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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No. You don’t look like an idiot because of that. But, you are odd AP. And people often don’t know how to take you or what to make of you, especially when you you lose your wonderful sense of self-deprecating humor and get angry or upset.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 6:54 PM
And Lord knows, we all know what Allahpundit thinks of them “prominent stalwart conservatives.”
Oh geez. I hope my saying “Lord” didn’t offend you.
Gregor on November 24, 2009 at 6:55 PM
What the hell is going on lately?
True, we need to pull the troops out of Afghanistan. Obama is a coward who will only get more troops killed by his half-measures and lack of resolve. McChrystal told the rat bastard traitor that we had 12 months to get the job done with the requirement of 40K more troops. Three months later, we think it is going to be 34K more troops but won’t know until new Wednesday when the bastard finally holds a press conference about this dire situation.
London and Madrid have even better counterterrorism experience than the US what with the IRA and Basques. So obviously they never ever had bombs go off in their subways and busses, right? Oh wait! Screw New Yorkers. Most of them hate the rest of America anyway, let’s hold these show trials and let New Yorkers take their chances that Eric Holder and the filthy liar in the White House is right that these people are nothing but innocents caught up when the US mistakenly disrupted a Bible study in Afghanistan.
highhopes on November 24, 2009 at 6:55 PM
whatever,
can’t blame a man for looking out for his family.
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Abu Musab Al Suri. Third generation Jihad theorist.
De-centralized, autonomous actors, either small cell or individuals.
A Ft. Hood every day.
Bolton gets it.
Bruno Strozek on November 24, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Face it. New Yorkers will be less safe and it didn’t have to be that way.
There’s just no rational justification for bringing this monster onto American soil.
Chances are, if I go to the local Stop and Shop, I won’t be in a car wreck, but I still put on my seat belt.
Why hang out in NYC when KSM’s presence makes it a target rich environment?
marybel on November 24, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Bolton was asked where he would like to his family to be during the terrorist trials in NYC and all he said was ‘not in New York.’ Who can argue with that? Given a choice, would anyone volunteer their family members to go hang out in NYC during the trials?
LASue on November 24, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Indeed. It’s no more than 97%.
angryed on November 24, 2009 at 6:59 PM
That an easy one :
BOOOOOOSSSSH did it
macncheez on November 24, 2009 at 6:59 PM
I’d get the hell out too.
royzer on November 24, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Why would you want your family to live in New York anyway?
No, give the city back to the deer like in “Legend”. We won’t miss it. Really.
Chris_Balsz on November 24, 2009 at 7:01 PM
It’s not Bolton’s fault that this trial is coming to NYC. It’s Obabama’s. It does nobody any good to go into denial about the risks involved. Perhaps I am remembering wrong, but I believe AP recognized those risks in his first post about this decision.
I’m sorry. If I could take away the risks, the fear, the anger, the inconveniences, I would. I’d prefer to take away the trial and move it to Guantanamo.
All I can do is offer my support, prayers, and comradery.
What would you have us do differently?
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 7:02 PM
I’m not saying Bolton should have said this, but I fail to see how this is any worse than those who are saying the trial will make New York a bigger target for terrorists. Isn’t that all he’s saying here?
It doesn’t even have to be a knock on our own security but rather just a comment on how big a target it will become. If everyone’s gunning for you, even perfect bodyguards can miss something crucial.
Esthier on November 24, 2009 at 7:02 PM
This is completely unfair.
Esthier on November 24, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Perhaps you could explain why you think that the US is any better than London, Madrid, Tel Aviv or Tokyo in preventing urban terrorist attacks on a lesser scale than the 9/11/01 atrocities. You utterly dismiss the idea that there might be terrorist attacks and that seems pretty damned delusional considering the international attention and media circus that will be present thanks to your President’s decision that these are civil criminals. Why are you so certain the terrorists will be disinterested in getting some of that media attention?
highhopes on November 24, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Slightly off topic but is Zazi’s sleeper cell and his imam liquidated yet?
macncheez on November 24, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Funny coming from scumbag traitors who don’t have the stones to enlist.
jdkchem on November 24, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Seriously? Completely uncalled for.
Esthier on November 24, 2009 at 7:07 PM
AP you don’t look like an idiot, just a tad naive.
No, I wouldn’t poke a hornet’s nest, nor would I light up a cigar while standing in a pool of gasoline.
