"When the USS Abraham Lincoln is in Jebel Ali, we're going to blow up a boat next to it."
The voice was foreign. We were told it was a Portuguese accent. How they could tell that I had no idea, but we certainly took the threat as genuine because they seemed to know our schedule and our destination, and we were the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the highest-value target in the entire eastern hemisphere, that would be in the Persian Gulf
We received that threat in August of 2000, about three weeks before our ship was to deploy to the Gulf. It was agreed among those of us who knew about the call that we must not let our loved ones and friends know about the threat. I remember the sleepless nights I had beside my wife, holding her as if I would never be there for her again...and never daring to even hint at that threat we had received.
Two months later, we completed our first port visit to Jebel Ali. There had been several merchant marine ships there from various countries, and many small craft, and we had been vigilant, eyes peeled for any possible threat. Four days after we pulled out from Jebel Ali, the Cole was bombed - a suicide attack by a small craft. We who had known about the threat breathed deeply in relief...and blushed in shame. "Thank God it wasn't us!" "But it should've been us, not them!" Relief, and guilt - survivor's guilt.
My experience comes nowhere near close to combat - I wouldn't pretend otherwise. But I do know at least to some small extent what it's like to believe that someone is coming to try to take my life.
So what does this have to do with Senator Barack Obama?
Easy. He knows, as does any very-well known politician or celebrity, what it feels like to receive death threats - and like all the the others (including McCain), simply doesn't mention it in public. But the difference here is that to many Americans, Obama is a terrorist, or 'pals around with terrorists', or because of him 'the blacks are gonna take over'. There are many red-blooded Americans out there whose misguided 'patriotism' would lead them to think it would be better if Obama, should he win the election, did not live to take the oath of office. Unfortunately, some of those Americans may even believe that by 'eliminating the terrorist threat', they would be doing their 'patriotic duty' even if they had to give their lives doing it. They, like Patrick Henry, might regret having only one life to give for their country, but they would never realize how identical they are to the 'martyrs for the cause' in Iraq and Afghanistan who try to drive the foreign occupiers out of their country.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Arch Conservative
Just what the world needs.
Another Obama literary rimjob.
2 - Cannonshop
Chill, Arch. Remember, the Lefties need to have their paranoid fantasies too.
It helps them square their actions against what they claim to believe in.
3 - Arch Conservative
"Like it or not, he carries the hopes and dreams of generations of nearly the entire African-American community on his shoulders."
By representing the party that has kept a majority of the American party dependent upon the government for the last 40 years.
The logic here is very simple so please try to follow Glenn. I want you to put down your drool cup and concentrate your hardest for me for a second. Can you do that sport?
The Democratic party is the party that year in and year out insists that Americans need the federal government to help them succeed in life. They create all kinds of government welfare programs to do this. The only problem is that anytime anyone throws off the shackles of the fed government and hacks their way in life for themself and succeeds, the Dem party completely loses it's appeal for that individual. So it is in the interest of the Dem party to ensure that citizens remain dependent upon the government from cradle to grave.
Lately it seems like the GOP has started down this path as well. We're becoming a nation full of whiny, European socialist like crybabies demanding handouts and entitlements. You must be in 7th heaven huh Glenn.
4 - Mark Saleski
there is a brand of conservative (and liberal too) who doesn't even have respect for himself...so why would that respect get directed anywhere else?
i just doesn't exist.
5 - bliffle
Cannon,
Allying yourself with Archie does you no credit.
6 - Matthew T. Sussman
Out of respect for Barack Obama, I will not assassinate him.
7 - Baritone
Obviously, since Arch and others deny the existence of racism in this country, neither do they believe that Obama places himself in any danger with his candidacy - at least no more than any political candidate does.
And of course Arch once again spews his blather regarding the evil Democrats - it has become his mantra. No doubt he believes that if he repeats it often enough, it might come true.
A few months ago my brother in-law and his wife had the opportunity to meet the Obamas while he visited with a family here in Indy. My brother in-law's wife chatted at some length with both Michelle and a couple of their Secret Service detail. While Michelle was understandably reticent regarding this subject, she did say that, yes, there were numerous ugly threats coming in each day primarily via mail and email.
The Secret Service officers said they couldn't be specific, but did state that the Obamas - Barack, Michelle and even their daughters received dozens of daily death threats and other promises of violence against them. The officers estimated that the Obamas received something like 4 to 6 times the number of threats received by McCain or any of the other candidates.
Obviously, virtually all of them amount to nothing - just the rantings of stupid, hateful people. But, all it takes is one - one threat to be real.
