http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3863325,00.htmlKerry Criticizes Bush on U.S. Security
Monday March 15, 2004 4:16 PM
By MIKE GLOVER
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry on Monday criticized President Bush's record on homeland security, saying his Republican rival is ``big on bluster and short on action'' in protecting the nation.
Speaking to the International Association of Firefighters, a 263,000-member union that has endorsed his candidacy, the four-term Massachusetts senator argued that Bush talks tough on terrorism but has failed to back it up with the financial resources firefighters and other first responders need.
``I do not fault George Bush for doing too much in the war on terror, I believe he's done too little,'' Kerry said. ``I think this administration has it backward. President Bush says we can't afford to fund homeland security. I say we can't afford not to.'' <snip>
``Whether it has been providing funding and equipment for firefighters, ensuring that cargo in our ports is screened, guarding our chemical and nuclear facilities, or working with local communities across the country to give them resources they need - this administration has given our homeland security efforts short shrift,'' said Kerry. ``You deserve better.'' <snip>