It makes NYC a bigger target because of the spotlight, the focus the attention the world will concentrate there. Terrorist’s are attracted to attention like moths to a flame.
dogsoldier on November 24, 2009 at 7:07 PM
agreed
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:08 PM
I agree, bb. At the moment, I can only testify against two with certainty. There’s you and AP. And if either of you let anything happen to yourselves because of this trial, I will be very angry with you. So, please stay safe.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Should something happen, you look like an idiot for being dismissive of the possibility. Bolton’s got an option in getting his family out of town. Note he didn’t tell anybody to run for the hills. But frankly, if I had the option, I might be tempted to tell my family to take a bit of a vacation if things got hot. Ever consider a guy that connected knows something you don’t?
And this post STILL nets you jack squat … unless you count Nutroots “integrity” points and about 5 seconds of “a strange new respect” worth pursuing.
God but you cry a lot for a professional Internets provacateur.
TheUnrepentantGeek on November 24, 2009 at 7:09 PM
What she said.
Knucklehead on November 24, 2009 at 7:10 PM
BS. We’re paying for that cesspool to stay open with our tax dollars.
Chris_Balsz on November 24, 2009 at 7:10 PM
I had faith in our counter-terrorism ops and intelligence community before this administration started castrating it.
Now, not so much. Great people in there…and I hope for the best, but, no faith in the people ultimately in charge.
Diane on November 24, 2009 at 7:11 PM
So, we’re scared that if we put terrorists on trial that the terrorists might hurt us? Therefore, we shouldn’t use one of the essentials institutions of our country to bring these men to justice? Because terrorists might attack us?
You know how lame you guys sound?
Tom_Shipley on November 24, 2009 at 7:12 PM
youre hopeless.
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:12 PM
I think Bolton’s position is consistent with Charles Krauthammers‘ and other conservatives who don’t want this show trial in New York.
Also I think Thompson is right, if Obama does not provide the adequate level of troops needed to win the war as the top generals requested, then we’ll lose it. You don’t bring a knife to a gunfight, so to speak.
Obama has also unraveled Bush-era counter-terrorism measures, gone on the offense against the CIA/FBI and wants us to turn a blind eye to the jihad happening within our borders (Fort Hood for instance) because he is sympathetic to muslims (if not secretly one himself).
thinkagain on November 24, 2009 at 7:12 PM
The Obama Administration is emboldening the Islamists by taking weak and vacillating positions: with Iran, in Afghanistan, with its commentary on the domestic terror shootings in Arkansas and Texas, and with the KSM trial decision. He is rolling the USA over on its back and showing the Islamic world our proverbial bellies. (Did I forget something?)
Anyway, it’s my opinion that he is doing so on purpose. He wants them to attack in order to give him an excuse to grab power–declare martial law. If you want to stick around and see if he’s successful, AllahPundit, that’s your business. But you don’t have a family. Mr. Bolton does. They are his business and he wants them safe. There’s nothing wrong with that.
This is one of the few times I’ve been happy that I don’t have children. I do however take care of an elderly relative who doesn’t want to leave Los Angeles so I stay here for her–I’d have moved out to the country long ago if it weren’t for that and yes, “abandoned” my hometown, as if it somehow will feel all alone if I leave.
It is certainly getting to the point where I may tie my relative up and blow this s-hole anyway. Hopefully I’ll do it before the Obama’s weak horse tactics get to be too much for the jihadis to bear.
baldilocks on November 24, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Don’t hate on folks from New York City. The entire state of California is fair game, though.
Heh.
Christien on November 24, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Same to you buddy.
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Certainly, and that’s all I see his comment as saying. I really don’t get it. I don’t recall anyone else getting upset at those who have said the trial makes New York less safe. Why get upset when Bolton says the same thing?
Is there something I’m missing, Jet, AP (if you’re still reading the comments)?
Esthier on November 24, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Allah, your faith in the ability of an Obama-led government to protect you is touching.
Mind you, this is the same government that thought putting KSM and Co. on trial in Manhattan was a groovy idea.
Best of luck with that!
tsj017 on November 24, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Stop that, please. They are human beings, our fellow citizens, being put in harms way for a completely unnecessary trial. I don’t care who they voted for, or what their politics are, they don’t deserve this.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Our criminal justice system is a joke that does not care if killers go free on technicalities to maim and kill again.
Chris_Balsz on November 24, 2009 at 7:14 PM
You know…Long Island is pretty close to NYC. Are you sure you’re safe???
crr6 on November 24, 2009 at 7:14 PM
hardy har har!
