The GOP, Elections, and Fear

Now that they've got my attention, I just want to keep track of the terror alerts, fear-inducers and other anxiety-provoking events that take place during the run up to the November elections. This is not a deep analysis, just things I notice that make national headlines. It obviously won't include the thousands of conservative blogs, TV and radio talk show hosts who are complicit in keeping fear anxiety at a peak. And finally, it doesn't mean, necessarily, that an item on this list is not "legitimate." But as Goldfinger said, "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.”

Date               11/6/06 (Started 8/10/06)
Terror/Fear Ometer   58
Days to Elections    1

1. 8/9--Dick Cheney, in quite an unprecedented move for a sitting Vice President, comments on a local primary in Connecticut. He tells reporters in a conference call (another unusual move for Cheney) that, "Voting against Lieberman is encouraging the al-Qaida types." Encouraging them to what, Mr. Cheney?

2. 8/10--George Bush, a few hours after the foiled London terror plot breaks, says, "This nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation." Oh, no! Not the freedom-hating fascists who're out to 'destroy' us!

3. 8/10--DHS raises threat alert to highest level: Red (Severe) for inbound flights from London in response to the foiled terror plot.

4. 8/11--Three Arab-American men arrested with 1000 cell phones and photos of Mackinaw bridge in Michigan.

   UPDATE 9/5-- Terrorist Charges dropped against all three men. It seems that all three American-born, Dallas men were following Bush's advice to go into small business enterprises. Turns out they had many pictures from other sites they had visited while vacationing in Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio. But take heart, Repubs, they may still be charged with operating without a business license!

5. 8/13--The DHS lowers threat level to Orange (High) for inbound flights from London. But on their website, you'll find this statement: “Let me be clear: this does not mean the threat is over. The investigation continues to follow all leads. In particular, we are remaining vigilant for any signs of planning within the U.S. or directed at Americans,” said Secretary Michael Chertoff. Yes, please remain vigilante, Mr. Chertoff, there are Islam fascists AND al-Qaida-types out to destroy us, don't you know.

6. 8/15--Dick Cheney, at a Arizona fundraiser, told supporters, "If we follow Congressman Murtha's advice and withdraw from Iraq the same way we withdrew from Beirut in 1983 or Mogadishu in 1993, we will simply validate the al-Qaida strategy and invite more terrorist attacks in the future." Let's see, incite fear, blame Clinton, blame Murtha, blame dead Republican president -- right on point, Mr. Cheney.

7. 8/16--A London-to-DC United Flight was diverted to Boston after a 60-year-old woman has panic attack and scares crew and passengers. I'm not sure if we can blame BushCo for this, but don't you think they were smiling -- just a little?

8. 8/16--This just in: Two suspicious cargo containers that prompted the evacuation of the Port of Seattle do not contain explosives or radioactive materials, port officials said Wednesday.

9. 8/17--Michael Bloomberg, New York city mayor, releases tapes of 9/11 calls. One batch of records was released in March, but because of what Mayor Bloomberg called a “breakdown” at the Fire Department, many other recordings were not collected until recently. So far, about one thousand media outlets have picked up on this and are playing the very heart-wrenching cries for help -- very, very emotional.

10. 8/17-- The Tale of Two Liquid terrors. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

11. 8/18-- British passenger plane makes emergency landing in Italy due to possible bomb threat.

12. 8/19--Bush warns North Korea against nuclear testing. Although an undisclosed U.S. source said earlier in the week there was 'suspicious' activity at a North Korea facility, both South Korea and Russia have said there is no sign that North Korea is planning nuclear testing. Will Kim Jong-Il take Bush's bait? News at 11, or at least before the election. Even if he doesn't, Bush can always use his "it was bad intelligence that made me do/say it" defense.

13. 8/20--Today's fear-inducer sponsored by Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's war games and missile testing. And I was hoping for a terror-free Sunday.

14. 8/22--There have been a few ripples in the news about a possible attack on 8/22. I'm writing this in the early morning, and so far we're safe. But I wanted to get it in for posterity in case, well you know, I don't make it.

15. 8/23--A flight from Amsterdam to India was diverted by F16s because of several passengers' suspicious behavior.

16. 8/23--Deadline approaches for kidnapped journalists.

17. 8/23--Iran responds to UN about its nuclear program, and the U.S. responds with similar rhetoric that was used in the leadup to the invasion of Iraq.

18. 8/25--Another plane diverted from England -- lands in Bangor, Maine due to 'security concerns.'

19. 8/26--CNN special all weekend titled "In the Footsteps of Bin Laden" serves to remind us that terror, terror, terror still looms.

