May 21, 2002 - Bush* WH admits terror alerts are politically motivated

[Q]

U.S. issues new warnings on terror

White House tries to counter Bush's critics

By DOUG SAUNDERS

Tuesday, May 21, 2002 – Print Edition, Page A11

As U.S. officials continued to issue warnings yesterday about the possibility of attacks by suicide bombers and terrorists, the White House quietly acknowledged that the threats are not urgent and that they are partly motivated by political objectives.

FBI director Robert Mueller told an audience of lawyers that the United States is likely some day to experience Israel-style suicide bombings, while the Immigration and Naturalization Service warned that it is unable to keep track of potential terrorists holding student visas.

"There will be another terrorist attack. We will not be able to stop it," Mr. Mueller told a gathering of prosecutors in Virginia. "It's something we all live with."

However, White House officials told reporters that the blunt warnings issued yesterday and Sunday do not reflect a dramatic increase in threatening information but rather a desire to fend off criticism from the Democrats.


http://www.blythe.org/nytransfer-subs/NY_Metro_Politics/U.S._warnings_on_terror_are_motivated_by_politics

[Killarney]

1. wrong link

I'd like to read the complete story if you can include the link. Thanks.

[freetobegay]

2. Hey that links takes me to a story abut births & deaths!

[Q]

3. Sorry about that...

...it's from my 'archives' and the link has obviously been broken.

- If memory serves...there were others stories around the same time where the Bushies smugly admitted that they were trying to 'teach the Democrats a lesson' and force them to shut up about the issuing of politically motivated alerts.

- D'oh! Alert: "Safer" America on Orange Alert?

- Just HOW can America be safer AND at the same time issuing warnings of impending attack? Of course they're motivated by politics.

[gmoney]

4. $.02

[Q]

5. Link to original story:

http://www.blythe.org/nytransfer-subs/NY_Metro_Politics/U.S._warnings_on_terror_are_motivated_by_politics


However, White House officials told reporters that the blunt warnings
issued yesterday and Sunday do not reflect a dramatic increase in
threatening information but rather a desire to fend off criticism
from the Democrats.

Last week, Democrats criticized the Republican administration for its
failure to warn Americans about al-Qaeda terrorism in the months
before the Sept. 11 attacks.

A senior administration official with knowledge of U.S. intelligence
said yesterday that the new warnings, issued by Vice-President Dick
Cheney on Sunday and by Mr. Mueller yesterday, are designed to give
Americans better notice and to protect President George W. Bush
against second-guessing in the event of another attack.

A top White House aide said that last week's criticism prompted a
two-pronged political response: Mr. Bush accused Democrats of playing
politics with the issue while his advisers reminded voters that the
United States is still a target.

[freetobegay]

6. Thanks!

[sangh0]

7. Kick

Everyone should know about this