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Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance Programs

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U.S. officials say a dry run was planned in the British terror threats. No specific date was believed to have been planned. As to the method,

The F.B.I. and homeland security memo said the plotters expected to use peroxide-based explosives that are "sensitive to heat, shock and friction and can be initiated simply with fire or an electrical charge and can also be used to produce improvised detonators." Other officials in London said the plotters planned to smuggle the liquids in drink bottles.

Leave it to President Bush to treat the news as a political opportunity to push his warrantless surveillance progam.

"It is a mistake to believe there is no threat to the United States of America," Mr. Bush said in Green Bay, Wis., before heading to a Congressional campaign event. "And that is why we have given our officials the tools they need to protect our people."

The president was almost surely alluding to his administration's heightened surveillance of telephone calls, electronic communications and international money transfers -- measures that his critics have called high-handed infringements on civil liberties, but that he has described over and over as essential weapons in a continuing war on terrorism.

As for how long the airport new passenger carryon rules on liquid are expected to last, there's no immediate answer. But until new screening programs to detect liquids are perfected, you can expect increased patdowns:

Finding the containers is not foolproof, either. "Pulling out liquid containers is a fairly easy step,'' said Steven V. Lancaster, vice president of Guardian Technologies, of Herndon, Va., which makes detection equipment. But that presumes that the container was in a bag that went through an X-ray machine. The portals that screen people at the airports only detect metal. Hence, being sure that there are no liquids will require more pat-downs of passengers.

And for the absurd story of the day:

At Dulles International Airport near Washington today, one traveler reported that screeners were also making passengers remove all food items from their carry-on baggage for inspection, and one passenger was told to peel her banana.

I'm glad I'm not flying this week, but the TL kid isn't so lucky. He has a flight out of New York tomorrow morning.

Flying from the UK is even worse: No books, laptops, etc. [Via Avedon Carol at Sideshow.]

Update: AmericaBlog nails it, with this article from AFP.

< U.S. Ties British Threats to al-Qaeda | Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Threat >
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  • Peroxide-based? I guess what tipped them off was a bunch of Pakistanis with blonde hair and dark roots. I'm tired of these MOOSLIMS threatening us. I am gonna vote Republican from now on so they will all go away!

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#2)
    by beefeater on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 05:37:11 PM EST
    Briton is holding these poor people without charge! How can they deny civil rights like that?

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#3)
    by Dadler on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 05:51:38 PM EST
    Though I just posted on the thread below, it seems more fitting here: Twice in the last few years here in San Diego, unknown attackers have run up behind people, stabbed them in the back, then fled never to be caught. Are people wearing security cameras on the backs of their heads in response? For a million a pop, as I recall reading, the government could install explosives-detection machines at every airport in the nation. A few billion and it's done. But paranoia over time equals more power for those hungry for it. And then, of course, terrorists could simply machine gun people by the hundreds CURBSIDE at the airport, but why deal with the real ugly realities and difficult ironies? Why have an imagination? Just pretend everything falls out of the sky, it's easier to claim illusory successes that way.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#4)
    by Gabriel Malor on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 05:59:55 PM EST
    Leave it to President Bush to treat the news as a political opportunity to push his warrantless surveillance progam.
    Oh, yeah, it's totally beyond belief that the President would use publicity from a terrorist plot to lobby for terrorism-related legislation. I cannot imagine why he'd ever link the two.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#5)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 06:05:41 PM EST
    et al - You are a discouraging bunch. If the terrorists had been able to get on board, let's say, 5 747's and then blew them up 600 miles out, about 2,000 people would have died, with no one knowing what caused it. Perhaps as many as 15 jumbo jets could have been bought down, before investiagtions within England could have figured it out.. Say 6000 dead and a major shock to the economy of the US, England and western Europe. So, it's no big deal, Bush caused it, or Blair caused or the infidels deserve it. As I wrote, you are a discouraging bunch.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#6)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 06:08:45 PM EST
    Malor - What's the matter? Don't want to hear how much the opposition to the NSA programs, follow the money programs has hurt our security?

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#7)
    by squeaky on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 06:10:03 PM EST
    Thanks ppj I feel safer now. Who knows, I may have been the victim of an exploding banana.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#8)
    by John Mann on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 07:13:14 PM EST
    Jim lamented:
    As I wrote, you are a discouraging bunch.
    Jim, I'm truly sorry you feel discouraged: why do you keep subjecting yourself to what must surely be an ordeal for you?