20. 8/29--Donald Rumsfeld in a speech at the American Legion Convention in Salt Lake City compares Bush/Iraq critics to Nazi appeasers and accuses them of "moral or intellectual confusion." And so begins the official Kick-Off of the 2006 Fear Campaign! BTW, did he just call 6 out of 10 Americans stupid? I think there is some confusion about which side most resembles the Nazi regime.

    

21. 9/1--Iran defies UN resolution to halt its uranium enrichment program.

22. 9/1--US military test fires interceptor missile over the Pacific to defy Iran (and North Korea’s) defiance. The Decider vs. The Defiers, to be continued...

23. 9/2--Though no direct threats were made, the issuance of a 48-minute video which includes al-Qaida's No. 2 leader, Ayman al-Zawahri urging Americans to convert to Islam will surely bolster the fear index again. Will the populous run to papa NeoCON to protect them from Islam conversion?

24. 9/2--Fourteen men arrested in London "on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism." Said not to be related to last month's terror plot.

25. 9/5--Danish police arrest 9 in terror plot. TERROR TERROR TERROR

26. 9/5--In a speech today, Bush reminds Americans that al-Qaida is still out there and able to destroy our freedoms and well, everything.

27. 9/6--In his 4th speech in as many days, Bush continues his assault on the American psyche. His message: Be afraid, be very afraid. I am, of him!

28. 9/7--Osama continues his stumping for the Republicans. Another terrorist videotape released showing bin Laden meeting with two of the 9-11 hijackers. America, before you cringe in fear, ask yourself, why is al-Qaeda releasing such a tape at such a time. One reason is obvious: to taunt Americans before the 9-11 anniversary. The other is surely to frighten Americans again the way he did in October 2004 just before the presidential election.

29. 9/8--I'm including this bombing in India because we are perhaps numb to the daily bombings in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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    On 9/10, BushCo heavyweights make their way around the Sunday morning talk show circuit to repeat Repub talking point: We are safer, but not yet safe.

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30. 9/10--Condi Rice on FoxNews and CNN: stresses the "but Saddam was evil" mendacity in addition to the Repbubs main talking point about how we are safer.

31. 9/10--Dick Cheney on Meet the Press: Dubya's chief pit bull attacks critics, cites New York Times reporters as "thumb suckers" and repeats felonious statements about Saddam's ties to 9/11, you know, his usual savageness unfitting of a sitting statesman. Also throws in talking point mentioned above.

32. 9/10--George Pataki on Face the Nation: repeats Bush Talking point:
    

    ...we are in an ongoing war against those who detest freedom, and have attacked us in the past, and will attack us again.

    But also assures that we are safer, but not yet safe.

33. 9/11--Worldwide commemorations mark the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attack on our country, reminding us of our vulnerability, our grief, our anger, and our fear.

    Another story also points out how world remembers 9/11, but is still angry at U.S. over Iraq invasion

34. 9/11--San Fransicso United flight diverted to Dallas due to suspicious backpack and Blackberry left unattended on board.

35. 9/11--Al-Zawahri, Osama's right-hand man, releases video vowing attacks in Persian Gulf and on Israel.

36. 9/11--In his 16-minute, nationally televised speech tonight, Bush reminds everyone that we are "...in a struggle for civilization." Man, that sounds serious -- have we been looking at this all wrong? After all, when is the last time mankind has been in a struggle for civilization?

37. 9/12--In another attempt to destroy our freedoms, terrorists were foiled in their plot to bomb a US embassy in Damascus, Syria. Initial reports is that it was foiled through police, not military action.

38. 9/13--An unruly passenger aboard a LA to DC flight was subdued after trying to open exit door in midair. Now I know that anytime we hear about "bizarre" behavior on board an airplane we immediately think TERRORIST. But sometimes, people are just plain craaaazy.

39. 9/13--Bush tells group he sees "Third Awakening." You think I'm not scared -- this is coming from the person who has his hand on THE button.

40. 9/14--Outbreak of e.coli in spinach had some wondering if it was a terrorist act.

41. 9/15--In a rambling, propaganda-filled press conference, Bush announces "the enemy wants to attack us again" if Congress does not pass the bill he's requesting. The Decider has decided that the internationally-respected-accepted Geneva Convention does not suit his purposes. His bill will allow the U.S. to continue secret trials, secret prisons and miltary tribunals which he is now calling military commissions. For a man who claims to have a calling from God, he's quite godless. If you have an opportunity, read text of press conference here. Bush really did have something of a psychotic break during this conference.

42. 9/16--Bush uses weekly radio address to keep fear/anxiety level heightened. And to promote his terra legislation. TERRA TERRA TERRA

43. 9/18--Man crashes car into barrier at U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. After rushing into the building, he was apprehended and arrested. Later revealed man was armed with a gun.

44. 9/29--Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, Al-Qaeda's leader in Iraq puts out a call for nuclear scientists to join the jihad and also calls for the kidnapping of Westerners to use as bargaining chips for trading prisoners.

