Quotes of the day
posted at 9:30 pm on December 27, 2009 by Allahpundit
“Officials now say tragedy was only averted on Northwest flight 253 because a makeshift detonator failed to work properly.
“Bomb experts say there was more than enough explosive to bring down the Northwest jet, which had nearly 300 people aboard, had the detonator not failed, and the nation’s outdated airport screening machines may need to be upgraded…
“Al Qaeda, said Clarke, is aware of this vulnerability in the U.S. airport security system. ‘They know that this is a weakness and an Achilles’ heel in our airport security system and this is the second time they’ve tried it.’”
***
“White House sources tell ABC News the President will ‘likely’ speak publicly about the alleged attempted terrorist attack on Flight 253 in the next few days. The President is on vacation in his native state of Hawaii – he has received regularly briefings on the incident and called for increased security for air travel, along with a full review of the terror watch list procedures. The White House is adamant that the President is actively engaged on the incident behind the scenes, receiving regular updates as information comes in. While on vacation Mr. Obama does not keep a public schedule, but he did spend much of the day golfing on Saturday and is spending Sunday with his family at the beach…
The President is walking a fine line. Responding immediately could perhaps increase the value of such attacks – even those that are unsuccessful – and encourage other would-be terrorists. President George W. Bush also waited to respond publicly after Richard Reid, the ‘show bomber,’ [sic] attempted to attack a plane by hiding explosives in his shoes in December of 2001.”
***
“So we’re now all in agreement, correct? Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 was a cavalcade of cheap shots, and Bush’s speaking from a golf course in no way indicated a casualness or lack of appropriate focus on the threat of terrorism, correct? Because it might have been nice to hear non-conservatives saying this, oh, five years ago or so…
“At some point, a strategy insisting that unsuccessful attacks are not worth presidential comment starts looking like whistling past the graveyard, or pretending that the incidents aren’t a big deal when they are.”
***
Click the image to watch.
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OT: Berkeley High May Cut Out Science Labs
The proposal would trade labs seen as benefiting white students for resources to help struggling students.
Oh Dear.
Robert_Paulson on December 27, 2009 at 9:35 PM
I’d feel a lot better about Obama not saying anything if I felt he was truly doing something. I hope he is.
Bob's Kid on December 27, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Hey AP, you missed this quote by Obama about the terrorist plane attacks:
“”
SouperConservative on December 27, 2009 at 9:37 PM
The quote that stuck with me today is whoever posted the Israel Airline El-Al security official who said of the US airlines: “You screen for weapons. We screen for terrorists.” We are screwed until we take this exact approach. Today’s “new” security restrictions from I’ve been reading are that the little elderly woman or 10-year old flying back to mom from dad’s house now has to turn in their blanket an hour before landing, put away their book, and turn off their video screen (if it was even turned on to begin with). How brilliant.
Marcus on December 27, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Goodness, that is chilling.
Robert_Paulson on December 27, 2009 at 9:38 PM
Obama’s reactions to serious situations remind me of the behavior of 3 year olds. They deny it if something goes wrong and it is their fault, and worse, will try to blame it on someone else. Deflection is the key word for this administration.
But I am not surprised he can’t be a leader in this situation because, bottom line, he is not a leader and does not have experience as a leader. Voting “present” 130 times in the State Senate just doesn’t cut it when you are President of the USA. He is like a deer in the headlights. Doesn’t make me feel very secure, does it make you feel better?
manateespirit on December 27, 2009 at 9:39 PM
Once again… the evil Bush model seems to fit, eh?
mankai on December 27, 2009 at 9:39 PM
LOFL. They feel the need to assert that the Sanguine Kenyan was born on that America hating island.
Buddahpundit on December 27, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Stating the obvious.
petefrt on December 27, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Averted,like clockwork!!
Brilliant analysis if you think with a Lefty brain,
h*lls bells,NormalCity in the LeftSphere World!!
