The Sullied White House

A CNN poll today shows that American concerns about a new terrorist attack are at an all-time low. This is a great thing for Americans because worrying about physical security AND economic security is quite a psychic burden.

The thing I really appreciate is that the Republican Party has avoided stoking the fear of terrorism in a cynical effort to gain electoral advantage, as most polls in America shows Republicans have an edge in "combating terrorism." In other words, the more afraid YOU are of terrorists, the better THEY do.

Hold on a second. I just got an e-mail from the White House Press Office:

Patriot Day, 2008

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By the President of the United States of America

a proclamation


September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.

Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great Nation.

Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow our resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Wow. Our nation wanted to recognize the victims of 9-11 and the people who tried to save them, and instead of leaving it at that honor, our President interjects our ongoing fight against terrorism to stoke the flames of fear. Instead of Heroes Day, he calls it "PATRIOT" Day. This is a carefully scripted word that subtly links our alleged need for ongoing military action in Iraq (and elsewhere) with that tragedy. It is undoubtedly true that if you don't have a plan to combat terrorists, they can hurt you. But don't trounce on the graves of the victims of 9-11 to make your political point, President Bush. This is not an expanded "honor the military and intelligence services day," Mr. President. Today is for the victims.

Mr. President, look again at how your proclamation ends. "...to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001."

If you weren't making a political statement, wouldn't you have JUST said that we want to honor those who died on September 11, 2001 without referring to the terrorism? Are these people special in your eyes ONLY because of how they died, Mr. President? Is that our national lesson? That the more horrific your death is at the hands of America's global enemies, the more worthy of honor you will be in the eyes of the White House? By this measure, people who died after Katrina had insignificant deaths because, Mr. President, your colossal ineptitude caused those deaths, not terrorists. Where will be the memorial for people whose deaths do not further your political agenda?

I've heard Rush Limbaugh repeatedly bash the attendees at the funeral of the late Senator Paul Wellstone for turning that funeral into a "political rally." I've heard the same criticism about the funeral of Congresswoman Julia Carson locally.

But, Mr. President, those funerals were for individuals. You, in contrast, single-handedly politicized our country's NATIONAL funeral. Thankfully, all of the ceremonies at the Pentagon and at Ground Zero today were ONLY about the victims, Mr. President. Apparently, tact and honor exists in places other than in your White House.

The Sullied White House