45. 10/8--Dick Cheney delivers another "danger to civilization" speech in Milwaukee today. Tells audience of the enduring threat of mass destruction that only the Republicans are equipped to save us from. (Yawn, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz)

46. 10/9--North Korea says it has test detonated a nuclear bomb and has the whole world in an uproar. Apparently they took the bait and called Bush's bluff (see 8/19 entry).

47. 10/10--London's Heathrow airport was evacuated today because of a suspicious package left at the check-in counter. A man was arrested, but later reports say there was no bomb found.

48. 10/11--Small plane crashes into New York high rise. Naturally, everyone's first thoughts were another terrorist incident. Though, as of now, it seems to be a tragic accident, as the pilot was New York Yankees pitcher, Cory Lidle.

49. 10/11--North Korea's No 2, Kim Yong-nam threatens military retaliation against U.S. if harsh sanctions imposed against his country.

50. 10/16-17-18--Bill O'Reilly, Fox News, airs Bush interview over 3 days. Bush uses this platform to once again talk about how "they want to kill us, they want to destroy us." Also, Bush said that people who criticize his Iraq policy are engaging in "illogical behavior." That would be about 70% of Americans and about 90% of the rest of the world, Mr. Bush.

51. 10/18--Homeland Security Dept. warns of dirty bomb threat at seven NFL stadiums this weekend. Though the threat is not considered credible by the FBI or other officials, "the information was being shared only in an abundance of caution so that league officials and others could determine what steps they want to take."
    UPDATE 10/20: FBI has determined bomb scare was a hoax. It was an internet contest to see who could post the scariest online terrorist threat. I guess he won -- hopefully, a few days behind bars.

52. 10/22--Taliban leader promises carnage, death, destruction, you know, the usual.

53. 10/22--GOP is at their fear-mongering best (or shall I say, worst) with this ad. Ad to run starting today on major networks, and they provide the html code for wingnuts who want to put it on their website or blog hoping to spread the fear 21st century-style.

54. 10/22--The Sunday talk show circuit once again finds Repubs doing their fear-mongering -- so I'll just include this as one incident in my tally, though any show that had a GOP candidate or incumbent on used the talking point: Dems are weak on national security. Like:

    Face the Nation: Elizabeth Dole (R-NC)--"Having the Democrats take over the Senate will make us weak on security."

    ABC This Week With George Stephanopoulos: George W. Bush--Some Democrats want to wave the white flag of surrender.

55. 10/23--Though I don't normally include the fiasco that is Iraq in this daily tally, today I will include this troubling account because I think it raises everyone's level of anxiety: U.S. soldier missing in Iraq, feared kidnapped.

56. 10/25--The Fear Monger-in-Chief gives a nationally televised speech in the East Garden to remind everyone that, "The enemy still wants to strike us... The enemy would like to have weapons of mass destruction in order to attack us. These are lethal, cold-blooded killers." Thanks, Mr. B, I had almost forgot. He also stated that Democrats are just not the ones who can protect us from these freedom-hating extremists, only the Republicans can.

57. 10/27--With less than two weeks to the election, Repubs, rightwing radio, TV shows, and pundits have turned up the volume on fear-mongering rhetoric. I will condense all the fear-mongering being done in just this one entry. Cheney last weeks warns of terrorists takeovers if Dems win -- here, here, and here, and here. Seems VP Cheney is on a desparate, cross-country terror campaign.

    The Republican National Committee puts out this Osama commerical complete with an exploding mushroom cloud. One should ask themselves why hasn't this Republican administration in over 5 years caught this dangerous madman as he is depicted in their own ad.

    Bush reiterates his scenario where "terrorists have captured the entire Middle East and control all the oil." And here he gives another "struggle for civilization" speech. As though if we left Iraq tomorrow civilization would crumble. Wake up America!

    And New York Post columunist Dick Morris advocates an-all out fear campaign in his "Scare 'em Silly" article.

58. 11/3--Iran test fires more missiles in defiance.

The incendiary statements from Bush, Cheney and Co. are particulary disturbing as overt attempts to polarize the nation. And this from a President who, in his 2005 inaugural address, promises to heal the divisions in the country. (Okay, who just rolled their eyes?)

--BTW, since it's 8/23, I guess we survived.

--see 8/23 (#1) all passengers were released - no charges
--see 8/23 (#2) both journalists released 8/27
--8/24-- didn't really see anything particularly fearful today except the Repubs usual terrorist-abetting label on Dems. One possibly fearful thing though, was Pluto being demoted from full planet status. Hey, if Pluto's not safe, how safe can any of us really be?
--see 9/14 (#40) determined e-coli likely caused by a wild pig

Feel free to add...

Flying by the seat of my rants...