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Can I just eat my waffles?
JammieWearingFool on December 27, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Oh really? America hating? Do tell.
HawaiiLwyr on December 27, 2009 at 9:46 PM
What is going to happen when the “system” doesn’t work…?
Will we be able to prosecute ineffective bureaucrats?
Will be be able to sue our elected officials for incompetence?
Will we be able to after terrorists released by the Obowma Administration for political means?
Will we even be able to fight back…?
Seven Percent Solution on December 27, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Indeed. Even a low level manager would know better.
keebs on December 27, 2009 at 9:48 PM
Nailed it!
Haven’t seen it, but second time I’ve asked: Does ANYONE think that even Jimmu Cauter wouldn’t have cut short his Hawaiian vaca to hightail it back to the Oval office to act, um…presidential or something? (“Pass the poi, and, oh Michelle, don’t bend over backwards so much on the limbo! Girls, leave the nice piggy alone! It’s not a pinata dear girls, it’s actually dinner!)
“What, we we’re threatened? During my vacation? [Just a little to the right, yeah, that's it.]Well tell the sonjabitches it’s not a good time. Use my name, and if that don’t help, tell’em Allah sent me.”
Chewy the Lab on December 27, 2009 at 9:50 PM
If Napolitano meant their system for weakening and ultimately destroying (i.e. radically changing) America, I wholeheartedly agree.
kingsjester on December 27, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Is Berkley High an all white school? I was wondering since it sounds like not a single non-white enroll in a science class. Either way, if they get rid of the science teachers, they can make sure our kids believe that global warming crap while trying to induct them into the “green technology” crusade. Remember, green is the new red.
mizflame98 on December 27, 2009 at 9:52 PM
What does the media accomplish by covering for this weak out of touch POTUS?
d1carter on December 27, 2009 at 9:53 PM
There.
mrt721 on December 27, 2009 at 9:53 PM
But that’s racist…
Chewy the Lab on December 27, 2009 at 9:53 PM
“Passengers now have to remain seated for the last hour of the flight.”
Hey, that guy over in 12B is lighting a fuse! Too bad I have to remain seated or I would go put it out. Damn. If he just tried to light it fifteen minutes ago . . . .
BigAlSouth on December 27, 2009 at 9:54 PM
And my list of “EPIC FAILS” grows longer…I’m going to need more paper…
lovingmyUSA on December 27, 2009 at 9:55 PM
“The system worked…Winston”
O’Brian
katy on December 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Look,the bottom line,is Liberals have said,there is no
War on Terror,and since Obama has zero experience,then
it comes to a point,where the Liberals have to have some
form of damage control for Team Hopeys Presidentcy,and
its Spin Baby,Spin!!!
Besides,Liberals are focusing on the Domestic Front and
and this terrorist man made disaster is becoming a distraction,don’t cha know!!!
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM
No rush, President Jackass. Enjoy yourself on the beaches of Hawaii, and whenever you get around to it, go ahead and get in front of the cameras with your best smirk and teleprompters, and spout off some meaningless words to your fawning press.
The rest of us really don’t give a crap what you have to say.
UltimateBob on December 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Um Sir? Mr. President? Hey Barry!
… um… er… Present!
Mojave Mark on December 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Note to Janet Napolitano “the system” failed, and thankfully, so did the bomb.
nogooddeed on December 27, 2009 at 9:59 PM
What is going to happen when the “system” doesn’t work…?
Will we be able to prosecute ineffective bureaucrats?
Will be be able to sue our elected officials for incompetence?
Will we be able to after terrorists released by the Obowma Administration for political means?
Will we even be able to fight back…?
Seven Percent Solution on December 27, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Seven Percent Solution:Yup,yup,yup,yup,and yup!!(I kid):)
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 10:00 PM
I heard a rumor that one of Obama’s golfing buddies asked him what he would have told the American people if the plane bombing had been successful and Obama swung his club and yelled, “FOUR!“
FloatingRock on December 27, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Ya know,this Terrorist thingy is raining on the
Lib’s OnGoing NeverEnding Parade!!
