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Jul 12, 2004

Democrats: Bush has Made America Less Safe, Less Secure

Washington, D.C. - On a conference call with reporters today U.S. Senator 
Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and David Holway, President of the International 
Brotherhood of Police Officers, kicked off a week of events to highlight the 
ways George W. Bush's failed policies have made the United States less safe 
and less secure. The call focused on security both at home and abroad, 
citing the middle class squeeze, the over-extended military, homeland 
security shortcomings, and persistent structural intelligence failures.

Democrats will hold events in 20 battleground states this week to focus on 
the loss of economic security middle class families have experienced during 
George W. Bush's four years in office.

"In the wake of the massive intelligence failures that led to 9-11 and that 
misled America about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, George Bush has 
taken a 'business as usual' attitude with the intelligence agencies," said 
Corzine. "He said no to fundamental reform of our intelligence services like 
the CIA and instead just created more levels of intelligence bureaucracy. 
Instead of thinking big and acting with strength in the wake of 9-11, he has 
just offered us the same-old tune and a familiar song and dance."

"The frontlines of this War on Terror are on the home front," said Holway. 
"And if Bush was truly committed to homeland security he would make sure we 
have enough police officers and firefighters with the resources to do the 
job. But nearly three years after the 9-11 attacks, firefighters, police 
officers, and air marshals are still not getting the equipment and training 
they need - and in some cases they're getting laid off their jobs. Many of 
our police officers, our first line of defense, are patrolling the streets 
of Baghdad rather than their hometowns because Bush has recalled thousands 
of reservists. There is no question: we are not safer."

Are We Safer, More Secure?

Bush Left Homeland Security Vulnerable:

  a.. Nearly three years after 9-11 attacks, there are still major 
vulnerabilities Bush has failed to address: Although only 2 percent of ship 
cargo containers are screened, Bush cut port security funding by 75 percent. 
Most air cargo is never screened for explosives and there are still no 
requirements for criminal background checks for cargo handlers. In addition, 
the chemical industry pressured Bush into not requiring them to assess 
vulnerabilities or take action to secure their facilities. [Sarasota 
Herald-Tribune, 7/10/03; Portland Press Herald, 7/5/03; www.omb.gov; Journal 
of Commerce, 3/24/03; AP, 2/08/04,; The Hill, 4/30/03;]
  b.. A majority of Americans say that Bush's handling of the Iraq war has 
"increased terrorist threats, not reduced them," and that Bush "'exaggerated 
information' to make the case for war." [WSJ, 7/1/04]
Bush Failed to Address Key Intel Reforms:

  a.. While Bush has identified the failure of intelligence agencies to 
effectively share data as a key problem which led to 9-11, Bush has only 
created more levels of intelligence bureaucracy while failing to address the 
lack of intelligence sharing between state and federal officials. Nearly 
three years after the attacks, Bush has even failed to produce a 
comprehensive terrorist watchlist. [USA Today, 6/25/03; CQ, 03/02/04; AP, 
3/15/04, 2/9/04; CQ, 12/16/03; GAO, 8/27/03; Select Cmte on Homeland 
Security Minority Staff, 1/04]
Bush Has Overextended The Military:

  a.. Bush's go-it-alone approach has overextended our military. Now the 
Administration is involuntarily recalling to active duty 5,600 reservists 
for 18 months. [CNN.com, 6/30/04]. General Tony McPeak, who supported Bush 
in 2000, recently said: "the troops are paying the price for arrogance, 
mismanagement, [and] poor planning.in this administration." [June 30, 2004]
  b.. Despite Bush's claims about the size and strength of the coalition in 
Iraq, U.S. troops make up 90 percent of the ground forces in Iraq and the 
U.S. is paying almost all the costs. [Senate Budget Committee, 3/2004]
Bush Economy Leaves Middle Class Squeezed, Less Secure:

  a.. George Bush has made Americans less secure by mismanaging the economy. 
America has lost 1.8 million jobs since Bush took office and the jobs he has 
created on average pay less and offer fewer benefits. With lower wages, 
lower income and higher costs for basic needs like health care, energy and 
college tuition, American families face an economic security crisis.
"Brian Raab" <kaisers_sun@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:8d001dc6.0410072221.48d52dad@posting.google.com...
> John Kerry is like Bill Clinton, a loser that let's terrorists do what
> they want.
>
> Only George W.Bush can save the USA from a second 9/11 , so vote for
> Bush or prepare to die...