Tom Ridge asked to Raise Terror Level on eve of election

[angrymissy]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h1W_dkUJZmLCnpf-AJQwNa0N-ptg

Disgusting.

WASHINGTON — Former US homeland security chief Tom Ridge charges in a new book that top aides to then-president George W. Bush pressured him to raise the "terror alert" level to sway the November 2004 US election.

Then defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld and attorney general John Ashcroft pushed him to elevate the color-coded threat level, but Ridge refused, according to a summary from his publisher, Thomas Dunne Books.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/08/20/2041283.aspx

Among the headlines promoted by publisher Thomas Dunne Books: Ridge was never invited to sit in on National Security Council meetings; was "blindsided" by the FBI in morning Oval Office meetings because the agency withheld critical information from him; found his urgings to block Michael Brown from being named head of the emergency agency blamed for the Hurricane Katrina disaster ignored; and was pushed to raise the security alert on the eve of President Bush's re-election, something he saw as politically motivated and worth resigning over.

[CurseoftheBambi]

Are some geniunely surprised considering what we know already about the past Administration...and why Cheney should SHUT THE HELL UP...:nono:

[Dude!]

the dude is deaf
he probably just mis-heard
these things

[Furtherman]

Totally not surprising, but glad it's now in the open. Those bastards felt they could do everything with impunity to fit their needs, not ours.

[Zorro]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h1W_dkUJZmLCnpf-AJQwNa0N-ptg

Disgusting.



http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/08/20/2041283.aspx

I love guys expressing their outrage after the fact. According to the article the administration's actions were so egregious he had to land a cushy position in private sector before leaving government. Do any of these guys have balls?

[angrymissy]

I love guys expressing their outrage after the fact.

He resigned shortly after.

[KingModem]

Everyone still think we have the best country in the world? I have lost my trust and now am losing my patience with this country.

[EliSnow]

I love guys expressing their outrage after the fact. According to the article the administration's actions were so egregious he had to land a cushy position in private sector before leaving government. Do any of these guys have balls?

Damn him for having a plan to bring income in to his family after he quits! And for getting a well paying job!

[west milly Tom]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h1W_dkUJZmLCnpf-AJQwNa0N-ptg

Disgusting.



http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/08/20/2041283.aspx



So typical. Losing on issues = spin time. Did you forget about obama's connection to ACORN. Try venturing out of media matters talking points for just one second. Eww
One more, what have you said to me when I've cited fox news?

[underdog]

So typical. Losing on issues = spin time. Did you forget about obama's connection to ACORN. Try venturing out of media matters talking points for just one second. Eww

What?

[foodcourtdruide]

So typical. Losing on issues = spin time. Did you forget about obama's connection to ACORN. Try venturing out of media matters talking points for just one second. Eww

You are comparing using the national terror alert level for political reasons to Obama's involvement with ACORN? Seriously, I understand that you are a conservative, but sometimes it's OK to say that people you like have done something wrong. And this didn't come from Media Matters, it came from Tom Ridge, who was the chief of Homeland Security at the time.

[west milly Tom]

What?

Exactly

[EliSnow]

So typical. Losing on issues = spin time. Did you forget about obama's connection to ACORN. Try venturing out of media matters talking points for just one second. Eww
One more, what have you said to me when I've cited fox news?

You are comparing using the national terror alert level for political reasons to Obama's involvement with ACORN? Seriously, I understand that you are a conservative, but sometimes it's OK to say that people you like have done something wrong. And this didn't come from Media Matters, it came from Tom Ridge, who was the chief of Homeland Security at the time.

Yeah, it's a ridiculous response. It has nothing to do with the comments Ridge made.

And it's not like MSNBC is making this up. Tom Ridge wrote a book about it, for god sakes.

[Crispy123]

So typical. Losing on issues = spin time. Did you forget about obama's connection to ACORN. Try venturing out of media matters talking points for just one second. Eww
One more, what have you said to me when I've cited fox news?

Oh its spin time alright! Always is with you guys.

[west milly Tom]

Its just such a bummer to see. Its a don't trust the republicans story in the midst of Americas trust in democrats going down the tubes. Did it happen, probably I'm not even arguing that. The timing of the release of this story is what's peculiar. How long have they known this. Its typical dirty msnbc stink.

[Zorro]

Damn him for having a plan to bring income in to his family after he quits! And for getting a well paying job!

No...damn him for not having the cajones to stand up and say this stuff five years ago when it would have mattered.