Oh..oh..just had a another thought,its clear,that
Team Democrat,doesn’t think,or treat this as a
‘CRISIS’!!!!!!
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 10:04 PM
permanent vacation
Alden Pyle on December 27, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Hey AP, you missed this quote by Obama about the terrorist plane attacks:
“”
SouperConservative on December 27, 2009 at 9:37 PM
macncheez on December 27, 2009 at 10:04 PM
…But he had missed the ball.
FloatingRock on December 27, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I went to Hawaii this year and found the people to be friendly, hard working and did not detect any hatred on the Big Island of Hawai’i. It was awesome and not at all what I had expected. We spent our time driving the island not sitting around a resort!
Didn’t, by some ERROR, a bunch of security procedures related to the airlines just get released?
This couldn’t have something to do with that?
Could it?
dhunter on December 27, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Stories you’ll never see:
mankai on December 27, 2009 at 10:09 PM
The system will work in November 2010.
SouthernGent on December 27, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Boiling, boiling, boiling.
Pray for your sorry ass every night, Mr. President, cuz the worst, worst thing in the world is some mis-guided patriot who loves this country, but does not realize the ramifications goes after you.
I pray with all my heart that doesn’t happen, because if it does, it is Civil War, and I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THAT HAPPEN.
Please, be safe, Mr. President, and by the way, have a pina colada for your countryfolk who are scared to death that a flippin terrorist got on an airplane over the midsection of our country with nary a peep uttered…Oh, sorry go back to your vacation…no big deal, don’t worry, we, THE PEOPLE, will handle it for ya, just fine! (Oh, BTW, you might want to turn over, you’re starting to burn.)
Marguirta here! The President is thirsty!”
Chewy the Lab on December 27, 2009 at 10:11 PM
What about the “struggling students” who grow up to use all the police resources of Berkeley, Emeryville , ElCerrito and Oakland?
macncheez on December 27, 2009 at 10:13 PM
I remember after 9/11, the pilots weren’t afraid of people storming the cockpit. No one would let that sh!t happen again. It was this they dreaded
blatantblue on December 27, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Saying “the system worked” with this would be like someone saying “the system worked” because someone wearing a very faulty vest wasn’t killed because the gun that someone was going to shoot them with jammed.
MB4 on December 27, 2009 at 10:14 PM
And when told he can only vacation 29 days per month…
HE thus responds.…….
mredly on December 27, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Would you buy a used car from anyone in the Obama administration?
MB4 on December 27, 2009 at 10:15 PM
And my list of “EPIC FAILS” grows longer…I’m going to need more paper…
lovingmyUSA on December 27, 2009 at 9:55 PM
lovingmyUSA: May,I suggest,the HealthCare bill catalog,
that way,you`ll have at least 10,000 pages,
in which,at the rate of Hopey/Changeys Gaffe
Screw-Ups,it`ll be filled,with-in days!!:)
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Perhaps by “the system worked”, she meant that the marketing of dud detonators worked. Other than that, what system?
OldEnglish on December 27, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Would you buy a used car from anyone in the Obama administration?
MB4 on December 27, 2009 at 10:15 PM
MB4: No way,not from those car murderers,they sent the
clunkers to be crushed,it was a Automobile Holocaust,
with a one-way ticket to the ovens,oops,I mean Steel
Plants!!:)
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 10:22 PM
When she said “the system worked” she was talking about her digestive system, right? Right?
macncheez on December 27, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Her system hasn’t worked for years.
Hey-O!
Thank you, I’ll be here all week. Try the veal. :)
mankai on December 27, 2009 at 10:25 PM
A solid B+.
Would have been an A except for…BUSH’S FAULT!
jukin on December 27, 2009 at 10:28 PM
The system will work in November 2010.
