White House: Critics of Obama Are "Serving the Goals of al Qaeda"

[Wimbly]

WH: Critics 'Serving the Goals of al Qaeda'* - Political Punch (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/02/wh-some-critics-serving-the-goals-of-al-qaeda.html)

In an op-ed in USA Today, John Brennan -- Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism -- responds to critics of the Obama administration's counterterrorism policies by saying "Politically motivated criticism and unfounded fear-mongering only serve the goals of al-Qaeda."

The administration op-ed is in response to a USA Today editorial entitled "National security team fails to inspire confidence; Officials’ handling of Christmas Day attack looks like amateur hour."

The editorial writers fault the Obama administration for announcing "last week that an attack by al-Qaeda is likely in the next three to six months. The warning is bound to frighten the public, with no obvious benefit beyond the ability to say 'I told you so.'"Since Obama got elected, critics of his have been called:

1. Racists
2. Domestic terrorists
3. Timothy McVeigh wana be's
4. Politcal terrorists
5. terrorist helpers

Were is the outrage from the MSM? Oh wait, they are helping Obama to spread these messages. Of course when Bush was president criticism was the height of patriotism.

YouTube- I Am Sick And Tired - Hillary Clinton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxmpTMGhU0)

Before someone brings it up, let me explain how this and other assaults on the American people by this administration is different from Bush's "you're with us or against us".

1. That quote was to nation's leaders, not the American people

2. The MSM went ape **** about Bush's quote, where as they actually help Obama's white house to demonize the American people as racists, terrorists and extremists.

[Gleipnir]

"Do not call conspiracy
everything that these people call conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it."

-Isaiah 8.12

[commanding]

personally don't like the USA today paper/views anyway. Here is a good one from the WSJ:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704022804575042112185849380.html

entitled Cheney's Revenge. How Obama, after getting into the whitehouse, and learning "how the cow ate the cabbage"....has had to change some of his ultra liberal ideas, and move toward President George Bush's stance on various issues, from Afghan to GITMO, etc. Things look a whole lot different, once you are in the whitehouse, have access to the intelligence that the president recieves, and have the fate of a nation, and the lives of 300 million people hanging on every decision you make.

[seraosha]

I wouldn't go so far as to call our current Administration hypocrits, but it was satisfying watching the campaign policies get thrown under the bus when the reality of the situation became apparent.

That coupled with the hurt bambi eyes of the folks that elected President Obama to stop the wars, eat lobster and poop rainbows.

You silly tools are getting exactly what you voted for.

[Panchito12]

Briefed Mr. Cheney once when he was SECDEF. I have the outmost of respect for him.

[Chulo]

Briefed Mr. Cheney once when he was SECDEF. I have the outmost of respect for him.
Is that because he had a shot gun? bada boom!



On the serious side, apparently criticizing the man is an issue when he is your man.

[Panchito12]

Is that because he had a shot gun? bada boom!



On the serious side, apparently criticizing the man is an issue when he is your man.

I have an issue when the press attacked him solely on the basis that he was W's VP, and not on his policies (which are slowly but surely getting embraced by Barry's crowd).

[SoftLion]

"The editorial writers fault the Obama administration for announcing "last week that an attack by al-Qaeda is likely in the next three to six months. The warning is bound to frighten the public, with no obvious benefit beyond the ability to say 'I told you so.'"

I also wondered about the utility of the "three - six months" warning. I can see it argued both ways.

The accusation that criticism of Obama's counter-terror policy "only serves the goals of Al Qaeda" is quite the allegation. "Think we could do better? Then you support Al Qaeda." Sure pal.

[Atlantic Friend]

"US Administration calls critics objective allies of the terrorists, America haters. On other generic news, trouble brews in the Middle-East, and the Vatican calls out for world peace."

[LineDoggie]

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h222/linedoggie/dissent.jpg..............................


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJxmpTMGhU0

“ I am sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and you disagree with this administration somehow you’re not patriotic. We should stand up and say we are Americans and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration."

