Dick Cheney’s comments should be the portent of “what could be” if they are re-elected (or “re-appointed”). If they are, stay tuned for more war, more terrorism, and an escalating possibility of a terrorist-induced doomsday; how long and how much more ammunition can we give them, not to mention the disturbing ineptitude of this administration to make any progress whatsoever on providing a feasible Homeland Security?
Informed Comment : 09/01/2004 – 09/30/2004
Dick Cheney’s statement that if Americans elected John Kerry they would suffer another terrorist attack like 9/11 has provoked outrage among Democrats.
But what is interesting to me is the policy implications. Cheney seems to be saying that the reason there won’t be another attack if he is reelected is because he will keep fighting “preemptive” wars.
So, he is promising us more wars, folks. And he almost certainly has Iran foremost on his mind.
It is not actually the case, of course, that fighting serial wars against states would necessarily stop international terrorism. Most terrorism is local and not under the auspices of the state.
In fact, the Bush/Cheney invasion of Iraq has certainly been good for al-Qaeda, and has expanded the recruiting pool by creating large numbers of angry young Muslim men.
When Cheney promises more “preemptive” wars, we should take him very seriously.
They should never let Cheney have the mic, but I’m glad they do. “Preemptive” wars with “potential terrorists”, sounds like they have given themselves permission to bomb whoever they want, and they will too.