SouthernGent on December 27, 2009 at 10:10 PM
SouthernGent:Waterloo!!:)
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Wasn’t Bush crucified for not flipping out during the first 30 minutes of 9/11?
My, how times change….
Hog Wild on December 27, 2009 at 10:34 PM
A Hall Of Shame Plaque… Finally, An Award He’s Qualified For.
http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=13691
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 10:35 PM
You know, this entire Obama thing has become such a joke that I’m getting tired of talking about it.
petefrt on December 27, 2009 at 10:35 PM
I saw something on how the Israelis handle airport security on 60 Minutes once. For starters, you pass the security checkpoint upon entering the airport, not after you check your bags and get your boarding pass. Security personnel engages passengers in conversation. They are looking for nonverbal cues: Nervous demeanor, avoiding eye contact, bulky clothes, etc. The guy Mike Wallace as interviewing said that many of the security personnel are women as they have proved particularly skilled at reading these nonverbal cues in others. Apparently their intuition is pretty good as no airplane whose point of origin was Ben Gurion Airport has ever been hijacked. And the experience is all a lot less stress and hassle for passengers who do not have to be subjected to such ridiculous rituals as having to practically disrobe at the security checkpoint, or having their toothpaste or water bottle confiscated by a TSA officer. There’s no need because the suspicious types are weeded out before they even set foot inside the door.
NoLeftTurn on December 27, 2009 at 10:38 PM
You know, this entire Obama thing has become such a joke that I’m getting tired of talking about it.
petefrt on December 27, 2009 at 10:35 PM
petefrt:As long as it doesn`t interfere with our dreams,um,
when were sleep’n that is!!:)
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 10:39 PM
everything keeps getting wee wee’d
blatantblue on December 27, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Victor Davis Hanson has many notable quotables re our latest terror threats. Clear vision and common sense, not vacuous phrasing and political posturing, should be determining our national security.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZjdlOTU5OTkyNDhmYmI0MDc1MTM1ZjI5MTFkOTNkNmY=
onlineanalyst on December 27, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Obama did finaly express his view of this. “☻”
MikeA on December 27, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Re: El Al Airlines. I had a good friend who went to a wedding in Israel and flew El Al and was interviewed by telephone the night before with a “looking forward to meeting you tomorrow” and greeted at the airport immediately with a “you must be Jennifer?”
Marcus on December 27, 2009 at 10:46 PM
I quite agree with you. And the moral of that is to let it be what it would seem to be or if you’d like it put more simply, never imagine it not to be otherwise than what it might appear it were or might have been was not otherwise than what it had been would have appeared to be otherwise.
Cheshire Cat on December 27, 2009 at 10:48 PM
As in… living the nightmare?
petefrt on December 27, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Gutsy call, Mr. President.
Socratease on December 27, 2009 at 10:53 PM
The Caliph is too busy on the course.
If something serious comes up ( like a call from his Blackberry bosses ) he’ll get the TOTUS fired up and they’ll make a statement.
PappyD61 on December 27, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Newest stewardress brief just before take off:
“In the pouch in front of you, you will find a taser in case you have to prevent a terrorist attack. Just point at the terrorist and press the green button. In case of multiple terrorists, use the taser in the seat back to your left or right.”
Hog Wild on December 27, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Impeach Obama.
petefrt on December 27, 2009 at 10:54 PM
And how about some more trained bomb sniffing dogs on the premises? Dogs don’t give a crap what your religion/ethnicity is, just if you have bomb making material in your underwear. Plus this would be a better use of dogs than the lefty-save-the-planet idea of eating them.
I would submit that Obama is not responding not because he is on vacation, but because his speech writers are on vacation. That is why Obama is in a virtual quarantine from the media. He is a failure at extemporaneous speaking so they have to sequester him until the writers return from their break.
batterup on December 27, 2009 at 10:59 PM
The administration is just waiting for another terrorist attack (oh, excuse me, man-made-disaster) so that they can have another excuse to grab more power, more money and more control over our lives. The White House was likely quite disappointed that this attack was foiled.
maryo on December 27, 2009 at 10:59 PM
See, I’m not buying that he’s playing golf…this President is incapable of doing anything that requires balls.