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:15 PM
this ccr6 guy is dangerfield reincarnate!
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:15 PM
You look like an idiot for assuming AP doesn’t think there’s a possibility of a terror attack in NYC with OR without the trials.
To quote Randy Newman:
The point of terror attacks is to change the foundation of our country through fear. If we abandon our justice system because of the fear of a terror attack, then… I mean, I can’t believe anyone would even consider it.
Tom_Shipley on November 24, 2009 at 7:15 PM
WTF. New York is one of ours. Have some pride and patriotism.
Esthier on November 24, 2009 at 7:15 PM
If I recall correctly, you’re a lawyer right? So you should know better than to call constitutional rights “technicalities”.
crr6 on November 24, 2009 at 7:16 PM
And it’s not the fault of the CIA, or the FBI, or the “cowardly conservatives,” or the NYPD, or the people of New York either.
So why the Hell are the libtards blaming everybody in the world EXCEPT the one man who’s intentionally creating a gigantic tailor-made propaganda stage for the terrorists?
logis on November 24, 2009 at 7:16 PM
I just think Bolton has every right to state his risk assessment as much as any one else. If he goes or stays it is on him and his judgement. The risk is every where but there is no need to up the ante on Obama’s and Holders part.
fourdeucer on November 24, 2009 at 7:16 PM
why should KSM be granted access to our system?
he is alien to it
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:16 PM
If the trial was held in DC and Bolton said he didn’t want his family in DC during the trial, NYC folks would be all over him for it.
/
Christien on November 24, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Paralegal. And the exclusionary rule is a extraconstitutional construct imposed on a free people.
Chris_Balsz on November 24, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Do you know how stupid you sound? No one here has opposed trials. We’ve opposed civilian trials. If you don’t know the difference, I can’t explain it to you.
Esthier on November 24, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Have you seen the voting results from NYC? Patriotism and that city have nothing to do with each other. Come to think of it, calling it an American city is a bit of a stretch too.
angryed on November 24, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Indeed there were.
baldilocks on November 24, 2009 at 7:18 PM
I have to confess that when this was first announced I certainly thought along the lines that this fiasco might paint a bullseye on wherever the trial took place. It’s a horrible thing to think, I know. But I don’t think it’s that out of the box to come to that conclusion. Bad decision for Bolton to vocalize it given his position? Yes of course, but I can’t say his reasoning is off.
BakerAllie on November 24, 2009 at 7:18 PM
What, cause we all have to agree or else we’re not Americans? That’s bull sh!t and it shouldn’t be here at all. On 9/11, this entire country was attacked, not specifically New York. When someone goes after one of us, it’s on all of us.
Has that mentality so completely left people here just because of a bunch of elitist punks in New York? Is your love of this country that conditional?
Esthier on November 24, 2009 at 7:20 PM
The left has been harping for years that killing terrorists in the mideast through military force is only creating more terrorists. Therefore, we shouldn’t use one of the essential institutions of our country to eradicate our enemies? Because we might be creating more terrorists?
“Lame” is a trait that libs have perfected.
Bishop on November 24, 2009 at 7:20 PM
you’ll simply never get that people killed in 9/11 were from so many different areas. stop acting as if it is some monolith.
millions of people commute to NYC every damn day. its not just the people who SLEEP there at night.
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Oh, for cripes sake! First off, not all in NYC vote Dem…Second, what the h-e-double hockey sticks does the way a person votes have anything to do with their worth as human beings and fellow Americans?
Forget…arguing with turds only gets you more sh**.
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 7:21 PM
When someone tries to warn you about something, the polite thing to do is say “thank you; I’ll take that under advisement.”
baldilocks on November 24, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Brave words from someone who doesn’t live within walking distance of ground zero.
landshark on November 24, 2009 at 7:22 PM
Without the exclusionary rule, the 4th amendment de facto vanishes.
crr6 on November 24, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Not that it should even matter if it were just those people. Those wanting New York to be attacked are actually worse than Megan Fox who wished the same on Middle America, because at least this attack is plausible.
Esthier on November 24, 2009 at 7:24 PM
getting a little testy, chill man
angryed on November 24, 2009 at 7:25 PM
I call it prudent.
These men can be brought to justice quite easily, with the rest of their terrorist buddies, in Guantanamo.