    Heysoos H. Kreestoos PPJ, I said I was GOING TO VOTE REPUBLICAN from now on. Doesn't that cheer you up, you old f-ing sourpuss?

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#10)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 08:41:31 PM EST
    John Mann - Alas, it is my assigned duty to explain to you just how screwed up you are. Wrote any nasties about Israel lately? But one must struggle on, eh? ernie - Sourpuss? Only if I had a job that required me to forecast the weather three days in advance while claiming to believe that we knew anything about Global Warming. Actually, embarassment would cover that. et al - Well, let's see. We have broke up a terror plot, arrested 21 and saved lives..... And all you can do us complain. It is easy to see that you are motivated only by hatred for Bush. Anything that goes well is immediately attacked.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#11)
    by Repack Rider on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 10:19:43 PM EST
    We have broke up a terror plot, arrested 21 and saved lives According to the same people who shot a Brazilian elecrician 9 times in the head while he was on his way to work. Giving up you rights because of fear is for cowards, and fortunately for Bush there are a lot of them around. After seeing that 90% of what we are told about "terror" turn out to be lies that serve the liars more than the public, I would rather take my chances with all the terrorists in the world than let Bush implement whatever his "plan" is. After all, can you name a SINGLE PREDICTION the administration made about invading Iraq that turned out to be true? But you still trust them? Hw many times in a row would they have to be wrong before you became skeptical? Wait, I forgot. You get paid to believe them, and skepticism would cost you your job.

    Alas, it is my assigned duty to explain to you just how screwed up you are.
    You get paid to believe them, and skepticism would cost you your job.
    Actually, Rove points aren't the same as cash, but this is a masterful summing-up of PPJs' raison d'etre here at Talkleft.

    And all you can do us complain. It is easy to see that you are motivated only by hatred for Bush. Anything that goes well is immediately attacked.
    PPJ. oh forget it. What's the use.

    bush is a pig. when has he ever done an honest day's work in office? all he and his ilk do is exaggerate and exploit any and all events for political purposes. republicans are scum.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#15)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 07:11:06 AM EST
    phi x174 - Ah yes, the old deep analytical comment trick, eh? Furillo - Think I'm wrong? Link
    Daddler: We are supposed to be freeing them from tyranny, but our military considers soldiers more worthy of living than Iraqi civilians.
    kdog: Point taken jpaul...assasination is more apt. I personally recant...he was not brought to justice, he was not murdered, he was assasinated.
    chew2: It was incorrrect for Bush to speak of bringing Zarqawi to "justice".
    RePack writes:
    Giving up you rights because of fear is for cowards, and fortunately for Bush there are a lot of them around.
    You harp on that theme, but you never offer proof. Let's see some. Name me the rights you speak of.

    Repack... Giving up you rights because of fear is for cowards, And just how many rights have you personally given up???? (BTW - all the rights in the world would be pretty much useless if you were dead... NO? ) phi... all he and his ilk do is exaggerate and exploit any and all events for political purposes. And all you on the left do is complain about everything. If we stop a potential attack... he is grandstanding. If an attack takes place...he's incompetent. No winning with your ilk is there? Nothing will make you happy.

    Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance Programs Yes.. unfortunately he has to keep doing this because some of you still don't get it!!! Even when the proof is in your face..! Sad state of affairs but it must be done. You know, kinda like the typical 'social' programs you all love so much... we have to help you because your too stupid (lame) to help yourselves... Get it?

    Yes.. unfortunately he has to keep doing this because some of you still don't get it!!! Even when the proof is in your face..!
    BB, By all means, show us the proof that programs such as warrantless wiretapping and the Patriot Act contributed to this latest development in the WOT.
    Get it?
    You don't get it. I believe it's due to your lack of reading comprehension.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#19)
    by Repack Rider on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 08:01:06 AM EST
    And just how many rights have you personally given up???? I have given up my Fourth Amendment right that requires a warrant and probable cause to listen to my telephone conversations. Joe Padilla lost his Constitutional right to a fair trial, which means that all of us have lost that right. I have been told by the president's press secretary that I shouldn't say anything they don't like, a direct assault on my First Amendment rights, which are also compromised by the intrusion of religion into government. (BTW - all the rights in the world would be pretty much useless if you were dead... NO? ) That's a short route to dictatorship and the philosophy of a coward. I would rather die standing than live on my knees.

    macromaniac... show us the proof that programs such as warrantless wiretapping and the Patriot Act contributed to this latest development in the WOT! The proof is there...look it up. Why should I waste my time on something you'll just blow off as Bush propoganda. Believe what you want..I really don't care. Repack,.... I have given up my Fourth Amendment right that requires a warrant and probable cause to listen to my telephone conversations You have given up NOTHING! Do you honestly think somebody listened to your calls??? Now, if you called Iraq or Afghanistan... then you should be listened to! I would rather die standing than live on my knees. Well... don't worry, if things don't change, the crazy Islamo facists will take care if that for you!