[Imp]

"Politically motivated criticism and unfounded fear-mongering only serve the goals of al-Qaeda."


So let me get this straight. AbdulMuttallab is a "suspect" and gets read his Miranda rights, while critics of the administration are declared guilty of "serving the goals of Al-Qaeda"? Sweet Mother of Christ. I feel some rage coming on.

[HR24]

Wow, they sound like the Bush Administration here. Oh, the irony.....

[vryhpyammoadded]

LOL, and Capt America and friends think Tea Partiers are racist hahahahah…

I love it when this country’s managerial elite think they own the place and spew such heaping helpings of bull sh*t. Lying about people this hard, vilifying them for the sake of stirring up the insane, corrupt and selfish far loonie leftwing base will so back fire on them.

[commanding]

the 1st post link, in USA today quote:

The editorial writers fault the Obama administration for announcing "last week that an attack by al-Qaeda is likely in the next three to six months. The warning is bound to frighten the public, with no obvious benefit beyond the ability to say 'I told you so.'"

WTF??? In that case, Baghdad Bob of the pre Iraq invasion was "right on" in denying that US forces were at the gates. Hell he might be in charge at USA today. While we're at it, let's do away with the national weather service...all that talk of hurricanes and tornadoes just frightens the public. God forbid they do anything to prepare. <end sarcasm>

[JKD]

This is just as dumb and insulting as when Republicans said it during the Bush years.

[Smitty_Damitty]

Were is the outrage from the MSM? Oh wait, they are helping Obama to spread these messages. Of course when Bush was president criticism was the height of patriotism.

Before someone brings it up, let me explain how this and other assaults on the American people by this administration is different from Bush's "you're with us or against us".

1. That quote was to nation's leaders, not the American people

2. The MSM went ape **** about Bush's quote, where as they actually help Obama's white house to demonize the American people as racists, terrorists and extremists.

Wimbly is on the mark here IMO, at least partly. Brennan's statement was a stupid one, definitely. Bush's statement, equally stupid. However, the infamous "with us or against us" quote does not become more defensible than Brennan's quote, because it was directed towards the nations of the world and not the Dems. Both statements have served no purpose but to alienate those who are "supposed" to be on our side.


Briefed Mr. Cheney once when he was SECDEF. I have the outmost of respect for him.
I took part in a joint Color Guard for his visit to March AFB a few years back. I received his coin and exchanged pleasantries with him. He was gracious and humble towards us. I agree that he is a good man, in person. But, that is where I draw the line as far as respect for him.


http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h222/linedoggie/dissent.jpg..............................

roflroflrofl
Saved.

[Wimbly]

This is just as dumb and insulting as when Republicans said it during the Bush years.

They never attacked Americans as racist or terrorist sympathizers. They did go after Democrats for declaring the war lost in the middle of a surge, accusing Marines of being cold blooded murderers and other such mud throwing. The Republicans definitely didn't have the media backing them up. Quite the contrary.

[Dominique]

They never attacked Americans as racist or terrorist sympathizers.

Not quit, many people, especially those in political office, and the TV "pundits", were more than happy to label anyone who had an issue with the way the former administration handled terrorism and war related issues, as either unpatriotic, a sympathizer, and/or say they were aiding our enemies . The comments by this guy are just as asinine as the ones issued when Bush was in office, and he should STFU and get back to doing the work he's paid for, not flapping his gums and making himself look like an ass .

[seraosha]

Can I get a link to the Bush Admin labeling detractors as "Serving the goals of al qaeda"?

I remember a lot of complaining, but not accusations of folks aiding terrorists.

[JKD]

They never attacked Americans as racist or terrorist sympathizers.
As racists no, but as terrorist sympathizers? Where were you from 2001 to 2008?

...and it's just as wrong for Dems to do it now.