Obama and Holder have an agenda that’s unnecessarily hurtful and potentially dangerous to New Yorkers.
marybel on November 24, 2009 at 7:25 PM
word
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:25 PM
You. Are. An. Idiot.
Knucklehead on November 24, 2009 at 7:26 PM
LEAVE NEW YORK ALONE!
/Hating on Cali is A-OK.
Christien on November 24, 2009 at 7:26 PM
I don’t care if someone is liberal or conservative or the man in the moon, I recognize common sense and wisdom when I see it and Bolton has plenty of it.
beachgirlusa on November 24, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Sorry baldi…I love ya, but Bolton wasn’t having a one-on-one discussion, it was in an interview broadcast to the public. Bottom line is he’s saying “get out of the city, something has a good chance of happening”.
There’s not a single person in this city that doesn’t know the dangers. Remember Scare Force One? That wasn’t even panic…it was abject fear.
Bolton of anyone should realize…we should not succumb to fear. We should face it head on, and live our lives as normal as we can every day. Not tuck tail and run.
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 7:27 PM
I didn’t call for it to be attacked, I called for it to be abandoned. As a failure. Which it is.
You might as well tell me pride in the Red White and Blue means throwing money into Barstow until it shines brighter than any city in the world.
Chris_Balsz on November 24, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Rudy Giuliani blasted this decision. I believe I’ve read AP criticizing this decision.
Many New Yorkers are upset with this decision. Sometimes, when people are anxious about circumstances over which they have no control, they get angry at those who talk about it or even try to comfort them. They just want a break so they don’t have to be anxious about it constantly. I don’t blame them for that. I might well be very grumpy with everybody if I were living in NYC right now.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 7:29 PM
He can defend himself about that statement but I have read a lot worse on these threads.
fourdeucer on November 24, 2009 at 7:29 PM
OK not all of NY just 85% in 2008. Whoever said Dems aren’t human? I sure didn’t. I said they’re not patriotic.
You and BlatantBlue sure do get touchy when NYC is the topic of discussion.
angryed on November 24, 2009 at 7:29 PM
So? Amend the constitution to say so.
Chris_Balsz on November 24, 2009 at 7:29 PM
Not with that statement he doesn’t. Why are so many conservatives unable to criticize our own? It’s mind-boggling. And believe me, I became a Palinista in spite of most Palinistas, not because of them. Because they do the same with her far too often.
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 7:31 PM
That was done very well. Thank you.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Maybe because they live there and have concerns other than your crazy rantings about voting, democrats, etc, etc. etc?
Step back from the computer and get some fresh air.
Knucklehead on November 24, 2009 at 7:33 PM
So . . . if we don’t grant the full spectrum of constitutional rights to the likes of KSM . . . THE TERRORISTS HAVE WON!!!!
The Constitution is not a suicide pact. Check your history. Start with Lincoln and go from there.
tsj017 on November 24, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Why does Bolton need to be criticized? Lockstep belief is a liberal need, we should be able to see both sides here, something which seems to be happening without too much rancor.
Bishop on November 24, 2009 at 7:35 PM
But again Lox, yes…this trial should not even be taking place, anywhere. It’s another example of the Left being convinced that 9/11 was a criminal act, not an act of war.
But it’s entirely beside the point of Bolton’s statement.
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 7:35 PM
They’re upset.
And besides, even when they’re at their best, they’re never as polite as you are at your worst.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Love you too dude, but this was gigantic non sequitur to what I said.
And if everyone knows the dangers what’s the big deal about him answering the question honestly? And it’s not like the trial is happening next week.
And, sorry, standing still to be a terror target when your leaders are abdicating their role isn’t brave.
baldilocks on November 24, 2009 at 7:36 PM
We’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one.
If you knew me you’d know I’m the last person to hold back on speaking my mind and criticizing those I feel deserve it. In this case I don’t think Bolton does.
beachgirlusa on November 24, 2009 at 7:36 PM
-I- think the real sickos are the people who do want Bolton’s family in New York for this trial, like it or not.
Chris_Balsz on November 24, 2009 at 7:38 PM
A+
beachgirlusa on November 24, 2009 at 7:38 PM
What concerns would those be? They’re both convinced Bolton is wrong and they have nothing to fear. Seems to me people who have nothing to fear would be calm and collected not snapping at anyone offering a different POV.
angryed on November 24, 2009 at 7:39 PM
You’re an idiot for a myriad of reasons.
