Official US documents support Richard Clarke's argument -- LINKS

[skeptic9]

This morning's Paul Krugman column in the NY times (at http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/23/opinion/23KRUG.html?ex=1081029877&ei=1&en=7402f8a2197b54fd ) summarizes evidence in favor of Richard Clarke's attack on Bush's counterterrorism record:

"Of course, Bush officials have to attack Mr. Clarke's character because there is plenty of independent evidence confirming the thrust of his charges.

Did the Bush administration ignore terrorism warnings before 9/11? Justice Department documents obtained by the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, show that it did. Not only did John Ashcroft completely drop terrorism as a priority--it wasn't even mentioned in his list of seven "strategic goals"--just one day before 9/11 he proposed a reduction in counterterrorism funds.

Did the administration neglect counterterrorism even after 9/11? After 9/11 the F.B.I. requested $1.5 billion for counterterrorism operations, but the White House slashed this by two-thirds. (Meanwhile, the Bush campaign has been attacking John Kerry because he once voted for a small cut in intelligence funds.)"

Much of this evidence was posted just yesterday, at http://www.americanprogress.org/site/pp.asp?c=biJRJ8OVF&b=39039

Most damning is the last link on the page, dealing with POST-911 dereliction of duty by Dubya's maladministration. Here is the description:

"Counter-Terror Request: Internal document showing that FBI requested $1.499 billion for counterterrorism for the post-September 11 emergency supplemental but received just $530 million from the White House, despite serious counterterrorism needs."

[buycitgo]

1. yeah, baby, yeah!

got my first email from CFAP, which has a TON of lies about Clarke, including link the page cited above

sign up for their email

http://www.americanprogress.org/site/pp.asp?c=biJRJ8OVF&b=3750

more comprehensive than the daily mislead

[skeptic9]

4. Thanks for the sign-up link

I'm watching Newt Gingrich attack Clarke's character on Hannity and Colmes (Fox "News"). Krugman was really right this morning in the Times. Documents like those linked here really show that anti-terrorism was not even on the radar in the Bush administration until September 11th 2001. Now all the wingnuts can do is attack Clarke's character, because they don't have the EVIDENCE on their side. Next thing you know, Trent Lott will be accusing Clarke of racism!

[buycitgo]

2. link for last cite in header

http://www.americanprogress.org/atf/cf/%7BE9245FE4-9A2B-43C7-A521-5D6FF2E06E03%7D/OMBPASSBACK.PDF

can't copy anything for this place.....pdf

[skeptic9]

3. Don't worry--the bottom line already is in Krugman's summary.

It shows that, after 9/11, the FBI requested $1,499,550 for counterterrorism. The White House Office of Management and Budget cut this back to $530,763.

[Endangered Specie]

5. kick