This story doesn't surprise me one bit.
With the risk of a terrorist attack again at the dangerous ''orange'' level, Bush administration press releases assure us that homeland security remains the president's No. 1 priority. His actions, unfortunately, are dangerously at odds with his words.
The Bush administration has won a reputation for toughness by claiming sweeping surveillance authority and broad emergency powers to detain citizens and foreign nationals without judicial approval. But when money is needed, homeland counter-terrorism priorities repeatedly take a back seat to the president's tax-cutting agenda.
Last year, Congress appropriated millions to enhance airport security, FBI counter-terrorism technology and protection of the food and water supply. But in August, President Bush froze the bulk of these funds, stressing the need for ''fiscal restraint.''
[Via Atrios]
With the risk of a terrorist attack again at the dangerous ''orange'' level, Bush administration press releases assure us that homeland security remains the president's No. 1 priority. His actions, unfortunately, are dangerously at odds with his words.
The Bush administration has won a reputation for toughness by claiming sweeping surveillance authority and broad emergency powers to detain citizens and foreign nationals without judicial approval. But when money is needed, homeland counter-terrorism priorities repeatedly take a back seat to the president's tax-cutting agenda.
Last year, Congress appropriated millions to enhance airport security, FBI counter-terrorism technology and protection of the food and water supply. But in August, President Bush froze the bulk of these funds, stressing the need for ''fiscal restraint.''
[Via Atrios]
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