TTheoLogan on November 24, 2009 at 7:39 PM
i dont think bolton is wrong
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:39 PM
I wouldn’t want to be in NYC during this travesty – with or without lurking terrorists.
If I absolutely, positively wanted to make a big bang statement in conjunction with the cameras of the world being on the KSM trial, I would hatch hundreds of plots. Were I a plot-hatching al Qaeda leader.
disa on November 24, 2009 at 7:40 PM
HEYYYYY!!!
blatantblue on November 24, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Maybe they have multiple residences and NYC isn’t the center of the Boltons’ universe.
Just a thought.
Christien on November 24, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Geez, its NYC. Bolton’s statement doesn’t put it any more or less at risk from nutbag jihadis.
Now if Bolton rawked out like this while making the statement, then I’d worry.
darclon on November 24, 2009 at 7:41 PM
I see nothing wrong with what Bolton said. If I could, I would take everyone out of NYC to stay with me. It would be a heck of a sleepover. In the basement. On the 50 year old couch. Sort of crowded. And uncomfortable. For a real long time. But I would do it if I could because not being able to stop the trial, that’s the best thing I can do to provide safety.
The next best is to offer my thoughts and words.
Loxodonta on November 24, 2009 at 7:42 PM
There is no way that anyone, no matter how dilligent, can prevent a terrorist attack if the terrorists are willing to die in the process. Truck bombs, suicide bombers, rpg’s, whatever, or even a determined sniper with a long range weapon. If they have enough desire for terrorism, they can do it, and even further, it could be the opening shot for concentrated terror attacks on the US. Better to keep them in the Gitmo Terrorist Community Center.
TimothyJ on November 24, 2009 at 7:42 PM
I wouldn’t stay in NY either. So what? he should stay in NY to prove what? Obama is counting on an attack if you ask me. Nothing he does makes sense unless you look at the world like a man wanting to take this country down. The vantage point of the enemy.
flameofjudah on November 24, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Who is talking about wetting one’s pants or running for the hills? Common sense says that the threats to the safety of NYCers will not come from the “terrorist under heavy guard.” But jihadist sympathisizers and those is inactive (for now) terrorist cells certainly stress the manpower in a densely populated area. Too many well-planned strategies can go wrong.
The expense of meeting the security needs of the city for who knows how long does not merit the purely political move that Holder has made in trying the Gruesome Fivesome stateside.
The appropriate place for these trials is in Guantanamo, on an island where security can be tightly monitored. All of the detainees should be subject to the same type of military tribunal justice.
Holder has trivialized the atrocity of the deeds of these conspirators and jihadists by determining that they should be tried in a criminal court.
I respect Bolton’s judgment on this issue. As marybel says, it is prudent to be skeptical of holding these trials in NYC.
onlineanalyst on November 24, 2009 at 7:44 PM
You’re a good man, er, elephant Lox.
beachgirlusa on November 24, 2009 at 7:44 PM
The Boltons shouldn’t be allowed to have and use a Plan B until everyone else in NYC does.
Christien on November 24, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Given the uber-PC nature of liberal running NYC, how much real security will there be? Oh sure there will be a bunch of cops, FBI, etc. But let’s face reality. The orders will be to not offend anyone who looks middle eastern.
The show trial will be surrounded by show security that looks good on TV but does nothing.
angryed on November 24, 2009 at 7:46 PM
No matter where you live in this country, you’re a terror target. Not just in NYC. Sure, anyone with a working brain knows that NYC is a high-profile potential target. Especially now with this scam of a trial going to happen.
Again, if Bolton wants out of the city, good for him. But is anywhere really safe? We’re not just standing still with targets on our heads…just trying to live a normal life, and not run every time danger lurks.
If I get blown up going to work someday soon, I go to the good Lord willingly. I ain’t running…’cause where would I go?
JetBoy on November 24, 2009 at 7:46 PM
But.
For eight years we did not have lawyers looking over the shoulders of the C.I.A., rules of engagement basically requiring our troops to carry Miranda cards on the battlefield, or a WH and Congress full of flower power, hate the Military, anti-American pu**ies.
mrt721 on November 24, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Please show me where BB said Bolton was wrong. Take your time.
Knucklehead on November 24, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Circle,get square.
Dr. Carlo Lombardi on November 24, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Loves me the ‘stache, but sorry, us true New Yorkers have to stick it out here–for better or worse.
Urban Infidel on November 24, 2009 at 7:50 PM
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