They did go after Democrats for declaring the war lost in the middle of a surge, accusing Marines of being cold blooded murderers and other such mud throwing.
Questioning the surge or the Iraq War in general was a legitimate policy debate. There was plenty of legitimate issues raised and opinions expressed that were dismissed as un-American


The Republicans definitely didn't have the media backing them up. Quite the contrary.
Post-9/11 to early on into the Iraq War they did for the most part.

Bill Moyers' opinionated introduction aside, this is a good look at media coverage of the build up to war
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/btw/watch.html

[Wimbly]

Post-9/11 to early on into the Iraq War they did for the most part.

Bill Moyers' opinionated introduction aside, this is a good look at media coverage of the build up to war
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/btw/watch.html

Come on now JKD, what does this have to do with the media and white house coordinating attacks on Americans who criticize Obama?

The media didn't "back" Bush on Iraq either. They backed the general consensus at the time, based on the previous 8 years dealings with Saddam. Not only did the media back it, but most prominent Democrats did.

You'll also admit the media through a fit anytime Rush or Coulter suggested anti-Iraq war people like Sheehan were not jobs? Where is their outrage now? Did it go the same place as outrage for wiretaps went?

[SoftLion]

As racists no, but as terrorist sympathizers? Where were you from 2001 to 2008?

...and it's just as wrong for Dems to do it now.



I'm not saying your wrong, but could you provide a source showing the Bush administration admonishing the public that if they did not support their counter-terror policies, they were serving the goals of Al Qaeda, or similar statements?

[JKD]

Come on now JKD, what does this have to do with the media and white house coordinating attacks on Americans who criticize Obama?
I was addressing a specific statement you made in your post. this:

"The Republicans definitely didn't have the media backing them up. Quite the contrary"

^ You wrote that an hour ago.


The media didn't "back" Bush on Iraq either. They backed the general consensus at the time, based on the previous 8 years dealings with Saddam. Not only did the media back it, but most prominent Democrats did.
So the statement that the poor poor perpetual victims of the Republicans didn't have the big bad media backing them up wasn't the case, at least during that time.

[JKD]

I'm not saying your wrong, but could you provide a source showing the Bush administration admonishing the public that if they did not support their counter-terror policies, they were serving the goals of Al Qaeda, or similar statements?

• ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT: When concerned citizens voiced opposition to excessive provisions of the Patriot Act, Attorney General John Ashcroft said on 12/6/01, "your tactics only aid terrorists, for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve. They give ammunition to America's enemies, and pause to America's friends."

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/kfiles/b10955.html

[Wimbly]

I was addressing a specific statement you made in your post. this:

"The Republicans definitely didn't have the media backing them up. Quite the contrary"

^ You wrote that an hour ago.


What does your response have to do with the administration calling Americans who criticize them terrorists or racist. When did the media back up Republicans in attacking Americans as unAmerican, terrorists or racists?


• ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT: When concerned citizens voiced opposition to excessive provisions of the Patriot Act, Attorney General John Ashcroft said on 12/6/01, "your tactics only aid terrorists, for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve. They give ammunition to America's enemies, and pause to America's friends."

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/kfiles/b10955.html

I recall the media going crazy over this. Here is the whole quote too:


To those who pit Americans against immigrants, citizens against non-citizens, to those who scare peace-loving people with phantoms of lost liberty, my message is this: Your tactics only aid terrorists for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve,"

Either way, I highly doubt American progress cares about these recent accusations.

[JKD]

What does your response have to do with the administration calling Americans who criticize them terrorists or racist. When did the media back up Republicans in attacking Americans as unAmerican, terrorists or racists?
As I just said in my previous post I was responding to a post the you made about the media not backing up the Republicans. I replied that they did, at least for a while.


Was he talking about the NYT exposing methods and tactics?

No.

[seraosha]

To those who pit Americans against immigrants, citizens against non-citizens, to those who scare peace-loving people with phantoms of lost liberty, my message is this: Your tactics only aid terrorists for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve,"

Can we get a link that actually answers the question I asked? Taking issue with the patriot act in regards to immigration is fine, but where is the Bush admin accusing Americans of serving the goals of al Queda? And since the current admin is taking the patriot act even further, that doesn't exactly strengthen any point trying to be made, although it's closer than anything else posted so far.

