John Bolton: I don’t want my family in New York during the KSM trial
posted at 6:03 pm on November 24, 2009 by Allahpundit
A shocking display of lameness from an unlikely source, courtesy of the producers of America’s Morning News. What the hell is going on lately? First Fred Thompson issues a public communique to troops in the field that the war in Afghanistan is lost because the C-in-C doesn’t have the stomach to fight it. Now the ‘Stache all but predicts a terror attack during the KSM show trial, the best efforts of the CIA, FBI, and NYPD notwithstanding. Good lord, people, have some faith in American counterterrorism. They’ve done okay for eight years, haven’t they? As if the left isn’t having enough fun with its “cowardly conservative” meme.
This reminds me of the time Biden told New Yorkers he wouldn’t ride the subway for fear of swine flu. Hey guys? For most of us, there’s no plan B. In which case, how about a pep talk instead? Sheesh.
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When the going gets tough, Bolton bolts.
Dave Rywall on November 24, 2009 at 6:06 PM
The stache takes a stance!
carbon_footprint on November 24, 2009 at 6:07 PM
I’m the bravest man in the world
/David rywall
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 6:07 PM
Yes, they’ve done great for 8 years, but Bolton sees the writing on the wall. Hassan happened under Obama’s watch and could have easily been prevented. Bolton, like many of us, knows this trial will be a major target and doesn’t believe Dear Leader has what it takes to protect us from another terror attack. I see where he’s coming from on this one, sorry AllahP.
LeBron on November 24, 2009 at 6:08 PM
13 people from Fort Hood want to have a word with you.
Now figure that Hasan was from all accounts a guy not directly connected to a larger terrorist movement in any substantial way. KSM? A bigwig that a gaggle of peons might be willing to die for as they strive to make themselves a nice, bloody political statement.
Bishop on November 24, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Bolton is one of the brightest guys around. An absentee appointment that was attacked by the left. They were out to destroy him too. A good man.
rjoco1 on November 24, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Boltons families responsibility is for him to decide, if he feels threatened he has every right to do what it takes to lessen the threat.
fourdeucer on November 24, 2009 at 6:10 PM
I don’t begrudge anyone for wanting to keep his family safe.
jmell7 on November 24, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Sorry, but Bolton is the last person I would consider reactionary. His words give me pause.
And yes, bush did a good job of counterterror during his term, but a new sheriff is in town, and his boots are way smaller.
I expect trouble.
redshirt on November 24, 2009 at 6:10 PM
So, have you finished your Christmas shopping at the Red Green Store yet? He’s got duct tape on sale.
Del Dolemonte on November 24, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Fort Hood.
LastRick on November 24, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Get out, AP! Get out while you can can can ca c…
Weight of Glory on November 24, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Did I say that counterterrorism was perfect? No. And not in a million years would you make that point if a Republican was in office right now. How come you don’t mention all the plots they *have* busted up this year, most notably the plot to bomb the NYC subway system?
Allahpundit on November 24, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Notice the Stache said he would not want his FAMILY in NYC during the trial. He however would stay in NYC, because he is part of the Magnificent 4.
Cheney/Bolton/North/Schwarzkopf
portlandon on November 24, 2009 at 6:12 PM
You mean, he actually doesn’t want his family harmed? Oh my God, what a lame-o.
Narutoboy on November 24, 2009 at 6:12 PM
I don’t blame him. Not at all. Pep talk? When the threat of another 9/11 or worse will be at it’s highest during the show trial? This shit is real. Not an exercise in positive thinking.
Catherine Wilkinson on November 24, 2009 at 6:13 PM
One of Drywall’s European cousins even tried to perform a citizen’s arrest of him during a speech. That went over real fine.
Del Dolemonte on November 24, 2009 at 6:13 PM
I mentioned in the headline thread it reminded me of Chris Shays in 2003 saying he wouldn’t go to Times Square on New Years Eve…
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 6:13 PM
Hmmmmmm…
All the worlds media permanently camped out in downtown NYC, blaring 24/7 every bodily function of KSM with reverence and worship.
… What could go wrong?
Seven Percent Solution on November 24, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Because the ones they busted up don’t un-kill the people lost in the one they missed.
LastRick on November 24, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Is that a broom on your lips or are you just happy to see me!
Seriously, maybe AG Holder and President Obama might have the courage to consult those affected by 9-11 before this fiasco. Yikes.
chaswv on November 24, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Obama’s admin keeps flailing fists in the air, floating trial balloons daily, throwing out crazy ideas and acting as if Obama is clueless. Well, Obama seems to be clueless but many of us just don’t know WTF is going on.