[Crispy123]

Its just such a bummer to see. Its a don't trust the republicans story in the midst of Americas trust in democrats going down the tubes. Did it happen, probably I'm not even arguing that. The timing of the release of this story is what's peculiar. How long have they known this. Its typical dirty msnbc stink.

Right. Lets question the timing of this story about the timing of changing the terror alert level and the 2nd election the Bush company stole from the American people. You make such a compelling argument against the "left wing" media. Tell us more.

[EliSnow]

Its just such a bummer to see. Its a don't trust the story in the midst of Americas trust in democrats going down the tubes. Did it happen, probably I'm not even arguing that. The timing of the release of this story is what's peculiar. How long have they known this. Its typical dirty msnbc stink.

The timing is due to the fact that the book is coming out in 12 days.

[foodcourtdruide]

Its just such a bummer to see. Its a don't trust the story in the midst of Americas trust in democrats going down the tubes. Did it happen, probably I'm not even arguing that. The timing of the release of this story is what's peculiar. How long have they known this. Its typical dirty msnbc stink.

Did I miss something? When did America's trust in democrats start going down the tubes?

[Crispy123]

No...damn him for not having the cajones to stand up and say this stuff five years ago when it would have mattered.

And yes damn him for being such a self indulgent prick that he fucking shits on his oath of office and pisses down the backs of the citizens of this country. This cocksucker lines his pockets first, no surprise.

[west milly Tom]

Oh its spin time alright! Always is with you guys.



Us guys? Eat a dick.

[foodcourtdruide]

No...damn him for not having the cajones to stand up and say this stuff five years ago when it would have mattered.

He did stand up. He gave his resignation on Nov. 30, 2004.

[EliSnow]

No...damn him for not having the cajones to stand up and say this stuff five years ago when it would have mattered.

He stood up to their efforts at the time, when he realized what they were like, he resigned, and then decided that he wasn't going to rat out the president who was a member of his party.

Yes, I would have liked it better if he had spoken up at that time, rather than later when it essentially doesn't matter, but I understand the reasoning behind it.

[Crispy123]

Us guys Eat a dick.


Well speak for yourself there buddy.

[Ritalin]

Its just such a bummer to see. Its a don't trust the republicans story in the midst of Americas trust in democrats going down the tubes. Did it happen, probably I'm not even arguing that. The timing of the release of this story is what's peculiar. How long have they known this. Its typical dirty msnbc stink.

Ok, but the story isn't "why is this coming out now".

The story is about what Tom Ridge has to say in his book about the past administration.

The one thing about a Republic: they'll always change the subject.

[west milly Tom]

Did I miss something? When did America's trust in democrats start going down the tubes?



Turn the channel budday.

[underdog]

Its just such a bummer to see. Its a don't trust the republicans story in the midst of Americas trust in democrats going down the tubes. Did it happen, probably I'm not even arguing that. The timing of the release of this story is what's peculiar. How long have they known this. Its typical dirty msnbc stink.

So what you're saying is that Tom Ridge is suddenly a democrat and is working with the "liberal media". That makes perfect sense.

[underdog]

Turn the channel budday.

To Fox News and it will all make sense.

[angrymissy]

So typical. Losing on issues = spin time. Did you forget about obama's connection to ACORN. Try venturing out of media matters talking points for just one second. Eww
One more, what have you said to me when I've cited fox news?

We are not talking about Obama. Nice deflection though.

You think this is ok?

What exactly did I say to you when you cited Fox News? Nada. You made a statement in a prior thread that you claimed was true, yet couldn't back it up. While that was months ago, I see it still smarts that I called you out on it, eh?

I didn't link Media Matters, this is all over the news today.

[topless_mike]

every administration goes through this same exact bullshit.
backroom deals, finger pointing, cock blocking, etc.

it doesnt even phase me anymore.

[foodcourtdruide]

Turn the channel budday.

Turn what channel?

[west milly Tom]

Ok, but the story isn't "why is this coming out now".

The story is about what Tom Ridge has to say in his book about the past administration.

The one thing about a Republic: they'll always change the subject.



Was it dirty? So dirty. I think the republicans are just as filthy as the democrats.

[foodcourtdruide]

every administration goes through this same exact bullshit.
backroom deals, finger pointing, cock blocking, etc.

it doesnt even phase me anymore.

I agree. What bothers me more is the people who defended these things at the time not admitting to clearly being wrong.