[SoftLion]

@ JKD - Thanks for the link.

[Geezah]

Can I get a link to the Bush Admin labeling detractors as "Serving the goals of al qaeda"?

I remember a lot of complaining, but not accusations of folks aiding terrorists.

Me too, I'd like to see something that backs up these claims........

[California Joe]

All of you filthy Quislings just made the list.

[kimujnr]

All this "post a link" crap is hilarious but still defensible! On the one hand it is not beyond imagination to believe an administration like the CHENEY bush one didn't paint all liberals as troop hating, lilly livered, tree hugging, America hating, Pacifists who want the terrorists to win. But on the flip side this admin has taken every available moment to call tea bagg.. I mean partiers racists!!

[SoftLion]

All this "post a link" crap is hilarious but still defensible! On the one hand it is not beyond imagination to believe an administration like the CHENEY bush one didn't paint all liberals as troop hating, lilly livered, tree hugging, America hating, Pacifists who want the terrorists to win. But on the flip side this admin has taken every available moment to call tea bagg.. I mean partiers racists!!

Shut up ylbmiW.

[Azatavrear]

All this infighting is really sickening. Start working as a team instead of against each other jockeying for political points and position, get your shiet together, stop being selfish, and geterdun.................America’s best sons and daughters are laying their lives down everyday.

[kimujnr]

Shut up ylbmiW.

My snooty harvard & yale trained vocab still can't decipher what that means! :(

[SoftLion]

My snooty harvard & yale trained vocab still can't decipher what that means! :(
I pray to little miniature micro-baby Jesus you are kidding.

[kimujnr]

I pray to little miniature micro-baby Jesus you are kidding.

Sadly I'm not softie! :)

[California Joe]

Read the word after "Shut up" backwards you tard.

[kimujnr]

OH HELL!!! I deserve every name calling in the book!!

[SoftLion]

Read the word after "Shut up" backwards you tard.

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Matthew 6:3

[Laconian]

All these chuckleheads (Reps & Dems) annoy me. You can't take criticism about everything you do, good or bad, don't enter public life.

[California Joe]

I've just always wanted to use the word "quisling" in a thread.

[SoftLion]

All these chuckleheads (Reps & Dems) annoy me. You can't take criticism about everything you do, good or bad, don't enter public life.

If politicians and their appointees give a damn about criticism, they are absolutely in the wrong line of work, but they know that. Snake Bite made an appropriate comment in some thread the other day in regard to this.

EDIT:


I've just always wanted to use the word "quisling" in a thread.

Traitor.

[Fargin]

Dubia Boosh: "Yo either wif us or gainst us!"

I guess Obama has only been called Traitor, Kenyan, Socialist, Commie, Anti-christ, Manchurian-candidate, racist, Granny-killer by teabaggers et al.

[Xaito]

Dubia Boosh: "Yo either wif us or gainst us!"

I guess Obama has only been called Traitor, Kenyan, Socialist, Commie, Anti-christ, Manchurian-candidate, racist, Granny-killer by teabaggers et al.

he's also been accused of animal abuse when he killed a fly...

[Wimbly]

Dubia Boosh: "Yo either wif us or gainst us!"

Addressed in the OP. He was talking nation's leaders. Not the American people.


I guess Obama has only been called Traitor, Kenyan, Socialist, Commie, Anti-christ, Manchurian-candidate, racist, Granny-killer by teabaggers et al.Awwwwww, poor Obama. I've never seen so much whining and excuse making for a president as there is for Obama.

[Fargin]

So first you play the victim card in OP and now you go Awwwww, poor Obama?

[Wimbly]

So first you play the victim card in OP and now you go Awwwww, poor Obama?

Exposing the white house's demonetization of every day Americans is "playing the victim card"? You're the only one I see making victimization excuses for the president. I know you're butt hurt because I've shown Obama for who he is, but come on!