Do You Feel Safe?

My Fellow Americans,

September 11, 2010 will mark the 9-year anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil.  We all remember where we were that day and how seconds seemed to turn into hours.  We remember September 12, 2001 and how we stood united as one -- and were promised such things would never happen to us again.

For 8 years, we were not attacked.  For 8 years, any attack or plot that was planned was foiled.  For 8 years, we had a President who, while he failed on many things, did not come up short in the protection of the United States of America.

However, as 2009 comes to a close, how much safer do you feel now?  It appears as if President George W. Bush took America's sense of safety and protection with him to his Texas ranch.  I know I don't believe President Barack Obama (photo: Boston Globe) when he says we won't be attacked again.  I did believe Bush, though.

I'll ask the question again -- how safe do you feel?  With the latest known breach of airport security, how safe do you feel flying?  How safe do you feel traveling -- period?

It appears we were safer under Bush.  Maybe that's why former Vice President Dick Cheney always talks about his displeasure with Obama's ability to keep the country safe while trying to seek a middle ground.

So far, Obama has failed to protect us AND achieve a middle ground in anything he does.

Forgive me, Mr. Obama, if I side with Dick on this one.  After all, you haven't proved to the American people that you are serious about our protection (or our allies' protection).  You have, however, managed to dismantle what Bush and Cheney did in their 8 years in office.  Could that be why Mr. Cheney talks about you with such disgust?  Hmm, I wonder.

Obama had a chance to redeem himself with this latest foiled terror attack.  But, like always, he didn't seize the opportunity.  He had a chance to show the American people he was going to finally lead them.  But, like always, he can't and won't.

Then again, how can you when you don't speak to the American people until 3 days AFTER the foiled attack?  How can you when you rush the speech you give 3 days later?  How can you when you appear disgusted about having to do a speech at all?  How can you when you don't even show the American people enough respect and decency to wear a damn tie for the speech?

A foiled attack that I believe was the closest one to actually being carried out since 9/11.  And our President waits 3 days -- and then appears as if he wants nothing to do with any of it.  That's not a leader.

And what did Obama do during those 3 days you ask?  He played.  He played golf and tennis.  He enjoyed time with his family and friends.  And all this, while the country went through a terrifying time during their Christmas vacation -- Obama played.

What if Bush had done the same thing?  If 9/11/01 was really 12/25/01 -- and Bush was at his Texas ranch for Christmas vacation (watch this drive) -- instead of addressing the American people -- would the press not have a field day?  I realize the difference in the level of attacks -- and the fact that one actually took place while one was foiled -- but you can appreciate my rationale.

The point of all this is -- at the end of the day -- do you feel safe?  Do you feel safe with a President who plays games with our troops overseas?  Do you feel safe with a President who plays games with our national security?  Do you feel safe with a President who plays games with the security of our allies?

My Fellow Americans, do you feel safe with a President that plays games -- while his citizenry sit on the sidelines in fear?