they don’t deserve, in my opinion, to be counted among their victims).
The terrorists rejoiced at their success, but I knew they had made a huge mistake. The fiends who planned and carried out their heinous attacks seriously underestimated or misunderstood America. There would be retribution for their lethal schemes and it would be swift and decisive.
While examining the rubble and remains of the Twin Towers in New York City, President George Bush draped his arm around a fireman, and, with megaphone in hand, addressed hundreds of workers and rescuers at the scene. A shout from the crowd; someone couldn’t hear the President’s words:
“I can hear you. I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!”
- President George W. Bush, September 14, 2001
He kept his word. On October 7, 2001, a strong and effective military strike, Operation Enduring Freedom, was successfully mounted against the terrorists and their supporters in Afghanistan.
“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend – even a friend whose name it never knew. “
- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001
Eight years after the attacks, I can still recall every emotion I felt that morning, as well as the intensity of the anger and grief that permeated every waking moment. I remember the sight American flags flying from every house, apartment or car – even billboards. It was hard to find an American who wasn’t a patriot – an angry, indignant and injured patriot.
My personal belief system encourages me to forgive and forget, but September 11th is my personal exception. I will never forget and I pray that Americans and the rest of the world will never forget what happened on that day. Sadly, we must continue to keep these memories alive, to remember the fallen – the victims and the heroes. We must remember for the safety of our country, for the protection of our freedom and way of life.
It is vital that we remember every minute of that day, from the moment we first glimpsed those visions of horror on television, as well as the sadness, anger and resolve for retribution that we, as a nation, felt in the days and weeks ahead. We must remember, so we can make sure it doesn't happen again.
© The Bold Pursuit, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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