AP, stay safe… Have you shared your personal thoughts on this issue? Are you outraged or are you okay with it or are you in the middle? Are you allowed to share your opinion?
Key West Reader on November 24, 2009 at 6:16 PM
No you didn’t, you said that they have done a pretty good job so far, and I agree. But “pretty good” would give me pause during a loooooong trial process that the entire world will be watching, something KSM’s cohorts know as well. The venue and the audience have never been larger.
Intel and law enforcement agencies busted up a few plots, yes, meanwhile they blew it big time with Hasan and 13 people are now dead, and you trust Ogabe and Holder to provide all the necessary resources?
Bishop on November 24, 2009 at 6:16 PM
I won’t defend Bush for much, but anyone who thinks we are as safe now as we were under Bush/Cheney must be ridin’ around with Brooks staring at Obama’s creased pants!
jmell7 on November 24, 2009 at 6:17 PM
I suspect that Bolton doesn’t put much stock in what DU and HuffHo bloggers have to say about terrorism, national defense, or the intelligence community. I’m with the stache.
On the other hand, no, I won’t be going to great lengths to steer clear of New York.
Jaibones on November 24, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Allah, all these other guys are rookies that have been caught. Bolton knows the first string will be out for this one.
wheelgun on November 24, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Bravo to John Bolton. He is a wise and courageous man. I’m sorry Allah, but I’m not that sure that security is all that great. Yes we’ve interrupted terror cells and plots, but there are still areas that are not secure in NYC.
I cross the GWB and enter subways, it’s not that safe.
This trial will be buzzing with media and embolden the enemy to make a gruesome attack. All the attention of the world will be on NYC and this trial, why would they not want to attack?
Obama makes me sick. He is dangerous and foolish.
cubachi on November 24, 2009 at 6:19 PM
There’s not only a “chance” of major trouble, I fully expect it, and I agree with Bolton. I wouldn’t want anyone I know, or anyone of my family anywhere near the Big Apple when this thing goes down. As a retired law enforcement officer, I have a fairly decent handle on just how difficult – impossible ? – it is to prevent a lunatic, suicide bomber from doing the unthinkable.
One of the primary reasons why this decision by Holder was, in my opinion, among the worst in the nation’s history.
GoldenEagle4444 on November 24, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Allah, sometimes I wonder who raised you.
leftnomore on November 24, 2009 at 6:19 PM
He uses the traditional meaning of NYC: Manhattan below 96th Street.
I’ll limit time there not because of danger, but because of the massive inconvenience. I hate being in Turtle Bay during September, when UN General Assembly is meeting. Driving through the Hudson River tunnels was awful in late 2001. How many times will trains be stopped for alerts during the trial? UPS packages would be better off shipped in clear plastic bags, and the drivers better off delivering naked.
exception on November 24, 2009 at 6:19 PM
What is it they say about best laid plans?
fourdeucer on November 24, 2009 at 6:20 PM
A very unwise statement from an otherwise very sensible guy.
Hey, everyone screws up sometimes. But yeah, this was definitely a mistake.
sandberg on November 24, 2009 at 6:21 PM
I think this is where Bolton and Regis part company.
melchitt on November 24, 2009 at 6:21 PM
Hey AP, when you get blow’d up; can I have your iPhone?
…I think what you’re looking at is a lack of faith in the command structure of our new administration, rather then a lack of faith in our various agencies and branches of service.
liquidflorian on November 24, 2009 at 6:23 PM
Not this time. Do you know what this does to NYers? Are we supposed to go back and live each day of this trial in fear?
We all know anti-terror measures are never 100% perfect. Something could happen any time. I usually have trust in Bolton, but he has been known to make some silly statements.
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 6:23 PM
I wouldn’t minimize Bolton’s opinion on this one. The bad guys will do all they can to make more headlines.
And by the way, I’ve got a spare room with high speed internet access Allah, you’re welcome to hole up here. You can even hone up on your shooting skills.
Zorro on November 24, 2009 at 6:25 PM
When Bolton talks, I listen. Better safe than sorry.
Philly on November 24, 2009 at 6:25 PM
I trust Bolton’s feelings on this.
4shoes on November 24, 2009 at 6:25 PM
If a Democrat did the same thing, they would be called “eccentric”, if that, by the Left.
Del Dolemonte on November 24, 2009 at 6:25 PM
I wouldn’t want my family in NYC during the KSM trials either…
Guess that makes me nuts and deserving of a “what?” tagline from Allah.
nickj116 on November 24, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Because I don’t wet my pants and run for the hills when a terrorist under heavy guard comes to town? I might say the same about you.