[foodcourtdruide]

Was it dirty? So dirty. I think the republicans are just as filthy as the democrats.

I'm sorry, but I dont' believe this to be true. From your comments on this board you clearly see democrats as being much worse than republicans.

[EliSnow]

Was it dirty? So dirty. I think the republicans are just as filthy as the democrats.

And when given information about a book coming out in two weeks about how the Republicans were dirty, you made unconnected comments about Obama and ACORN and saying that MSNBC released this information because Democrats are not popular right now.

Forgetting that it's a news item because the book comes out in 12 days and is written by a lifelong Republican.

[west milly Tom]

I agree. What bothers me more is the people who defended these things at the time not admitting to clearly being wrong.



I think it was wrong and indefensible.

[keithy_19]

Didn't happen. Tom Ridge is a liar.


:bye:




In truth, it's messed up. Is anyone surprised though? With the things that the Bush administration did, and the scare tactics pretty much all politicians do? It seems like a typical day in Washington. I'm ok with Ridge stepping down. If you don't like the way something is going then you should leave rather then be a part of it.

[west milly Tom]

And when given information about a book coming out in two weeks about how the Republicans were dirty, you made unconnected comments about Obama and Acorn and saying that MSNBC released this information because Democrats are not popular right now.

Forgetting that it's a news item because the book comes out in 12 days and is written by a lifelong Republican.



Not unconnected, very connected. Both parties play fucky fucky with the voters ie ACORN.

[west milly Tom]

I'm just glad nobody will see this story all buried on msnbc

[EliSnow]

Not unconnected, very connected. Both parties play fucky fucky with the voters ie ACORN.

But ACORN has nothing to do with Ridge's allegations. It's not related except on a very, very, very general sense.

[EliSnow]

I'm just glad nobody will see this story all buried on msnbc

It's being reported by ABC News, USA Today, Google, etc.

[angrymissy]

I'm just glad nobody will see this story all buried on msnbc

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090820/pl_afp/usattackspoliticsridge
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/08/ridge_accuses_b.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h1W_dkUJZmLCnpf-AJQwNa0N-ptg
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/08/ridge-reveals-pressure-to-raise-alert-level-before-2004-election.html
http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2009/08/20/the-jaw-dropping-cynicism-of-the-bush-administration/?cxntfid=blogs_jay_bookman_blog
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0809/Politicizing_the_terror_alerts.html
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2009/08/former_gov_tom_ridges_says_bus.html
http://gawker.com/5341720/former-bush-admin-official-verifies-crazy-lefty-conspiracy-theory?skyline=true&s=x

[Ritalin]

And, I'll throw something else out there: Tom Ridge can go take a seat on the same bench with Colin Powell, because both of them abrogated their duties as high ranking public officials by allowing this nonsense to happen without saying a word.

[west milly Tom]

It's being reported by ABC News, USA Today, Google, etc.



Doh. I read the headline this morning and had an acrid reaction because I knew it would come up and then to see who posted it I was livid.

[foodcourtdruide]

And, I'll throw something else out there: Tom Ridge can go take a seat on the same bench with Colin Powell, because both of them abrogated their duties as high ranking public officials by allowing this nonsense to happen without saying a word.

And Scott McClellan. While I'm happy this all eventually came out, this country could have been saved a lot of pain if they were vocal about the problems with the Bush administration at the time they were occurring.

[angrymissy]

Doh. I read the headline this morning and had an acrid reaction because I knew it would come up and then to see who posted it I was livid.

Gee, I'm sorry, I didn't realize I wasn't allowed to post things in here without getting people "livid". You should take a break from the internets if that is truly the case.

You posted something that was entirely incorrect months ago and got mad when I proved you wrong. Get the fuck over it already.

[west milly Tom]

And, I'll throw something else out there: Tom Ridge can go take a seat on the same bench with Colin Powell, because both of them abrogated their duties as high ranking public officials by allowing this nonsense to happen without saying a word.


Agreed

[west milly Tom]

Gee, I'm sorry, I didn't realize I wasn't allowed to post things in here without getting people "livid". You should take a break from the internets if that is truly the case.

You posted something that was entirely incorrect months ago and got mad when I proved you wrong. Get the fuck over it already.



Eww, its not personal your politics make my skin crawl. And I was in no way wrong. The only thing you proved was your contempt for our republic.

[TheMojoPin]

Are you a cartoon?

