Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on the Reported Terrorist Plot

[The Straight Story]

Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on the Reported Terrorist Plot

New York, NY – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton made the following remarks this morning at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast in Staten Island, NY, regarding the reported terrorist plot:

Click here for an audio recording.

“We’re just learning the details, but thank God, what looks like a very diabolical plot that could have been even bigger in terms of the impact, than the tragedy that we suffered on 9-11, has been disrupted by British authorities. And we appreciate the swift action by the British, because the plot centered on airlines flying between Britain and the United States, which obviously means between Heathrow and JFK, between Heathrow and Newark. And without a doubt we have learned, once again, how important it is that we remain vigilant, that we work closely with our friends and allies and like-minded civilized people around the world, because as we approach the fifth anniversary of 9-11, we can breathe a collective sigh of relief that we haven’t been attacked again, but we cannot, in any way, relax our guard. There is some evidence that this plot may have been directed by al Qaeda and Bin Laden, who in his periodic video and audio tapes, not only puts forth his perverted philosophy, but we believe sends messages to people either directly or indirectly under his authority or influence and a few months ago there was such a point made in one of his audio tapes about more airlines being attacked.

Now many of the people who put their lives on the line for our country were from Staten Island. Staten Island has a well deserved reputation for providing this city with some of the finest firefighters and police officers, and EMS, and paramedics, in the entire world. The extraordinary rescue mission that they undertook on September 11th saved tens of thousands of lives. And in the course of it, we know that many of them lost their lives, others suffered debilitating injuries - some are still suffering from the exposures that they experienced from the collapse of the buildings, and from the burning of the pile, and even from the work they did at Fresh Kills.

http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=261657&&

[derby378]

1. Wrong answer, Hillary

Today's events underscore once again the need for threat-based funding of homeland security. We have to have the best, most humanly-possible system of security - in our airports, in our transit systems, in our ports, in our borders - and we're still working to make that happen. So, this is to me, yet another wake up call as to why New York - our airports, our transit systems, our ferries, our ports, our bridges, our tunnels – why we need the help that I and the rest of our Congressional Delegation have been seeking for the last five years. We'll learn more about this disrupted attack in the hours and days ahead, but let no one let down their guard, and let no one feel some sense of accomplishment - we still have a lot of work to do.

First, you used the phrase Homeland Security. I thought I advised Democratic candidates for office never to use that phrase again unless they're making a direct reference to the DHS. The term sounds way too Goebbelsesque.

Also, did you ever hear the phrase "We have nothing to fear but fear itself?" I could have sworn it was a Democratic President who said that once.

We want our freedom back.

[napi21]

3. Sorry, but I think Hillary did a good job in that speech.

I don't like the term Homeland security either, but unfortunately, that's what this admin naed it, so, at this point, we don't have a choice!

She has already in past speeches talked about how foolish it is to fund museums in wy or Ia on a nequal basis as NYC or LA.

I really have a hard time understanding why so many people on DU won't give Hillary any credit for ANYTHING! She really is a brilliant woman, a good politician, and you have all kind of opportunities to demonize people like Leiberman, and Nelson (Fl) and many others.

Give her credit when she deserves it!!!!

[derby378]

4. We don't have to use the Bush administration's lingo

That's a big part of what George Lakoff's whole concept of framing is about. You redefine the terms instead of getting yourself trapped in Bush's little web over and over again.

Every American who tries to board a plane, young or old, able-bodied or physically challenged, is now treated as a potential terrorist. There has to be a better way, and that's what I believe was really missing from Hillary's speech.

[napi21]

5. I don't think GL was talking about changing the names of agencies!

I read most of what GL writes, and he talks mostly about the RW renaming things like "the Death Tax" instead of an inheritance tax, or "Pro Life v/s Pro Abortion" inseeat of Pro Choice.

[oasis]

13. Before 9/11, the bi-partisan Hart/Rudman report recommended a

cabinet level post, the name: Homeland Security Agency.

[Clark2008]

14. I don't call it that. It's called NATIONAL security.

Homeland Security is FAR too Nazi-like.

If you call it Homeland Security, then you've been too brainwashed. Time to take a step back. It's always been national security and it always will be.

For the record, I just asked my husband and he said, "homeland," too. That's awful considering he's such a liberal guy (and, yes, I explained semantics and the use of words and how Republicans frame things to him too. :hi: )

[eleny]

2. I'll give her one thing....

In that first sentence, she made it clear that it was the British authorities who disrupted whatever it was. Nice to see that since W was acting like the big cheese yesterday.

[eridani]

6. Why is she buying this horseshit about "as bad as 9-11"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1883785&mesg_id=1883785

Not bloody likely, even if the perps had been anywhere near setting the plot into motion.

[titoresque]

7. 911/911/911 Yep, sounds familiar. n/t

[Justice Is Comin]

8. Is she sniffing glue?

[Imagevision]

9. duh, I guess 9 planes blowing up or getting shot out of the sky

would have brought about many interesting comments by Dick Cheney/Hannity etc...

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

10. From A Political Perspective That Was A Very Very Good Statement.

Shows total strength towards the fight against terrorism while not eluding even the slightest whiff of praise for the administration in relation to the foiling of this plot. I think she did a great job with this. Strength, presenting the plot as one stopped from the british not shrubby, and allusions to the failures of the bush administration in the war on terror.

Very good Hillary!

[Generator]

11. Oh my GOD, She's pro-terror

I didn't know the Al Queda political wing accepted women now. Neat.

[pooja]

12. Whether or not you believe all the hype about yesterdays airline

crap, you must realize most people will accept the story that british stopped a potential airline debacle. So, there was a need to address the issues as such. Also, I like that she says we have to work together with other nations... Fighting the whole world, puts enemies at your doorstep. I think she did ok as the representing Senator from New York.

[oasis]

16. I agree.(eom)

[DemonFighterLives]

15. I don't care for it

but I know that someone who questions everything would get nowhere.
I suppose this reinforced her war resolve.

It is obvious that the bush policies are making us less safe and we are losing more of America as we know it with each alleged terror threat.
:dem: