Right-Wing Blocks Funding For Port Security, Disaster Preparedness
Right-Wing Blocks Funding For Port Security, Disaster Preparedness
Moments ago, the House of Representatives narrowly defeated an amendment proposed by Rep. Martin Sabo (D-MN) that would have provided $1.25 billion in desperately needed funding for port security and disaster preparedness. The Sabo amendment included:
– $300 million to enable U.S. customs agents to inspect high-risk containers at all 140 overseas ports that ship directly to the United States. Current funding only allows U.S. customs agents to operate at 43 of these ports.
– $400 million to place radiation monitors at all U.S. ports of entry. Currently, less than half of U.S. ports have radiation monitors.
– $300 million to provide backup emergency communications equipment for the Gulf Coast.
Meanwhile, the Bush budget – which most of the members who voted against this bill will likely support – contains an increase of $1.7 billion for missile defense, a program that doesn’t even work.
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Spin this FAUX news.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:13 pmbush should make it a faith based missle defense
March 16th, 2006 at 4:15 pmWhen the corporate interests that manage port security get enough money to bribe the necessary members of Congress (as the large Defense Contractors have done) then we will see money for port security. This is really not too surprising.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:16 pmWhy would Republicans begin to focus on programs that work? We’ve had the Iraq war, Medicare prescription drugs, the Homeland Security Agency, the response to Katrina, etc. Clearly, whether something will work or not does not enter into the equation for the Republican Congress.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:17 pmrepublicans are against national security
March 16th, 2006 at 4:18 pmHey, Conservatives, how about you put your money where your mouth is?
Check that.
How about you put our money (our tax dollars) where your mouth is?
Hypocrites.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:19 pmOh, c’mon! They have to save money somewhere! You know Ted Stevens has a bridge to pay for!
March 16th, 2006 at 4:19 pmboy, this really underscores the fact that the GOP is determined to keep Americans scared. it’s the only way they can stay in power.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:21 pmThey’re just pissed off because they can’t turn the all the ports over to their terrorist friends in Arabia.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:21 pm#6 You are correct and we will constantly remind them of such. I document and log every contradictory thing this lying administration does. They don’t care about our security. I mean, look what 9-11 did for chimpy. Another incident would catapult them into necessitating a third term. You know, just for national security.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:21 pm#6 – right on!
March 16th, 2006 at 4:22 pmThat’s the chant for the November elections.
“Republicans are against national security.”
#11
March 16th, 2006 at 4:24 pmA third term! now that’s something to be frightened about. Actually, if we get attacked again, that only proves that this administration is WEAK on protection.
by taking US security funds and putting them in their own pockets vis a vis the missle defense instead of where they can be used to protect the country makes perfect sense for these big-government republicans at least when dems push a bigger govt it is to help more not hurt more….regardless of how much they pocket it won’t be enough to stop radiation
can this really be a blue state issue – where the major ports are not in the bible belt so no repugs will support protecting them – can they possibly be so muddled that they think the demise of these ports will be the demise of the “liberal elitist” in NY and Cali
i wouldn’t put anything passed these line dancing, nascar loving, shot gun wedding git-r-done motherfuckers that have become the model american
sorry for the rant
March 16th, 2006 at 4:26 pmForeign corporations don’t donate and that’s who runs the ports plus the ILU donates to Democrats. Why fund the ports? Smuggling goods,drugs and people takes precedence over helping terrorists,so why worry?
March 16th, 2006 at 4:27 pmThe republicans hate America. They are traitors to democracy and liberty. This was a vote FOR the terrorists.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:28 pmwasn’t one of Duke Cunningham’s “handler” a defense contractor? The republicans are just trying to make up the shortfall that these convictions created
March 16th, 2006 at 4:30 pmBrilliant!!
March 16th, 2006 at 4:35 pm#6 – You’re on the right track.
We’ve got to take a page from the Republican “attack book”.
They are voting against funding for national security, therefore Republicans obviously hate America and American National Security.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:36 pmWhy do the republicnas hate America?
Why are republicans weak on national security?
March 16th, 2006 at 4:36 pmyou now, I’m just hoping that Iran’s not watching this…
March 16th, 2006 at 4:38 pm#11 fine grasp on the constitution with that thought.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:38 pm#13 Or you could say that if it dosn’t happen it’s because of wiretapping, even in the face of such ’strong’ democratic opposition. Although apparently your only strength is in your refusal to have a platform that consists of more than, “we’re not republicans, and even though we have no plan, vote us in”
therefore it seems-
republicans are oportunostic flip floppers
March 16th, 2006 at 4:39 pmHmmmm…
So Congress goes nuts over the ports deal from a few weeks ago, claiming overwhelming negative feedback from their constituents, who are against letting the UAE manage said ports. Congress tells Bush the deal is dead.
And now this.
Has anyone found out why the Repubs voted against this amendment? Quotes/sources will do just fine.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:43 pmsquegeeboo -
Please rationalize this one for us.
Why did they vote down funding for port security?
March 16th, 2006 at 4:44 pmThey ONLY blocked this b/c it was proposed by a Democrat. That’s the reason. They can’t stand to have a Democrat look strong on security. It’s borderline treasonous.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:45 pm#26
Surely not! You mean to say they politicized this? Oh, the horrors!
(sarcasm intended)
March 16th, 2006 at 4:47 pm#25
March 16th, 2006 at 4:49 pmDon’t got a good answer on that one, which is why I didn’t give one in my earlier post. The third part of it though, I applaud them for voting against. If the gulf coast area wants a back up system their states can pay for it.
Go Minnesota and Wisconsin. Got brass ones eh? it’s the GOP’s money and they will spend it the way they want. I prefer that we spend more money at home and then I will feel more safe. The GOP is concentrated in too many world domination industries. All available for protection from our armed forces.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:50 pmOh I see, let them port places pay for security, what do we care in Kansas?…is that it?
gee I feel so safe now…ahhhhhh.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:53 pm[...] Think Progress – Right-Wing Blocks Funding For Port Security, Disaster Preparedness [...]
March 16th, 2006 at 4:53 pmThey just voted along party lines 52-48 to raise the National Debt ceiling to nearly 9 trillion dollars—-the fourth time that has been done since 2002.
I’m guessing they couldn’t squeeze in enough borrowing for port security on top of all those tax cuts for the wealthy.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:54 pmI’m curious as to how the GOP will explain this in October and November. This was a gift to the Democrats, delivered on a silver platter. We could be well on the way to a 300 seat Democrat majority in the House- especially if there is a terrorist event between no and November 8th. Half a trillion for Iraq, not one thin dime for defending our ports.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:56 pmsquegeeboo sez “Or you could say that if it dosn’t happen it’s because of wiretapping, even in the face of such ’strong’ democratic opposition. ”
I don’t think any democrat has come out against wiretapping……..they are against “WARRENTLESS” and ILLEGAL wiretapping.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:58 pmEvery time I hear a pundit say the GOP is strong at national security, it makes my head explode.
Might as well say Barry Bonds is strong at fair competition.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:00 pm#11 fine grasp on the constitution with that thought.
#13 Or you could say that if it dosn’t happen it’s because of wiretapping, even in the face of such ’strong’ democratic opposition. Although apparently your only strength is in your refusal to have a platform that consists of more than, “we’re not republicans, and even though we have no plan, vote us inâ€
Comment by squegeeboo
Blah blah blah …There are many plans. Plans were offered before entering Iraq. Plans are posted on the Internet…. your lies are STALE…. they dont even make people mad that they are being lied about any more. You are a joke now…. dont you get it? http://www.americanprogress.org/site/pp.asp?c=biJRJ8OVF&b=1376283
March 16th, 2006 at 5:00 pm#11
John at americablog.blogspot.com is making a list about Bush. Quote:
I want things that go to his honesty, credibility, ineptness, everything. I want THE comprehensive list of every idiotic thing this man has done over the past 5 years.
You may want to visit and contribute some stuff from your list.
As for me, the other day I opened one of the endless pieces of junk mail (credit card offer) that has the postage paid return envelope. Got to thinking what I could do to take advantage of the free postage. Then it hit me…send back a list detailing the corruption of Republicans in Congress and of this administration. Some who open my little surprise may not read past the first few lines. Many will be Repubs and it may just piss them off. I say good! The thing is, even if no one reads the whole list, it may at least get them to thinking. And there are plenty of people in this country who need to think about things that are going on, and start questioning our elected (or installed) leaders. Can’t hurt to try.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:07 pm#28 So you just wanted to throw out some useless words. Way to waste time, go volunteer and help someone other than yourself.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:07 pm#25- The rationalization is obvious. There are few ports in ‘red’ states. This money will give jobs to ‘blue’ citizens.
Lets go a little further. If a nuke does make it into a ‘blue’ port, it will probably be targeting a ‘blue’ city in a ‘blue’ state. Theres very little to blow up in ‘red’ states- they don’t hate us for our ‘Corn Palace’ after all. If an attack does happen, it will negatively impact (meaning kill the citizens of) a ‘blue’ state, while simultaneously providing ‘red’ candidates with the old ‘you dont change teams in the middle of a game’ campaign slogan.
Lets see… voting for this bill gives very few ‘red’ jobs and possibly protects the lives of millions of ‘blue’ voters.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:09 pmI don’t mean to say that the administration will actively help an attack occurr. But an attack would definitely pull their numbers out of the gutter. What they will do is not fund or inadequately staff or improperly guide the intelligence that will make detecting and preventing such an attack easier.
2005 was ‘who could predict the levees would breach?’. 2008 will be ‘who could have predicted a nuke would get into a shipping container?’
March 16th, 2006 at 5:15 pmJohn at americablog.blogspot.com is making a list about Bush. Quote:
I want things that go to his honesty, credibility, ineptness, everything. I want THE comprehensive list of every idiotic thing this man has done over the past 5 years.
Comment by WC
Does he have enough spaceon the server to hold all that info? /snicker
March 16th, 2006 at 5:19 pmWiretapping plays into my idea as well. The NSA is very good at signals intelligence. But if they were swamped, say, by having to go through the massive amount of data that a wide scale wiretapping would create, they will be less likely to find that one needle in a haystack they might have found otherwise. What kind of wiretapping couldnt they get a warrant for? The massive wide-scaled kind.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:20 pmEVERY DEM THAT APPEARS ON ANY NATIONAL NEWS OUTLET SHOULD ANNOUNCE THE FACT THAT REBUBLICANS OVERWHEMLINGLY VOTED AGAINST INCREASED FUNDING FOR PORT SECURITY……AGAIN!!!!!
NO EXCUSES ….THE DEMS OWN THIS ISSUE NOW INFORM THE PEOPLE AND THE IGNORANT MEDIA THAT THE ONLY PARTY THAT TRULY CARES ABOUT SECURING OUR PORTS ARE THE DEMS!!!!!!!
Please dont blow it Dems!!!!
March 16th, 2006 at 5:20 pmStuff You Should Read…
Republicans Blocks Funding for Port Security, Disaster Preparedness…
March 16th, 2006 at 5:23 pmIsn’t this sending the wrong message to our enemies?
March 16th, 2006 at 5:30 pmbush and the republicans in congress helping the terrorists……perfect
March 16th, 2006 at 5:38 pmIve said it before – do NOT listen to what they say — WATCH what they do.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:39 pmUS BOMBING OF SAMARRA HIGHLIGTS WHY SO MANY WILL BE DEMONSTRATING IN LONDON THIS SATURDAY (DETAILS BELOW)
Today’s bombing of Samarra, which the US Army says is the biggest air offensive since the illegal invasion in 2003, is one more reason why tens of thousands of demonstrators from all over the country will be assembling in Parliament Square this Saturday at 12 noon.
The attack on Samarra is barbaric and reminiscent of the offensive on Falluja in November 2004, which demolished much of the city and caused thousands of civilian deaths. The Stop the War Coalition condemns the continuing escalation of death and destruction inflicted by the US occupying forces. This latest attack can only add to the already horrific numbers of Iraqi civilians killed by the occupation forces.
Lindsey German, Convenor of Stop the War Coalition, says, “We believe that a peaceful solution to the chaos caused by the illegal war in Iraq will only be possible when the occupying foreign armies have all been removed so that the Iraqi people will be free to decide on their own political future. Our demonstration on Saturday is one of over 200 taking place in cities and towns all over the world, including in Basra and Baghdad in Iraq. We will all be united in our call for the occupation to end immediately.”
There will be speakers from Iraq at the demonstration rally, who will no doubt express their outrage at the continuing occupation of their country which has produced yet another atrocity in Samarra. The global demonstrations will also be opposing all plans that the US and British governments appear to have for attacking Iran, with incalculable consquences for stability in the Middle East and security in the world generally.
The Stop the War Coalition have also planned for all those present at our demonstration on Saturday to sign a demand for a tribunal to bring the US and British warmongers to account, following the submission by Tony Benn and 43 other signatories to the United Nations and the British Attorney General……
March 16th, 2006 at 5:48 pmI don’t think that another terrorist attack on US soil would help Bush. One of the strongest messages sent out by the right wing echo chamber is the ” we have not had another attack on US soil since 9/11, thus the president must be keeping us safe. In a sad way it would work far better for the Dems if there was another attack. then you would have more proof that Bush and his administration is incompetent.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:49 pm#48- I hope you are right. However, as Bill Mahr constantly makes the point that if 9/11 had happened on a Democrat’s watch, there would have been impeachment hearings. Some how, the flying brown stuff never seems to splatter the Republicans after it hits the fan. They always seem to end up with the ‘Rally around Dear Leader’ effect.
Also remember that in ‘08, Bush is out- no ifs ands or buts. They will be running on ‘the Republicans are for Strength’ ticket. Bush and his adminstration and their incompetence will be brushed aside. The failure of Iraq? Thats cause us hippy liberals didnt clap hard enough for freedom on the march. The 2007/8 Nuclear Terrorist attack? Who could have seen that coming? What you want a Democrat in office? They’d let Paris decide!
Remeber #48- if we get attacked again, no matter where or how, it *will* be Clinton’s fault.
March 16th, 2006 at 6:00 pmMartin Sabo is now my Congressman. It used to be that wanker Mark Kennedy. I’m so glad I moved.
March 16th, 2006 at 6:01 pmEven before 9-11 this crooked, evil Adminstration has CONSISTANTLY underfunded the REAL security of America and the world! Before 9-11, John Ashcroft cut funding to fight terrorism, and after 9-11, a whole slue of things to make America more safe was NOT done! The people were given smoke and mirrors acts by bombing innocent men,women and kids in Afghanistan, Iraq and I pray NOT soon probably Iran too, while in bed with the REAL terrorists! Look at Dubai port deal that helps prove it! Plus, read this: http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0202-32.htm If this post gets removed or something email me at Sue4986@aol.com and I will tell you more. This Adminstration has CONSTITANTLY weaken America’s security at home on PURPOSE!
March 16th, 2006 at 6:04 pmThis Adminstration has constantly underfunding REAL security at home here! And PLEASE, stop erasing my messages! From before 9-11 til now, they have made us less safe at home here!
March 16th, 2006 at 6:07 pmat this stage the only people who think bush is NOT incompetent are the “true believers”, those who are willing to sacrifice their principles and integrity to attain their agenda
March 16th, 2006 at 6:08 pmWe need to talk about this at every opportunity.
March 16th, 2006 at 6:12 pm#22 – Squeegeebo, you state the tired rhetoric that the Dems have no plans or alternatives.
I suggest you scroll back up to the top of this entry and note WHO proposed this amendment which would correctly fund our ports to protect the American people. That would Martin Sabo, my Representative. Also note the large “D” next to his name. Sell crazy somewhere else, we’re all stocked up here.
March 16th, 2006 at 6:23 pmWas this simply a spending bill, i.e., only what TP mentioned was included? Or did it ban all non-US companies from holding US port management concessions, etc or ‘protectionism’ elements?
I am not going to look at it because I don’t think 210 repubs would have voted on it if that was all that was included. All the other garbage that gets put in these bills (which, unlike it the recent pass, we can now stick on the repubs for endagering national security) is mainly to get rather unpopular things through just because one side doesn’t want be labeled as traitors.
We’ve been victims of this as well. No one wants to be seen as not supporting the troops for example.
Repubs are also in this pathetic budget spending freeze as well as tax cut extensions (while increasing military spending repeatedly – but for equipment and not for troops).
They are also more interested in cracking down on the ‘aliens’ and building their wall along mexico. In NC, where I am, the running newspaper debate (of only one of two major cities) is how we’ll get rid of them, not really how to accomodate them – recognize they exist.
When we had a farm workers article run on a baby who had no arms or legs (and another missing a nose and genitals) because they were sprayed with pesticides while working in the fields ( a no no) the reader op-ed response was to ask why they workers legal status was not questioned (they were hispanic).
March 16th, 2006 at 6:35 pm[...] You know the rest. Republican House votes en masse against funding for port security. [...]
March 16th, 2006 at 6:41 pmI hear bugs bunny chirping in my head more and more…”as you know THIS means waah”
Germany loved a certain little guy with a bad haircut and unique moustache from 1930 to 1939. The great protector of dubious threats against the homeland. Don’t remember? He held the 1938 OLYMPICS and all was fine.
Thank GOD the ice caps are melting exponentialy. I’d rather die of a bad sunburn lying on the beach than to die from some 25 megaton artificial tan inducer.
March 16th, 2006 at 6:42 pm22- Lame talking points- can’t you even bring your silly nonsense to the discussion without parroting Limbannity? Thought not.
March 16th, 2006 at 6:51 pmNot to bursat anybodys bubble, but the screen shot that is posted here shows that 7 dems didn’t vote and it only lost by 3 votes. I would assume that it was once again a Democratic Failure to Act. Who were those 7 people and why didn’t they vote? Can’t entirely blame the Repugs if we have people on our side that are not voting on important issues, especially when we loose by less than the amount of non voting Dems.
March 16th, 2006 at 7:11 pmCalling all Dems – Get off your Asses and use this to make the case for Censure!!!
If the current climate does not warrant the securing of our ports, than it does not warrant the breaking of the law.
You can not have it both ways.
Either we get port security, or we get to censure the Dip Shit and Chief.
Either way the Dems Win!!!
March 16th, 2006 at 7:25 pmWhy doesn’t the Democrat leaders start calling reporters, appearing on shows (together on message) and express that Republicans are weak on National Security? Use their own tactics against them! Unfortunately, they will let this opportunity pass them by just like they always have.
March 16th, 2006 at 7:28 pm[...] because it is blatantly obvious that the Republicans do not. (Hat tip to John of AMERICAblog) Permalink| [...]
March 16th, 2006 at 7:29 pmAnyone have a list of the 12 Repulicans who did vote for this handy? What about the non-voting folks from both parties?
March 16th, 2006 at 7:41 pmSince the Republicans KNOW there are truly NO threats . . . .they aren’t going to fund protecting against the invisible manufactured Bush “enemies” when they can manipulate those very funds for their best friends with Cayman bank accounts . . .
They know who manufactured 9/11 and it wasn’t “outside interests” — since day one, they have not “investigated and/or retaliated simply because they KNOW 9/11 was a manufactured excuse for their personal agendas in the middle east..
Afghanistan was all about the oil pipeline deal with Russia and the US….Iraq was about Sadam having moved from the dollar to the Euro — we attacked a few short months after that was done.
Iran’s oil bourse and move to the Euro was scheduled for a year . . . how convenient that all this last year they are WMD meisters..
Most of us have not forgotten the missing WMD scam they played to get that almighty Bush dollar back on track . . .
Dubai’s moving their petro dollars into Euro’s this week was payback for the port debacle.
March 16th, 2006 at 7:53 pmAgree with Begonia #65-1st para…ever wonder WHY there has not been a major dirty bomb/other attack in US since 9/11? Our borders are a joke and TSA, et al is smoke&mirrors.
March 16th, 2006 at 8:10 pmBush’s standing in the pulblic’s opinion is deteriorating. Looks like it’s time to scare up another threat to national security, and if that doesn’t reverse the slide, invade and occupy another country. Don’t laugh. It worked before.
March 16th, 2006 at 8:19 pm#37 what a brilliant idea! Send those return envelopes back with lists of bush’s crimes. I think this could catch on. And what better audience for such lists than the credit card companies. — It seems to me the true goal of a missle defense system is to spark an arms race. Remember neo-cons are war profiteers by definition. Real security won’t encourage an arms race. 9-11 did help the arms industry. A stable peaceful world is anathma to these guys. And there is no war they are against, unless they have to fight in it.
March 16th, 2006 at 8:24 pmThere are documented cases of Bush emboldening the enemy (6/2/04: “Bring ‘em on. We got the force necessary to deal with the security situation.”), being weak on terrorism (3/13/02: “I don’t know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and really don’t care. It’s not that important. It’s not our priority.” and 4/8/02: “I am truly not that concerned about him.”), as well as many other incredibly IDIOTIC and counterproductive statements and actions.
Is there any doubt that if he’d been a Democrat, he’d have been bumped off by a right-winger by now?
March 16th, 2006 at 8:51 pmWell, except that the majority whip would take the presence of seven more Democrats into account, and hold the vote open as long as needed to force a few more Republicans to switch to no. Giving bragging rights back home to a few “principled” Republicans always takes a back seat to having the vote come out how the leadership wants it. It’s not like they haven’t done all this before.
So our bubble will remain inflated, thanks all the same.
March 16th, 2006 at 8:52 pmPlease contact your representatives to impeach Bush NOW before he does anymore damage. We can’t afford another 3 ruinous years of scandals, wasted money and Rebublican rubber stamping and cover-ups. Dems and Independents need to take back the House and Senate in November.
March 16th, 2006 at 8:54 pm#69 I posted too soon. My point is that Bush deserves impeachment, not just censure, but the conservatives are just so lost they don’t think rationally. If a Democrat had done what Bush has done, he’d have been consured or impeached or worse by now, no doubt about it, and in the case of the first two, deservedly so.
Bush-worshipping conservatives are really terrible Americans. There’s just no excuse for defending this administration. You trolls have got to get on the right side of history and morality.
March 16th, 2006 at 8:55 pm#47 I’ve said it before – do NOT listen to what they say — WATCH what they do.
Comment by Marie
Exactly. This is what the Dems should do in their campaign commercials this summer and fall. First show what the Repubs/Bush said they would do. Then show what they actually did.
Example (paraphrasing here):
And this is just the best of many issues like this that could be hit hard during the campaign.
March 16th, 2006 at 8:57 pm#56 Was this simply a spending bill, i.e., only what TP mentioned was included? Or did it ban all non-US companies from holding US port management concessions, etc or ‘protectionism’ elements?
I am not going to look at it because I don’t think 210 repubs would have voted on it if that was all that was included.
comment by James
James, read the post or at least the image of the vote totals. It was an amendment that the 210 Repubs voted down. They weren’t being forced to swallow some huge bill like what they frequently do to the Dems.
March 16th, 2006 at 9:05 pmbowdler 68 & wc 37 – these comments jogged my memory – i just realized that i hadn’t gotten any of those “pre-approved” credit card applications lately, and maybe that’s why – see, i would write “IMPEACH BUSH & CO” in bold red marker all over the app and the postage paid envelope that i’d send all the assorted papers back to the bank…haven’t seen any of those in a while …shoot – i’d like to send out those love messages again! (kidding – do not miss those mailings)
March 16th, 2006 at 9:09 pm[...] I can’t anyone still listens to them about anything at all: Moments ago, the House of Representatives narrowly defeated an amendment proposed by Rep. Martin Sabo (D-MN) that would have provided $1.25 billion in desperately needed funding for port security and disaster preparedness. The Sabo amendment included: [...]
March 16th, 2006 at 9:50 pmBreaking news:
Bush jus announced that he was going to bomb the
March 16th, 2006 at 9:57 pmCanary Islands to help stop bird flu.
More details:
Repubs taking a pass on better security and rushing to protect corrupt corporations that are ripping off American taxpayers. Will things never change?
March 16th, 2006 at 10:13 pmYet more details:
March 16th, 2006 at 10:17 pm
And more details:
Repubs passing on better security, oversight, and accountability. Will things never change?
March 16th, 2006 at 10:21 pmPeople, you all need to find out if your own Republican Congressman voted against this bill, and be sure to write a letter to the editor. We need to put on a full court press this election!
March 16th, 2006 at 10:21 pmif only they would stop the white unmarked airplanes and helicopter surveillance going on in my city… Columbia SC- who is the enemy I keep hearing is listening??????????
March 16th, 2006 at 10:28 pm#81, here is the roll call vote for the Sabo amendment:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll056.xml
March 16th, 2006 at 10:48 pmYet another prime example of the GOP undermining our supposed “homeland security”. Our big protectors of the nation proving how hyprocritical the really can be, frightens me all the way to canada.
March 16th, 2006 at 10:54 pmAnd more about the Repubs NOT making us more secure. This is where the Dems need to hit hard, again and again during this campaign. Make it blatantly obvious to the most casual observer.
March 16th, 2006 at 11:23 pm
Dang it. Forgot the link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=1730800
March 16th, 2006 at 11:26 pmJames,
It doesn’t matter if TP only said blocked funding for ports, because that is what the topic is about. Port security. It proves that republicans are not serious about security.
Bush said that he would veto any bill that tried to block the UAE port deal. America got pissed and the republican owned media printed everything. Then the Democrats, who supposedly are weak on security, try to appropraite $1.25 billion for port security and there isn’t hide nor hair of it on the MSM channels.
Nothing else matters. There is no other topic that needs to be interjected into the conversation.
The republicans voted down $1.25 billion for port security, because it would make the democrats look good. Party before country. They are weak on national security.
March 16th, 2006 at 11:26 pmWow. 84 posts and 1 weak troll. They really don’t have much to talk about these days. It seems like only yesterday they were anticipating the demise of the democratic party. The repubs are so shameful.
March 16th, 2006 at 11:33 pmTypical Bush. I remember segment of Michael Moore’s film 911 along the Oregon coase. One person was watching a good stretch of coastline, think it was along the entire Oregon coast line. Only one becuase bush cut back on security and this was afer 911. And then bush’s platform for 2004 elections was to protect america from terrorism. Scaring the public. The republicans and bush know that there really isn’t anything to be afraid of.
March 16th, 2006 at 11:50 pm911 commission report is weak. But a question comes to mind. If republicans and bush want a weak security force, what are they scheming now? Another 911?
Here’s another one. Hit them with this stuff in campaign commericials, again and again.
March 17th, 2006 at 12:17 am
Un-fucking-believable! I’m just amazed this country is still functioning at all.
We need somebody with King Kong sized balls to stand up for us and call out all of the Bush Administration scumbags and thieves. Someone that actually understands the constitution and the bill of rights. Russ Feingold is off to a decent start. Maybe someone like Paul Hackett. Anything short of someone with a spine will not get my vote in the mid-terms or in 2008!
March 17th, 2006 at 12:34 am[...] House Republicans Block Spending to Secure Nation’s Ports Moments ago, the House of Representatives narrowly defeated an amendment proposed by Rep. Martin Sabo (D-MN) that would have provided $1.25 billion in desperately needed funding for port security and disaster preparedness. [...]
March 17th, 2006 at 1:41 amWhen the Republicans say, “Democrats don’t have any ideas”, they are leaving out the other half of their sentence, “that we like, or will vote in favor of.” Or, they will steal the idea, reword it, take credit for it, and surprise, surprise, will vote to pass it. And then say once more, “Democrats don’t have any ideas.”
March 17th, 2006 at 2:05 am[...] Why would House Republicans kill funding for improved port security? Maybe there aren’t any port security corporations giving them contributions and golf vacations. [...]
March 17th, 2006 at 3:05 amMy husband is a security officer for a major port. He has told me repeatedly how there is NO tight security there. You have 2 officers manning the port at night with making rounds and one watching cameras. It’s NOT ENOUGH. The corporation he works for doesn’t want to pay out much money for MORE guards to be on duty. Scary isn’t it?
Anything can come through.
My husband also told me the other day, in the event of an attack on the port, they are to have 12 guards on shift immediately. ONLY 12!!! And guess what? They don’t have them to bring in and if they pull them from other sites they won’t know what the hell to do.
Homeland security, my ass.
March 17th, 2006 at 3:55 am9/11 was an inside job. The “War on Terror” is fake because it was based on 9/11. The true terrorists are sitting in the Whitehouse, and they are winning. They are taking our freedoms away from us and replacing them with fear. They are changing America into a facist theocracy. Much of the country is still fooled by the false authority of bravado acted out by false leadership, and so the hard-won riches of this country both in material, ethics, and reputation are being used as cannon fodder for a war based on fraud.
March 17th, 2006 at 5:12 amYet again, GOP are playing politics with national security.
These incompetent fucks should be hung for TREASON.
March 17th, 2006 at 5:56 am#11
March 17th, 2006 at 8:29 amDo you also document who the cowards are that voted against this amendment?
My suggestion would be to tie this around the neck of every one of these Congresscritters come election time to prove that they are not concerned with protecting our interests
Hope this fiasco becomes a campaign commercial for the 06′ elections.
March 17th, 2006 at 9:58 ambush was being blackmailed on the ports deal by the saudies from the beginning…they threatened to sell their oil in euros instead of dollars if it didn`t pass and appearantly did so…hence the threat of a veto to get it passed…saddam started selling his oil in euros as well and look what happened to him…democracy my ass…this war was started over oil as the others will be…
March 17th, 2006 at 10:06 amIt was while watching this, or actually last, season’s Superbowl XL that a friend posited a thesis that the United States would experience another horrendous terrorist attack this spring. His theory is that somewhere a terrorist bomb will be set off on June 6, 2006. And knowing how tied to empty symbolism this administration is, he added, the acronym for this event will be 6/6/6, the mark of the beast. He reasoned that since the Republicans have nothing, looking at this time as if they will lose seats in both Houses of Congress, nothing better could happen for them than an al Qaeda-linked terrorist bombing sometime this year. Furthermore an event of this kind would fuel the superstitions of fundamentalist Christians into doing whatever it takes to return these corrupt Republican US Representatives and Senators back to Congress. If a bombing of a major US port where catastrophic enough, he thought, this would give Young King George the excuse needed to declare martial law.
March 17th, 2006 at 10:39 amposted on my blog 02/22/06
As if further proof were needed that the Republican Party is utterly corrupt.
March 17th, 2006 at 11:12 am[...] Republicans like to claim that they are tough on security and that Democrats are weak. If this is the case why did the House vote against an amendment that would have given $1.25 billion for port security and disaster preparedness? People said that it was a bad move for Feingold to bring up the idea of security through his censure resolution because it would not play well. It seems to me that with the defeat of this amendment as only the latest example of Republicans blocking increased security spending the Dems might want to start talking about security. [link] [...]
March 17th, 2006 at 11:36 amHoly smokes is my dick small!
March 17th, 2006 at 1:15 pmGoods is my male unit tiny or what?
March 17th, 2006 at 1:17 pmmost of you believe that the Bush administration orchestrated 9/11, so why are you concerned with port security. according to that belief, if you take out 9/11 this is the most secure country anyone has ever seen.
March 17th, 2006 at 1:52 pm[...] See also: This story. [link] [...]
March 17th, 2006 at 3:14 pm[...] An amendment to provide an additional $1.25 billion for port security and disaster preparedness, on the other hand, got struck down yesterday. I guess Darth Vader is just a bit scarier than anything a terrorist could get in by way of the ports. I know I feel safer knowing that we are protected from the Death Star. [...]
March 17th, 2006 at 4:07 pm[...] Think Progress [...]
March 17th, 2006 at 5:18 pmThe Bush regime is getting backed into a corner, and wild animals get even crazier when backed into corners. It’s a very real possibility that they will stage another terrorist attack (this time perhaps the detonation of a suitcase nuke near an “ARAB PORT”!).
If they partially stop the attack, Bush could say, “See, I keep you safe!” and he could also say, “IRAN did this! We must attack!”
If you know anything about the Bush regime, you’ll know the above speculation is probably not as far-out as it might first sound to some….
March 17th, 2006 at 8:14 pmDid any one here notice the few lines under the picture at the begining of this thread. Yep! This insane bunch want to sell our air lines to foreigners, just like the port deal. Bush is truly crazy and should be comitted……Straight to the nut house,,,no impeaching,,,,no jail just sedate and put in a streight jacket…..Blessings
March 17th, 2006 at 9:03 pm[...] From ThinkProgress: Included in the amendment – $300 million to enable U.S. customs agents to inspect high-risk containers at all 140 overseas ports that ship directly to the United States. Current funding only allows U.S. customs agents to operate at 43 of these ports. – $400 million to place radiation monitors at all U.S. ports of entry. Currently, less than half of U.S. ports have radiation monitors. – $300 million to provide backup emergency communications equipment for the Gulf Coast. [...]
March 17th, 2006 at 9:30 pmWhat do you expect from hillbilly rabble?
March 17th, 2006 at 10:16 pmThese damned republofacist are pure
trash. Plain and simply. Not worth the
air they breath. I hope they all rot in
the lowest level of Hell. That would be
Georgia or one of those Carolina sewers.
most of you believe that the Bush administration orchestrated 9/11, so why are you concerned with port security. according to that belief, if you take out 9/11 this is the most secure country anyone has ever seen.
Comment by Shawn — March 17
————-
That is EXACTLY my point. My husband IS a security officer at a major port. Read above, where I mention about how many guards are on duty.
IF WE WERE TRULY under the threat of an attack from OUTSIDE forces I think there would be a HELL of alot more security officers on duty. I DO think it was orchestrated. I used to think that was a silly conspiracy theory, but the more I read, the more I look between the lines, STOP LISTENING and START WATCHING what they do you’ll see it too.
March 18th, 2006 at 5:47 amWE ARE ALL BEING DUPED BY A FACADE.
The notable lack of action by BushCo, over the last 5 years, to make the necessary steps to ensure even the most basic protection of our country, does seem to show a surprising lack of real concern for our “safety”. I can’t help recalling Dick Cheney saying, “It’s no accident that we haven’t been attacked since 9/11.” I’m sure he meant it was because they were doing such a great job with “security”, but I had an entirely different feeling about what he said. That it is LITERALLY no accident, because they are running the show, and it’s up to them, if we are, or not. Gave me the serious “creeps”. They tend to have that effect on me.
March 19th, 2006 at 3:20 amInternational corporations want our ports wide open and nothing inspected, because they ship in contraband and other items that require a duty or seizure if discovered! Since only about 1% of shipping containers are opened, at our ports, it means they can ship in tons of drugs! If somebody wanted to ship in a nuke weapon it would be easy as pie!
March 19th, 2006 at 11:05 am
March 19th, 2006 at 6:08 pm
March 20th, 2006 at 6:01 am[...] This past week Senate Republicans blocked increases of $1.7 Billion in “badly needed†funding and instead lead the 90-8 passage of a $978 million dollar increase. This past week in the house, the GOP rejected an increase of $1.25 Billion (article). After Sen. Robert Menendez had submitted a different bill for $965 million (D-NJ), Sen Mitch McConnell (R-KY) submitted a very similar bill for $978 million (article). The Republican controlled congress brought this latter bill to a successful vote and passage.   Way to go Republicans – at least the LAT thought so (article)! My guess is some lazy reporter say a press release and didn’t bother to do any real journalism. [...]
March 20th, 2006 at 6:20 pm[...] The other thing that happened in the last week to shine a light on this is the Bush blowback furor over the Dubai ports deal. After the deal was killed the Democrats tried again to get money added to the budget to fund port security. You’ll never guess what happened. Right-Wing Blocks Funding For Port Security, Disaster Preparedness. You can see Congressman Carter’s vote against the amendment here. But they did put in $1.7 billion dollars for the still unproven so-called missle defense system. [...]
March 21st, 2006 at 12:15 am[...] Think Progress » Right-Wing Blocks Funding For Port Security, Disaster Preparedness [...]
March 22nd, 2006 at 12:26 am[...] Right-Wing Blocks Funding For Port Security, Disaster Preparedness and shortly thereafter, Scott McLellan Claims “We Are Doing Everything We Can To Protect Our Portsâ€. [...]
April 4th, 2006 at 10:37 amYou people are a bunch of dimwits. Get your heads outta your rear ends, wake up and smell the damn coffee… our freedoms, our way of life are at stake here…. what more do you ninnys need, a nuclear explosion over NYC?
April 10th, 2006 at 8:22 ami believe this bill also had a measure against internet poker. Why does congress do these stupid things. There was a big push to stopp this bill because of that measure. Now that it it blocked, everyone will say how no one cares about port funding when members probably had to stop it for other measures attached to the bill. Please list the whole bill when making comments. thanks
September 30th, 2006 at 10:17 amDear Think Progress:
I am a National Security Whistleblower who has recently published the book “BorderGate†(www.BorderGate.net). “BorderGate†is a true story written by former U.S. Customs Special Agent Darlene Fitzgerald and Peter S. Ferrara. “BorderGate†puts a human face on a story exposing corrupt and/or incompetent, high level DHS managers who are literally allowing train car loads of illegal narcotics to come into the U.S. There is a cancer growing on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The government doesn’t want people to read this story. It tells in detail how and why some of the best and brightest Agents in Department of Homeland Security are being driven out. This story culminated in a landmark case in federal court (Fitzgerald – Nunn Vs. Department of Homeland Security). You may see some of the most shocking transcripts of this trial at BorderGate.net.
In many ways, we are less safe now than before “9/11,” even after countless billions have been spent. Why is this? Those who stand on the front lines of protecting this country – - the Agents and Officers who are actually trying to protect us – - are being systematically driven out of law enforcement by corrupt and incompetent bureaucrats who have a different agenda. What we witnessed after Hurricane Katrina will pale in comparison to what we will see after this country is hit by a weapon of mass destruction.
Currently, there is no effective law to protect any Federal Whistleblower who dares to report wrongdoing and confront the cronyism and corruption which eats away at U.S. Customs and at DHS. If these Whistleblowers lose, then we all lose. What America’s enemies have thus far been unable to do will be done from within our own government.
We are asking for your help. The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) and the Government Accountability Project (GAP) are supporting some much-needed legislation to protect legitimate Federal Whistleblowers from the persecution and retaliation of the kind exposed in “BorderGate.†Anything you can do to bring attention to this problem and support such legislation would be greatly appreciated. I have already been a guest on the O’Reilley Factor, CSPAN, NBC News, and numerous other new papers and magazines have completed articles on our story. We must act before
it is too late. The story “BorderGate†tells, and the call for action it makes cannot be ignored. No one in government can say they have not been warned.
Please visit our website at “www.BorderGate.net†to ascertain how you may be of help to us in spreading the word. You may contact us at the website or at the below listed contact information for further information. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.
Sincerely,
Darlene Fitzgerald and Peter S. Ferrara
November 15th, 2006 at 3:35 pmAuthors of “BorderGateâ€
http://www.BorderGate.net
[...] Think Progress has the details on the failed proposal by Representative Sabo, which included: – $300 million to enable U.S. customs agents to inspect high-risk containers at all 140 overseas ports that ship directly to the United States. Current funding only allows U.S. customs agents to operate at 43 of these ports. – $400 million to place radiation monitors at all U.S. ports of entry. Currently, less than half of U.S. ports have radiation monitors. – $300 million to provide backup emergency communications equipment for the Gulf Coast. (emphasis from Think Progress) [...]
December 2nd, 2006 at 3:55 amI hate to say this, but it doesn’t really matter what we say here or anywhere else; The government will do what THEY want to, and there’s nothing anyone cand do about it. Na Na na Na Na!
December 10th, 2006 at 9:26 pmAfter all the public outcry settles, the government will sell off the security, and whatever else they want. They will do it quietly, and who will know? I believe we are all going to do the same thing…
Nothing! Talk all we want, what does it change? Nothing!!!
Unless there is someone out there, with enough money and connections, that is willing to create a privatized security agency, and maybe even a privatized army, to combat any terrorism, or enemies which may threaten our country, and maybe even a private “First Responder” group, that wouldn’t have to wait for all the red tape, before deciding to help our fellow man.
I believe, if someone had the financial backing, they could privatize enough resources to actually HELP this country, before attempting to overthrow any foriegn or domestic terrorist countries.
At last I say this: Let’s clean up the poop in our own back yard, before trying to get the neighbor to clean his.
Take the plank out of your own eye before you try to remove the sliver from anothers. Hey, that sounds biblical!
If anyone reads this, and IF you agree with it, what are YOU prepared to do to protect Your family, your belongings, Your Freedoms?
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December 29th, 2006 at 6:51 pm