VanPalin on December 27, 2009 at 11:00 PM
It will be racist for Barry to beat up on a black kid from Nigeria. Why did Barry not apply the same labeling standard to shooter Hasan
bayview on December 27, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Israel Airlines
——————
http://www.elal.co.il/ELAL/English/States/General/
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 11:03 PM
It was much pleasanter before when one wasn’t being ruled by mice and snakes.
Cheshire Cat on December 27, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Hoping the President does something is an absurd notion, what he does will be wrong, its all he knows to do and its all his aids know to do.
Sadly it’ll make no difference what anybody says or anybody other than Barack’s most trusted radical advisers do.
The opening for our enemies will be on his hands, just like it was for Carter.
Gee I’m sure glad its not the liberal ideology or the Islamic ideology, stupid, sure glad.
Speakup on December 27, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Are we witnessing (yet again) more of that “fired up; ready to go” leadership of ObaMao?
Or was that the slogan of the wannabe Detroit bomber?
onlineanalyst on December 27, 2009 at 11:21 PM
My wife and I were just talking about this mess. She said, “It’s a good thing his bomb went off half cocked”. I nearly died.
boomer on December 27, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Richard Clarke is a douchebag. I’d rather hear that news from somebody trustworthy.
Red Cloud on December 27, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Aw, c’mon y’all! The Precedent delayed his vacation…you know, for ‘health care’. You don’t actually expect him to interrrupt it now, since he’s already cut into beach time, do you??
bikermailman on December 27, 2009 at 11:44 PM
The proposal would trade labs seen as benefiting white students for resources to help struggling students.
Oh Dear.
Robert_Paulson
So, now all students will have an equal opportunity to fail
once they go to college? Unbelievable!
The students that apply themselves will now have to settle
for a sub-level education. Those administrators should get the boot and the Bored of Education should leave with them!
centre on December 27, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Sarah needs to make a statement of gravity and make it ahead of berri soetoro.
She would be wise to highlight the El Al Isreali protocol and remind us that Isreal is still a special friend and ally of the USA, that we can learn from their record of flight safety and call for it’s proven effectiveness to be adopted here.
This a time for leadership. berri has provided yet another vacuum and Sarah should step right up and fill it.
tigerlily on December 27, 2009 at 11:51 PM
The “system” failed at every level. As long as political correctness keeps us from analyzing the ideology, all systems will fail.
Connie on December 27, 2009 at 11:53 PM
This administration is filled with douchbaggery never seen in the history of the United States.
EnochCain on December 27, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Found this a tad funny,since were on the security theme!
From: http://op-for.com/
============================================================
Secure the Building
By Townie 76
——————–
I heard this one today, too good not to pass on. How the services react to this three word command, Secure the Building.
———————————————————–
The Navy, turns out the lights, turns down the heat, ensure the desk are clean and the doors locked.
=========================
The Army establishes a perimeter, restrict entry in or out, request additional forces and supplemental appropriations, institutes General Order #1, and prepares a 100 slide PowerPoint presentation detailing the way ahead.
========================
The Marines form a MAGTF, assault the building, level it, and return home.
=================
The Air Force immediately secures a 30 year lease on the building.
=============
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 11:56 PM
OT: Berkeley High May Cut Out Science Labs
The proposal would trade labs seen as benefiting white students for resources to help struggling students.
Oh Dear.
Robert_Paulson on December 27, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Robert_Paulson: I’m being a bit of a smart *ss,but maybe,
the Left stumbled on a clandestine bomb
making factory,under the very nose’s of
Lefty smart power!!
canopfor on December 28, 2009 at 12:02 AM
Bruce in NH on December 28, 2009 at 12:06 AM
mankai on December 27, 2009 at 10:09 PM
—-
*bzzz*
Wrong.