[Ritalin]

And Scott McClellan. While I'm happy this all eventually came out, this country could have been saved a lot of pain if they were vocal about the problems with the Bush administration at the time they were occurring.

Pain, money and general anxiety.

[angrymissy]

Eww, its not personal your politics make my skin crawl. And I was in no way wrong. The only thing you proved was your contempt for our republic.

You were wrong, you said Obama was going to raise the Capital Gains tax 100% because you heard it on a show. When presented with facts and evidence contrary to that you got all pissy when you were asked to back up your statement with fact. You then did it again with some Palin shit and got super pissy, again, when you couldn't back your shit up.

If you were in no way wrong:
Show me how Obama is going to raise the capital gains tax 100%
Show me the video/proof that Obama called Palin "Vulgar".

My "contempt for our republic"? Wowieeeeeee.

[Crispy123]

And, I'll throw something else out there: Tom Ridge can go take a seat on the same bench with Colin Powell, because both of them abrogated their duties as high ranking public officials by allowing this nonsense to happen without saying a word.

QFT.

Nothing noble about it. Speak out and take a stand when it matters then your a hero. Admit to being wrong after you have played your games no problem there, but profit by "consulting", giving speaches and writing a book about it and its just another manuever to line your pockets at the expense of the American people.

[west milly Tom]

You were wrong, you said Obama was going to raise the Capital Gains tax 100% because you heard it on a show. When presented with facts and evidence contrary to that you got all pissy when you were asked to back up your statement with fact. You then did it again with some Palin shit and got super pissy, again, when you couldn't back your shit up.

My "contempt for our republic"? Wowieeeeeee.



You ran from a verbal debate, not me. You get to remember that. Offers still on the table. The ratings for your show will go up by 25%, ill be listening.

[EliSnow]

Eww, its not personal your politics make my skin crawl. And I was in no way wrong. The only thing you proved was your contempt for our republic.

You didn't prove anything other than you like to use unconnected arguments to distract from the topic.

[foodcourtdruide]

Pain, money and general anxiety.

Agreed. I also blame the media. They only started showing backbone against the Bush Administration when it was way too late.

[angrymissy]

You ran from a verbal debate, not me. You get to remember that. Offers still on the table. The ratings for your show will go up by 25%, ill be listening.

The ratings for my show? The... ratings...?

You called into a podcast about relationships to try and have a debate about Obama, with "4 guys backing you up", and you promptly got hung up on by my husband when our "listeners" started flipping out because they hate politics discussion. In the 2 minutes that you were on, you couldn't even adequately describe Obama's stimulus plan that you were all worked up in a froth about.

Again, just show me that Obama is raising capital gains taxes 100%, or that he called Palin "Vulgar" and you win. Those were the two things you got oh so pissy about and obviously can't let go of.

[DarkHippie]

You ran from a verbal debate, not me. You get to remember that. Offers still on the table. The ratings for your show will go up by 25%, ill be listening.

If you don't like the way our country is being run, get the hell out. AMERICA LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!!!!

that's sarcasm by the way, Captain Autism

[foodcourtdruide]

You ran from a verbal debate, not me. You get to remember that. Offers still on the table. The ratings for your show will go up by 25%, ill be listening.

Why take the personal shot at her show?

[angrymissy]

Why take the personal shot at her show?

Because he has nothing else.

brb, gotta go burn some flags, get an abortion, pray to Allah, steal some money from rich people, and do other things to show contempt for the Republic!

[Furtherman]

So typical. Losing on issues = spin time. Did you forget about obama's connection to ACORN. Try venturing out of media matters talking points for just one second. Eww
One more, what have you said to me when I've cited fox news?

Was it dirty? So dirty. I think the republicans are just as filthy as the democrats.

You ran from a verbal debate, not me. You get to remember that. Offers still on the table. The ratings for your show will go up by 25%, ill be listening.


Oh boy.

Dude, you got smashed, now move on and stop trying to defend your party with unrelated instances like ACORN (really?) when these skeletons in the former administration's closet fall out like bad-guys in the bad-guy's hideout in Duck Twacy.

And there will be many, many more in the years to come.

Just wait until Condi Rice writes her book!

[hammersavage]

brb, gotta go burn some flags, get an abortion, pray to Allah, steal some money from rich people, and do other things to show contempt for the Republic!

I'm only doing 1 of those 4.

[keithy_19]

I'm only doing 1 of those 4.