Allahpundit on November 24, 2009 at 6:27 PM
My husband is doing some consulting work in NYC, and I will be more uneasy about his safety when KSM is there than I am now.
marybel on November 24, 2009 at 6:27 PM
I’d listen to the ‘Stache and dash…
Gunslinger on November 24, 2009 at 6:28 PM
As they say, the defenders have to be right 1,000 times out of 1,000; the terrorist only needs to be right once.
Bolton’s concern isn’t that Obama sucks at counterterrorism and therefore he’s in more danger. Rathern, Bolton’s concern is that holding the trial in NYC will bring every terrorist mastermind out of the woodwork to try and pull something.
For what it’s worth, the Fort Hood / Hasan thing is a giant red herring. Hasan was just as batty during the Bush years, and Bush’s Army was too PC-obsessed to properly deal with him, too.
Outlander on November 24, 2009 at 6:29 PM
OT: How The Obama Cabinet decides policy.
Heh
Key West Reader on November 24, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Yes they have, but they also had the CinC behind them every step of the way and thus they were able to protect us for 8 years. O’BowMao, OTOH; has done nothing but try to investigate the CIA, deem the war on terror as over, consider terrorism as man-caused disaster, require soldiers to mirandize any terrorist they capture on the field, and consider tea party patriots as the true extremists. Sorry Allah, I just don’t see this current administration having the health and well being of any of us (not just New Yorkers) in mind by bringing KSM and the rest of his cohorts to the US to stand trial.
mizflame98 on November 24, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Yes, there were also “plots” during the Bush years that were “busted” but not publicized by the media.
dragondrop on November 24, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Right, because you’re eminently qualified to make a judgment on the wisdom of John Bolton.
Uh, ok. If you say so!
nickj116 on November 24, 2009 at 6:31 PM
When you have an eunuch for president who is this naive and arrogant, it is just a matter of time until he does something along these lines to create a danger for those he is elected to protect. Bolton has been right in the past. Lets hope he isn’t batting a thousand when this is over.
volsense on November 24, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Is it possible that given he was a member of the last administration he feels that he and his family are a more of a target then the average citizen?
Cindy Munford on November 24, 2009 at 6:32 PM
I find it hard to believe anyone is actually defending Bolton’s statement. People never cease to amaze me.
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 6:32 PM
It’s not the ones under heavy guard Bolton’s worried about.
Christien on November 24, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Bingo.
It only takes one fanatical and determined lone wolf to turn this trial into a bloodbath in the name of Allah for lots of innocent people. Our counter terrorism abilities are good and I have faith in them but they are NOT all knowing.
Yakko77 on November 24, 2009 at 6:32 PM
AP, I have faith in our guys on the ground, but they have to stop 100% of the attacks. It’s likely that every muslim terrorist that can get to NYC will do so.
With PC run amok, the odds are they will make a successful attack. Have you forgotten what went down when they tried to arrest a terrorist Imam a couple weeks ago?
How successful were they at stopping the muslim terrorist who shot the recruiters, or Hasan at Fort Hood?
dogsoldier on November 24, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Slight difference between Bolton and Biden – one was a public official when he uttered his “Chicken Little” words.
Wish I could help with the pep talk, but as the boss says, gird your loins. For what it’s worth, I don’t think New York City will be the only target.
steveegg on November 24, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Those Boltenistas are a ridiculous bunch. /
portlandon on November 24, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Yes. For eight years and 54 days. Many people missed or excused a lot that could have prevented the Fort Hood terror attack.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 6:35 PM
This post gains you nothing, but you look like an idiot and worse if something happens. Bad way to bet.
TheUnrepentantGeek on November 24, 2009 at 6:35 PM
He’s a prominent stalwart conservative, therefore his pronouncements are always correct.
Allahpundit on November 24, 2009 at 6:35 PM
You are probably my favorite blogger on the internets AP, but you blew this headline out of proportion. Bolton was asked where he wanted his family during the KSM trial and he responded not NYC. It’s not like he came out and said, “get your kids out of NY ’cause that’s what I’m gonna do.” Bolton goes on to give a brilliant (as always) answer of why the Bush approach was so much more superior to that of the current administration. Obama/Holder are putting the country at risk with this amazingly irresponsible decision.
Ordinary1 on November 24, 2009 at 6:36 PM
I look like an idiot for saying I’m not going to abandon my hometown for fear that U.S. counterterrorism isn’t up to the task? Okay then.
Allahpundit on November 24, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Bolton is right . He is resposible for his family’s safety. Hussain doesn’t have America’s safety and security in his to-do list.
