Posted on 01/09/2002 3:39:27 AM PST by Byron_the_Aussie
US President George W. Bush is sceptical about American Airlines' claim that it removed an Arab-American agent in Bush's security team from a plane for being "hostile".
"I know the man, I am most appreciative of his service to me and my wife. He is an honorable fellow," Bush said.
"I would be surprised if he was hostile."
The US Secret Service, which is responsible for presidential security, said in late December it had launched an inquiry into why the agent, headed to Texas to protect a holidaying Bush, was removed from the aircraft.
The agent, speaking through his lawyers, said he was barred from the Baltimore (Maryland) to Dallas (Texas) flight because of his ethnicity, amid fears sparked by the September 11 terrorist strikes.
"If he was mistreated because of his ethnicity, I'm going to be plenty hot. That means angry," Bush said.
But he added: "I wasn't there, so it's hard for me to comment on something which I did not see."
Yep, you're probably pro-Islamic Terrorist, anti-Israel, and pro-SouthWest to boot
As you spot each real terrorist, you can snap your fingers and alert a security agent standing by to violently tackle and arrest the terrorist....
Kevin, a little bulletin for you : I don't share your childlike faith in the security services.
Todd Beamer did more to disrupt the terrorist's plans than the CIA and the FBI combined.
Huh? I have no idea, you're the guy with the direct line to the terrorists. But really, answering a question with a question leads me to believe you have no idea what they intended while logic screams to me that Bush was a primary target no matter where he was and people who claim differently are not to be taken seriously.
Witness, we're having a robust-yet-mature disagreement here, okay?
Unless you've got something intelligent to contribute, how about sitting this one out.
Unless you are willing to back up your ostensible American ally, I suggest you sit this one out.
Fitz, I really want to see those forms, somehow.
Because right about now I've got a picture in my head of Marge Simpson's two sisters.
You know how they can make life difficult for form filler-outs, if they want to?
A few here have said that, but I still remember all the after-action Freep reports, during the Clinton years. And the impression conveyed by authoritative Freepers then was that SS agents were pretty good guys who had a dirty job to do; ie, ducking HRC's thrown ashtrays.
So pardon me if I'm a bit cynical about the way so many are turning on this Arab one.
It's just a question which if answered could change my view of the situation.
regards
As for your claim that Air Force 1 was not a target, VP Cheney has reiterated that it was, only of course while Bush was on it.
I look forward to your "proof".
PS: we can declare a truce on the font war if you'd like. :-}
I guess he doesn't.
Sure. Tomorrow. It's 2:00AM here, and I'm hitting the rack. G'nite.
Perhaps they should start wearing sheets over their heads and change their name to KKK airlines.
As an SS agent it seems likely that this guy had seen the forms before and by all rights should have been able to fill them out in his sleep.
The station chief or another third party called for confirmation but not to the number the agent gave - because he could not confirm it to be an SS office.
The agent got up and left the plane when it was delayed, leaving carry on luggage behind and that luggage included a book in arabic or concerning islam which another passenger and stewardess noted during his absence.
How comfy might you feel sitting next to an abandoned black bag and a copy of "Islam for morons"?
How long before you started to hear it ticking?
How then would you react (as the stew) when you discovered the guy's mandatory paperwork was not kosher?
Finally, aircraft captains share the responsibility and authority of a ship's captain - they get to make the decision when passengers become a problem. Versus - anyone who goes armed into society at society's behest has an obligation to do so with proper respect for the society and not with the arrogance that so often accompanies a badge.
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