...you're getting an abortion?

[A.J.]

The only outrage I have is that we established this stupid alert system in the first place.

[booster11373]

The only outrage I have is that we established this stupid alert system in the first place.

They should have got it sponsored, "This raising of the todays terror alert brought to you by Skittles taste the rainbow" (I think I heard this from a comedian)

[furie]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h1W_dkUJZmLCnpf-AJQwNa0N-ptg

Disgusting.



http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/08/20/2041283.aspx


ok,
but he didn't

[Freakshow]

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/08/20/2041283.aspx

I like that the article is quoting someone who is not Ridge, or his book.

Dude, my friend's cousin was in a Fraternity with Ridge and he told me...

[cougarjake13]

i kinda wondered that this was a possibiltiy


then i was thinking that miraculously a wekk or 2 before the 04 election they'd suddenly catch bin laden to help him get re elected

[benjamin]

Fear is what makes the world go round.

It is the root of all evil.

Necessary to control us - the masses.

Glad this came out so we can all wake up.

"You are a slave Neo - like everyone else you were born into bondage - born into a prison you can neither smell nor taste nor touch - a prison for your mind!"

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[epo]

This is the biggest "no shit" story of the year.

[TripleSkeet]

I think the funniest part is there are people in this country that believe raising and lowering the "terror alert" level actually means ANYTHING. Its a fucking propaganda tool used to keep the sheep scared. God people are fucking morons.

Dont get me wrong, what was asked of Ridge was completely disgusting. The problem is the reason they even ask is because they know how naive and stupid most of the people in this country are.

[epo]

What's most shocking to me about this story, is the fact that some people are actually buying that Ridge's claim that he didn't do exactly what the administration asked of him.

[Dude!]

What's most shocking to me about this story, is the fact that some people are actually buying that Ridge's claim that he didn't do exactly what the administration asked of him.

i don't understand what you
are trying to say here

the administration did NOT
raise the level to red

so this is what Bush wanted
all along i guess...
to leave it at orange?

[KatPw]

I think the funniest part is there are people in this country that believe raising and lowering the "terror alert" level actually means ANYTHING. Its a fucking propaganda tool used to keep the sheep scared. God people are fucking morons.

Dont get me wrong, what was asked of Ridge was completely disgusting. The problem is the reason they even ask is because they know how naive and stupid most of the people in this country are.

That is why this terrorist alert level chart was my favorite.
http://www.geekandproud.net/terror/images/terror-all.jpg
Because it's just as silly as the concept of a threat level alert.

[underdog]

That is why this terrorist alert level chart was my favorite.
http://www.geekandproud.net/terror/images/terror-all.jpg
Because it's just as silly as the concept of a threat level alert.

I personally used this one :

http://www.geekandproud.net/terror2/images/terror-ath-all.jpg

[KatPw]

I personally used this one :

http://www.geekandproud.net/terror2/images/terror-ath-all.jpg

I did not even know that one existed. Love ATHF!

[Heather 8]

I'm just glad nobody will see this story all buried on msnbc

I saw it as a top story on CNN's site yesterday.

But then again, they're dirty evil baby-killing tree-huggers. Obviously they can't tell me the real story like the REAL AMERCIANS at Fox can, and will, by GOD!

[Furtherman]

Awwwww. Now someone should tell Boehner he doesn't have to be severe.

Rainbow Colors Will No Longer Describe Terrorist Threats (http://gawker.com/5744227/rainbow-colors-will-no-longer-describe-terrorist-threats)

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/7/2011/01/500x_terrorthreatlevel_ap_01.jpg

[WRESTLINGFAN]

Now if Obama and the GOP were serious about spending they would eliminate DHS. I'd love not to hear big sis Napolitano anymore

[Dude!]

Now if Obama and the GOP were serious about spending they would eliminate DHS. I'd love not to hear big sis Napolitano anymore

man, ain't that the truth
then she could go back
to spending her time
fingering other dykes

[Crash]

man, ain't that the truth
then she could go back
to spending her time
fingering other dykes

Hey, hey, HEY!!!
Jesus, I'm glad this is an XL message board!

[A.J.]

Now if Obama and the GOP were serious about spending they would eliminate DHS. I'd love not to hear big sis Napolitano anymore

And the DNI.

[Barnaby Jones]

Now if Obama and the GOP were serious about spending they would eliminate DHS. I'd love not to hear big sis Napolitano anymore

And the NSA!!!