Whatever the shortcomings of Bush, he kept the country safe after 9-11-01. Hussain is not even trying after 11-5-09
macncheez on November 24, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Would you poke a hornet’s nest and stand next to it? Is that bravery? Or stupid?
faraway on November 24, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Did you notice there was no actual attack after 9-11 during Bush? I submit because Obama didn’t take seriously the communications-between-agencies policies that W had. He’s a wimp when it comes to taking command. This Ft Hood massacre happened largely because the feds didn’t talk to the Army. Also, I don’t put much stock in the claims of preventing attacks that come from this regime. Have you noticed they lie??
PaCadle on November 24, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Not this time. Do you know what this does to NYers? Are we supposed to go back and live each day of this trial in fear?
We all know anti-terror measures are never 100% perfect.
The blame is too be placed on the idiots bringing this trial to NY city, or any American city, in the first place.
beachgirlusa on November 24, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Yeah, I wonder what would give him that idea???! ;)
4shoes on November 24, 2009 at 6:37 PM
This trial is gonna bring a bunch of crazies out of the woodwork. I wouldn’t wanna be there either.
Emily M. on November 24, 2009 at 6:38 PM
When you have Slick Willie’s pardon pimp now playing with the lives of New Yorkers to further thr political interests of a minute minority, then anything can happen. Lets hope the absolute incompetence in Holder/Obama doesn’t cost innocent lives.
volsense on November 24, 2009 at 6:38 PM
First Fred Thompson issues a public communique to troops in the field that the war in Afghanistan is lost because the C-in-C doesn’t have the stomach to fight it. Now the ‘Stache all but predicts a terror attack during the KSM show trial, the best efforts of the CIA, FBI, and NYPD notwithstanding.
Like The Great Rush Limbaugh said…”I have no problem hearing the TRUTH”. If you don’t get it by now, you’ll never get it. I can’t even get pissed anymore. I knew all this crap was gonna happen LAST NOVEMBER 4th. It’s time to put your “Big Girl” pants on and deal with the crap the most retarded electorate gave us. Now it’s just a matter of staying and fighting. Ya dig?
Gob on November 24, 2009 at 6:38 PM
Give it up, AP. You’re just trying to get people to flame you so you can use that as an excuse to not attend the HotAir meetup!!!
Outlander on November 24, 2009 at 6:38 PM
Aren’t you worried about other terrorists coming to blow up the courthouse or did I miss something?
Knucklehead on November 24, 2009 at 6:38 PM
This.
BigWyo on November 24, 2009 at 6:39 PM
A+
beachgirlusa on November 24, 2009 at 6:39 PM
My concerns about safety and KSM don’t have to do so much with a “terrorist under heavy guard” – I don’t think KSM’s gonna make a jailbreak or a run for the border, Allah.
I have some concerns, however, that sympathetic terrorists may try to make a violent “statement” in whatever American city where KSM is being tried.
marybel on November 24, 2009 at 6:39 PM
I know there will be many inconveniences as a result of this unnecessary risk to New Yorkers’ security. I wish I could give you a pep talk, but all I can say is that my thoughts and prayers will be with all New Yorkers, that no harm comes to you leading up to, during and following this trial.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 6:39 PM
NYC will probably be safe from attack during the trial. The place will be crawling with undercover NYPD and feds. It’s the rest of the country that has to worry.
IrishEi on November 24, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Bolton is the smart one here.
I wouldn’t want my family in NYC and just to show I’m more responsible than Allahpundit, I wouldn’t want his to be there either.
For sheer stupidity this trial can’t be beat. There is no upside too it, only risk.
Wise up, Allahpundit.
Lynn2008 on November 24, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Just for that, we’re doing it in New York City.
steveegg on November 24, 2009 at 6:39 PM
OH, SNAP!!
Ris4victory on November 24, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Obama couldn’t protect us against a guy that had, for years, been telling everyone around him he was a jihadist.
What makes you think Obama’s learned his lesson?
faraway on November 24, 2009 at 6:41 PM
I have the utmost faith for the Armed Forces,State & Local Police,CIA,Feds, etc.
However, I fear that the Political Correctness that got 13 people killed in Texas will make an unexpected Guest Appearance at the show trial of the century.
Let Obama’s reaction to the Somali Pirates be a test run to see how he will react to a terrorist scenario in NYC.
Obama will FAIL under pressure. He will tie the hands of the Police/Feds.
portlandon on November 24, 2009 at 6:42 PM
So why hasn’t Gitmo been closed yet, because the safety and security concerns which would surround terrorists kept in stateside civilian facilities are no big deal?