Because basketball isn’t African-American-centric, it’s jock-centric, and therefore helps quite a lot with the school-as-a-warehouse model they’re actually using.
Please, if you’re going to mock, at least get it right, kay?
Mew
acat on December 28, 2009 at 12:14 AM
batterup on December 27, 2009 at 10:59 PM
——
My guess is 0bama isn’t responding because he’s waiting for advanced polling to figure out what way to pivot.
“Bush’s security procedures…”
“disturbed individual…”
Mew
acat on December 28, 2009 at 12:18 AM
How they secure a building :
ACORN
Breaks into the building and sets up a brothel
Valerie Jarrett
Converts the building into a slum
Tony Rezko
Hands over the title of the building to Obamas and assumes the loan himself
Ayers
Thats easy, he just blows it up
macncheez on December 28, 2009 at 12:20 AM
O/T:Now, Gun Owner = Terrorist.
===============
Wow, Just Wow.
By curtislowe
—————
So now the military assumes – and announces – that if you do not volunteer to subject yourself to their “registration” of your personal weapons, you are a terrorist.
————-
ttp://curtislowe.wordpress.com/2009/12/18/wow-just-wow/
Picture of a sign taken at Ft. Benning:
canopfor on December 28, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Naah
Its Bezerkeley
Lefties just need these labs to grow some hydroponic pot
macncheez on December 28, 2009 at 12:24 AM
“You
screen for weaponstake away your blankets. We screen for terrorists.”AshleyTKing on December 28, 2009 at 12:25 AM
canopfor on December 27, 2009 at 11:56 PM
——————————————
How they secure a building :
macncheez on December 28, 2009 at 12:20 A
macncheez:Lol,good one,heres another concerning the Canadian
beaver!!:)
Scroll down,till you hit The Beaver!
http://op-for.com/
canopfor on December 28, 2009 at 12:26 AM
“You screen for weapons take away your blankets. We screen for terrorists.”
AshleyTKing on December 28, 2009 at 12:25 AM
QOTD
tigerlily on December 28, 2009 at 12:33 AM
“You
screen for weaponstake away blankets. We screen for terrorists.”AshleyTKing on December 28, 2009 at 12:25 AM
QOTD
FIFM
tigerlily on December 28, 2009 at 12:35 AM
My new mantra:
Twenty TEN!
Twenty TEN!
It’s the way to retain my sanity.
Yellowdog12 on December 28, 2009 at 12:36 AM
Someone needs to study the effects of man-made global warming on the natural habitat of this critter
macncheez on December 28, 2009 at 12:36 AM
Naah
Its Bezerkeley
Lefties just need these labs to grow some hydroponic pot
macncheez on December 28, 2009 at 12:24 AM
macncheez:Reminds me of the movie Animal House,the pot
smoking scene in the bathtub!
And after looking for it on youtube,me no find!:)
canopfor on December 28, 2009 at 12:37 AM
Someone needs to study the effects of man-made global warming on the natural habitat of this critter
macncheez on December 28, 2009 at 12:36 AM
macncheez: I agree,a hands on approach would be advisable,
in this particular study,ahem!:)
Hey,the 70′s must of been a lot hotter,do to the
fact,that micro-mini-skirts were all the rage!:)
canopfor on December 28, 2009 at 12:41 AM
Well,I’m off to snoozeVille,nite Macncheez,nite H/A:)
Hawkdriver,stay safe:)
canopfor on December 28, 2009 at 12:44 AM
Nity nite
sleep tite
and
Hawkdriver : 9 more weeks, right?
macncheez on December 28, 2009 at 12:51 AM
How, in God’s name, did our “system” work? I must be the most obtuse moron to ever roam the earth, ’cause I don’t get it.
betsyz on December 28, 2009 at 1:25 AM
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