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#21)
    by John Mann on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 01:59:21 PM EST
    Jim wrote:
    John Mann - Alas, it is my assigned duty to explain to you just how screwed up you are.
    That's an awfully unfriendly thing to say, Jim. It's a good thing you pay for your seat on this bus. You might otherwise get banned for insulting other commentors.
    Wrote any nasties about Israel lately?
    No. Have you written anything grammatically correct lately?

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#22)
    by desertswine on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 02:13:32 PM EST
    Well... don't worry, if things don't change, the crazy Islamo facists will take care if that for you!
    I am more concerned with our local home-grown Bapto-fascists.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#23)
    by soccerdad on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 02:18:20 PM EST
    The proof is there...look it up. Why should I waste my time on something you'll just blow off as Bush propoganda. Believe what you want..I really don't care.
    translation: I got nuthin' and I'm just talking out my ahole.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#24)
    by Dadler on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 02:42:32 PM EST
    Jim, Thank you for reprinting that quote, it stands as true today as ever. We consider the lives of American soldiers to be more worthy of protection and preservation than the citizens of the nation our soldiers invaded and whose land we now occupy. Now, you disagree, so explain for me how our military in Iraq have made Iraqi civilians and their freedom priority one and OUR interests number two or three or whatever? Many soldiers try to do their best and are great people and want to help Iraqis and DO sacrifice, but they are not larger than the corrupt power that sent them there, that still controls the "mission" -- a mission whose side-effects certainly include and have compounded a diminished value for Iraqi civilians vs. American military. And how 'bout that Hollywood Agent winning the World Series of Poker. The old Hollywood Posse of cowboy riding extras and stunt doubles are turning over in their graves.

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#25)
    by Dadler on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 02:59:31 PM EST
    BB, For a conservative, you sure trust the government a lot here. Also, play devil's advocate with your own mind for a second. I perfectly understand the reactive response in favor of searching everything and spying on more of everything, but you make no attempt to understand the perfectly logical countering view. We have a rich history of government spying on civilians, and that history is what informs my opposition. We have a rich history of being lied to and deceived by the governmen, and that informs my opposition. And we have a current administration, in my humble opinion, deserving of neither aquiescence or respect. Their ineptitude and cocksure disdain for self-examination and taking responsibility have rendered them illegitimate in my mind. More honorable and mature people would resign in the face of their failures, they do all the time in nations around the world. Sadly, and in harsh reality, there is absolutely NOTHING to stop a motivated individual from killing a horde of people anytime they want to. Which is why terrorism, ultimately, cannot be defeated by terror (or illusions of security from it), but only through creating an environment when terror of all stripes is not legitimized. I mean, come on, we're so focused on airplanes, when a mall is leveled or a store machine-gunned it's going to debilitate us UNLESS we starting thinking alot harder and deeper about the FUTURE IMPLICATIONS of all of our reacting. But that would require a much higher level of self-awareness, self-criticism, and real sacrifice than most of us seem willing to accept. Peace.

    first time poster testing function, thanks for your patpatience

    Re: Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance P (none / 0) (#27)
    by Repack Rider on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 04:13:38 PM EST
    Do you honestly think somebody listened to your calls??? I think that high-speed computers listen to EVERY call, since the technology to do so has been around for a while, and then select certain calls for further review. Of course, this is violently unConstitutional. A special FISA court was set up to review all national security taps, but the Bush administration simply refused to obey the law on that and ignored the court. When getting a warrant is easy as long as you do the surveillance legally, there is no reason not to get one. If they didn't get one, that means they did it illegally and they know it. QED Now, if you called Iraq or Afghanistan... then you should be listened to! Not without a warrant and probable cause.

    The proof is there...look it up. Why should I waste my time on something you'll just blow off as Bush propoganda. Believe what you want..I really don't care.
    BB, In short, you are full of sh!t. You have no proof that that programs such as warrantless wiretapping and the Patriot Act contributed to this latest development in the WOT.