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April 8, 2004
The Armageddon Plan

On Nightline tonight, a fascinating look at the government's "Armageddon Plan" -- which has been training top officials and conducting massive simulations since the Reagan years -- and how the plan was put into effect on 9/11 for the first time ever.

It's comforting that they have such an elaborate plan, and that they've so dutifully practiced and refined it over the years. By all accounts it worked very well on 9/11, small teams capable of running the entire government were sent out all separately all across the country.

One of the guests describing both the training and the events of that day is Richard Clarke, who is again showing what an intelligent, articulate, knowledgeable man he is. The contrast between just his demeanor and command of the facts (not to mention the English language) and that of his detractors is striking.

Comments

Previous Comments

Are you actually *dating* Richard Clarke? I don't think his Mom speaks that highly of him.

Comments like that should be tempered with "backstabbing," "granstanding," and "shameful self-promotion." His comments would mean so much more if he weren't coming out with a book at the same time this maelstrom kicked up. His behavior is treasonous.

My $.02

Dread,

1. I seriously doubt that any of his many detractors would have anything nicer to say about him if he didn't have a book coming out. It's just an excuse to bash him without dealing with the veracity of his statements. Writing a book has no bearing on whether something is true.

2. My statements are based on his obvious intelligence and the fact that he actually answers questions posed to him, in stark contrast to many others on both sides of the aisle. His attacks are never ad hominem, as yours are, and he has further credibility due to his criticism of both Republicans and Democrats.

3. Your accusations against him are unfounded and not based on facts. Calling someone treasonous is a staggeringly serious charge. Is he treasonous simply because he disagrees with the president's priorities? Am I treasonous?

Thanks for your comments.

treason: the betrayal of a trust.

That is the first definition in Merriam Webster's most recent dictionary. This definition becomes more serious during wartime, and before you ask, I know this from having to memorize the Uniform Code of Military Justice. I served my country, and I served it well. While I recognize your right to freely speak what you will, I also have the right to disagree with it, and in as sarcastic manner as I wish. Truth is, just plain words don't seem to sink in, regardless of which side of the fence you reside.

As Americans, we are entitled to more freedom of speech than any other nation has ever known. From what I've witnessed, people tend to spout off more *against* their country simply because they are entitled to. It is not wrong to disagree with your government, but please be responsible with your actions. What Richard Clarke is doing is an abuse, in my humble opinion. Discretion is warranted, especially at this critical juncture in world history.

...and not once did I bring up party politics. These are merely my observations from sources I am bound to as I cannot be 'there.'

P.S. Nice vocabulary :-) Have you taken the "Are You A Grammar God" yet?
http://quizilla.com/users/BaalObsidian/quizzes/How%20grammatically%20sound%20are%20you%3F/

Neither did I bring up party politics.

Dictionary definitions are not the issue. Treason, in this country, is a most serious crime, punishable by death.

I absolutely support your right to say whatever you want, and nowhere did I imply that you shouldn't. My request is that you back up your assertions with facts or sources. But you are certainly free to not to do if you choose.

I do not agree that discretion is warranted, if discretion means withholding criticism of our leaders. At a time like this, it is all the more important that the actions of our leaders are placed under great scrutiny. Many thousands of lives are at stake.

I'm not sure if the vocabulary thing is sarcastic, but yes, I am a god -- grammar and otherwise.

That's all very well and good, but I think it's a way of avoiding the original question asked.

Are you dating Clark?

If yes, this might explain your voluminous stand on gay marriage.

P.S. Dread, is voluminous even a word? Please critique my grammar as well.
Thank you.

Oh yes, thanks for pointing that out, Andy.

I am currently dating Clarke. I'm one of those "Dated Dean, Married Kerry, Got Divorced, Now Dating Clarke" guys.

Does Liz know?

Hope you come back soon!!