9/11 and the race for the White House

Jerusalem Post ^ | Sept. 10, 2008 | Gil Troy

[Clairity]

American politics remains defined by that trauma, for better and worse. For better, because underestimating the danger Islamist terrorists pose endangers all Westerners. The only way to ensure that the nearly three thousand victims of Osama Bin Laden in 2001 did not die in vain, is to remain vigilant, working to prevent future attacks. For worse, because a politics solely defined by 9/11 neglects today's economic, social, cultural, diplomatic and political challenges. As with all traumas, America's candidates should remember past horrors without being imprisoned by them.

On this score, the two candidates - and their parties - pose an interesting contrast. Barack Obama and the Democrats seem to risk forgetting the lessons of 9/11. Democrats barely mentioned terrorism or 9/11 during their convention. Moreover, their disgust with George W. Bush's policy has soured too many on the entire War against Terror while misleading them that Bush somehow triggered the troubles. Democrats must remember that al Qaida declared war on America during Bill Clinton's enlightened reign, when America was actively seeking peace in the Middle East.

Seven years ago, on a beautiful September Tuesday, Osama bin Laden's terrorists did not distinguish between Democrats and Republicans, blacks and whites, Muslims or non-Muslims, or even Americans and non-Americans. They killed indiscriminately, brutally. Living as we all do in a post 9/11 world, those who aspire to lead Western countries responsibly must reaffirm a common commitment to combating Islamist terrorism - and ensure that the nightmare of 9/11 never recurs.

[weegee]

"My position has always been clear: If you've got a terrorist, take him out," Obama said. "Anybody who was involved in 9/11, take 'em out."

I'm still waiting for Barry to "take out" Bill Ayers, the terrorist he befriend LONG AFTER the 1970s when Bill bombed the Pentagon.