How does Edwards propose to find "terrorist cells" in the US?

[Don Claybrook]

In last night's debate, John Edwards warned that right now, today, there are terrorist cells hidden in the US and planning trouble and so on. He was fearmongering, as someone mentioned in another thread.

But the part that perked my ears up was when he said the FBI wasn't qualified to find these individuals, that they weren't equipped for such a mission, and so on. He went on to talk about how important it was to catch these people, make the US safe, and so on.

Does anyone know his plan for apprehending these terrorists? As soon as he mentioned this last night, I had terrible visions of secret police trampling what we have left of the 4th Amendment. Does he want the Fatherland Security to handle this? Can anyone enlighten me as to Mr. Edwards' proposal?

Thanks.

[Options Remain]

1. Its easy

Follow the money. The repubs fought it tooth and nail when clinton proposed it too.

TearForger

[trotsky]

6. I agree.

The money trail will catch them every time. Problem is, Repubs in general and the BFEE in particular are bigtime cozy with the Saudis, AND a lot of the procedures to track terrorist money will also catch the offshore cheats in this country. Can't upset that big Republican group.

[pruner]

2. a crack team of millworkers' sons will scour the country smoking them out

[Don Claybrook]

3. But will it take 36 years? :) (great answer, btw) n/t

[PurityOfEssence]

12. As always, he provided specifics right on the spot

Were you not listening, or were you too busy snickering and preparing your innovative bon mots to pay attention?

He stopped short of slagging the FBI, although perhaps not short enough. (I wouldn't want to hammer the poor beset intelligence/law enforcement community right now, especially after the good work in Minnesota and Phoenix.) The thrust of his approach is that they were not organized for this kind of thing, and it was the wrong entity to use. Read the other threads; others were listening.

Oh, and icky-poo to you, too...

Hugs and kisses, though. (Just stop hanging around with those Deanies too much; it messes with the perspective.)

[Don Claybrook]

14. I missed the specifics you say he provided

I just heard Edwards outlining a problem he believes is out there. Can you help me with those specifics he apparently outlined?

Thanks.

[Parche]

4. VERY EASY

The most famous terrorist cell is in the Whitehouse right now

And there is one in Crawford TX also

[Bombtrack]

5. He wants to take away spying power from the FBI

and give it to a new DHS intelligence agency, that has worlds more congressional oversight than the FBI has, while simultaneously creating an office of civil liberties and civil rights, an official government watchdog.

He's not creating any more spying power within government, just shifting power

[AP]

7. It's a smart idea, especially since some LIHOPers believe that the FBI

was influenced by political motivattions to ignore domestic terrorism in order to hand Bush a political persona on a platter (ie, standing down on defense was achieved because elements of the FBI were loyal to the Republican party). Clinton gave the FBI millions to investigate domestic terror. Years later the FBI admitted they spent the money on internet fraud instead.

Edwards is saying that domestic terrorism is way to important to leave to agencies manipulated by entrenched political interests.

Waht it will do is create a new agency loyal to the people who create it -- ie, an Edwards administration. That means it will work for at least 15 or 20 years until/if Republicans can coopt it. That will mean America will have at least 20-25 years when we can be reasonably assured that the US is being vigilantly protected.

Edwards is so right about this, it isn't even funny.

[Bombtrack]

13. If he isn't prez, I want him as AG

It would suit him alot better than VP. His implementation of these justice dept reforms could position him to vp in 4 years, and pres in another.

So instead of being senator, vp edwards as his resume he'd have senator, attourney general, vp edwards.

And he might actually have some grey hair by then

[mmm]

8. there are no terrorist cells...

if there were terrorist cells there would be terror.
This whole terror theme is pure fiction.

[AP]

9. Uhm, there have been terror cells. Remember 1993 WTC bombing?

Remember the Millenium Plots? (Granted, I believe those people tried to come in from Canada.) Also, the FBI had plenty of warnings -- all ignored -- about 9/11.

Edwards plan would capture rog element fascists working with the BFEE as much as it would catch foreign nationals, whether they're from Austria or Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia.

[DuctapeFatwa]

10. Nonsense! The Emperor is wearing very beautiful clothes!

Such wonderful rainment has never been seen - now say you are sorry and praise the Emperor's clothes before you are executed by cheering Marines and your family "detained" for "interrogation" by the Emperor's brave soldiers.

[Hogarth]

11. I believe it's pronounced ...

... "turst"--one syllable, according to the administration.

The greatest threat to mankind is pronounced "nuke-you-lar."

[HFishbine]

15. Yeah, that was a little scary

Especially when he started talking about what sounded like secret police infiltrating the population.