Ogabe is purposely bringing the biggest criminal in Gitmo to the U.S. for no other reason than to put Dubya on trial, and for what, to make fringe lefties happy? People should be concerned not about whether counter-terrorism forces are up to snuff, but why the POTUS feels the need to test their abilities.
Bishop on November 24, 2009 at 6:43 PM
http://www.veteranoutrage.com
bolton like most pragmatic people
and perhaps a bit pessimistic realizes
that the potential is huge for a terrorist attack..
Now i know like most people that the police are doing a good job, but the liberals are setting the state
for a possible strike by not only announcing this show trial
but then putting it into a public courtroom where every supposed grievance is going to be aired 24 x 7 by the raghead lovers at abc, nbc and cbs..
So yes i agree with him..
Because i know that since you have now created the situation
and encouraged it by liberal weakness and spinelessness.
I dont doubt for a second that some islamic nazi is thinking
hmm (if i kill a bunch of people right outside the building)
it will make me a saheed (islamic dumb ass mayrter)..
So yes..
its not only possible but perhaps probable this could happen
I honestly hope i am WRONG..
I will be very happy if i am.
veteranoutrage on November 24, 2009 at 6:43 PM
No. There have been quite a few terror attacks actually. They’ve just been covered up as being the work of individuals with mental problems. Ft. Hood is simply the latest.
Really? If you were to scan my comments back several years, you’ll find that I was pointing out the same exact thing back then. Bush was just as bad with his constant claim that there had been no terror attacks since 9/11, even as “lone crazies” were running over Jews in San Francisco while yelling Allah Akbar.
So now you want them to lie? Hey! You know, that whole Cap and Trade thing is going to save the world! And you know, Obamacare might not be so bad!
Feel better now?
Gregor on November 24, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Of course this trial is needless risky. But given that Obama is doing it anyway, is it wise to stoke panic? The terrorists would love it if New Yorkers scrambled for the hills, but is that an appropriate response?
sandberg on November 24, 2009 at 6:45 PM
I don’t know that that is true of Bishop. It’s not true of me and many other conservatives and Republicans. I favor safety and security over ideology and party.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Absolutely. But that’s beside the point of Bolton’s fear-instilling statement. If Bolton wants his family out of the city for the trial, then he should do it. But don’t go spreading fear during an interview.
Allah is right…it’s only because Bolton is a conservative figure that so few are willing to point out his total FAIL in his statement.
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Yeah, I trust the security in NYC /s
mizflame98 on November 24, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Exploiting the 9/11 aftermath didn’t bring them out. Nor bombing, invading, and occupying Afghanistan. Nor various activities in Iraq. Nor peeing on korans. But now, finally, this it what all the masterminds in the woodwork have been waiting fot.
exception on November 24, 2009 at 6:46 PM
He has learned his lesson
He did read a speech at Ft Hood ,didn’t he ? And he even saluted with all fingers while he was there .
macncheez on November 24, 2009 at 6:46 PM
I was under the impression that most of the recent plots that have been broken up-that the investigations had been started under the Bush administration (could be wrong); but considering what this administration sees as threats (my tea partying 64 year old mom etc…) just kinda makes you wonder how safe we will be in the future, anywhere. Not just NYC.
tehd on November 24, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Still… it might be a good time to pick up some urban E&E training just in case.
And I don’t think it has anything to do with Bolton’s ideological “purity” that you cant seem to get around, but rather a pragmatic concern. Tell me AP, do you demagogue concealed carry permit holders this way as well?
liquidflorian on November 24, 2009 at 6:46 PM
If their plan works, they’ll be moving them here to Illinois and I don’t plan on staying if that happens, even if it is only 150 miles from my house.
Knucklehead on November 24, 2009 at 6:48 PM
I wonder who raised you because you are such an extraordinary person.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 6:50 PM
IFwhen the next 9/11 happens the drooling idiots of NYC will blame everyone and their cousin except Obooba.angryed on November 24, 2009 at 6:50 PM
No, actually you look like an idiot for not abandoning your hometown when they voted to elect John Kerry and Hillary Clinton immediately after being ground zero for the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history.
Anyone who lives in NYC is an idiot.
Gregor on November 24, 2009 at 6:52 PM
i wonder what everyone will say if something does happen!
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 6:53 PM
that’s a mischaracterization!
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Back in the olden days when we worried about being hit by the U.S.S.R., I was always glad that I lived close to the largest naval installation in the country. I was positive I would never know or feel a thing.
Cindy Munford on November 24, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Well pretty good I suppose except for Fort Hood, but then who could have seen that coming after all? I mean the guy gave no warning signs at all. He even belonged to the Religion of Peace so it was a really big surprise to everyone I am sure.
MB4 on November 24, 2009 at 6:54 PM
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