Actually, any real attempt would in all liklihood come from someone or some group who had never sent any such threats.
I must agree with Glenn. Every time the Obamas step onto the dais, they know that it could be their last act. I assume that neither of them spend any significant time considering all this beyond what they must and must not do from a practical standpoint. To so so would likely have a paralytic effect. It does take courage for the Obamas to step out in public.
It may not be that Arch or Cannon don't believe it. It may be that they just don't give a rat's ass.
B
8 - Glenn Contrarian
What a wonderful example of the conservative mindset!
I knew what kind of replies I would get long before I ever submitted the post - scorn, spite, condescension...and a complete lack of UNDERSTANDING by the conservative side.
Did the conservatives realize that the post was NOT about political beliefs, policies, statistics, or morals? No. To them, it was simplistic, even puerile praise of a candidate...and an excuse to look down their noses at the naivete of a misguided liberal.
They never saw that the post could just as easily have applied to Ronald Reagan, who DID carry the hopes and dreams of millions in America and around the world, who DID speak in the language of hope and opportunity, who DID survive an assassination attempt. He had the same kind of courage that Senator Obama is demonstrating even now.
Empathy. I guess that's one of the basic differences between a conservative and a liberal. To most liberals like myself (but not all), power is not a goal, but only a means to make things better. The opposing side is still comprised of human beings with the same range of intelligence and ignorance, of love and hatred and integrity and malice...and courage and cowardice...as is found within ourselves. This is why we believe in MUTUAL respect.
To many conservatives (most? perhaps, but certainly not all), power is the end that justifies the means. The opposing side is to be torn down by every tool at hand. The opposing side is evil, traitorous, to be given NO credit for any positive qualities, but denigrated and decried for every possible negative, real or imagined...all the while wrapping the conservative brand name in the twin flags of country and religion. This is why they seem to believe in NO respect for those they oppose.
These are generalities only...but they are enough for me to reject the conservatism I once believed in, and to pity all those to whom the lure of power is so strong.
9 - moon
Gringos have such a bad name as redneck bigots that EVERYONE I have talked to here in Mexico believes that Obama will be assassinated if elected.
You guys have a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG way to go to regain any kind of credibility with the rest of the world.
10 - Baronius
Ignoring comment #8, I see that Glenn was trying to depict something more important than politics. The thing is, Obama has used the threats against him for political gain. He requested a Secret Service detail earlier than any candidate ever had, and made sure that fact was known. His surrogates often talk about the threat against him, and the possibility of assassination. He's always the one to bring up race, and imply that people don't like him because of his skin color. Glenn, I think you've been manipulated and don't even realize it.
11 - moon
You expect that two weeks from an election for the candidates NOT to use whatever they can get their hands on for POLITICAL GAIN???!!!!
This thread just gets sillier and sillier.
I think at least half of you folks should not be allowed to vote.
12 - Jon Sobel
Baronius, the notion that "Obama has used the threats against him for political gain" is more insane and spiteful than any of the senseless spew that comes out of Arch, and even worse than Arch because you have a brain in your head.
There's actually far less talk about threats against Obama than I had ever imagined there would be. This article by Glenn is the first serious discussion of it I've read in weeks, and I'm checking out both the "leftie" blogs and the MSM
all the time. If there's a lot of talk about it, it must be going on in right-wing circles where I don't hang out. It certainly isn't emanating from the Obama campaign.
13 - Baritone
I know Bar, all of us liberals are incredibly stupid sheep who understand nothing. We haven't become wizened into the cynical, condescending, know it alls which describes the typical conservative. It's just amazing how stupid and gullible we Democrats are. Why would anyone believe that a black man in the United States would face any heightened danger by becoming a presidential candidate? Duh!
Your entire description of how the Obama campaign has handled the security situation is just crap. Oops, that just slipped out. My bad.
I know, I keep forgetting how you and Arch and others have declared that there is no racism in the U.S. That nobody hates anybody - well except all of you who hate anybody to the left of Mussolini, but that doesn't count. Your hatred is wholly justified considering how contemptible liberals are. Everyone, even Klanners, Neo Nazis and Skinheads now lovingly accept blacks and other minorities with open arms. Perish the thought that they'd ever consider doing harm to anyone. Senator Obama's fears are just unfounded. I just couldn't see it because of all the wool over my eyes.
B
14 - Arch Conservative
Couldn't have said it better myself Baronius.
Glenn was implying that Obama is some kind of savior who is above the fray when it comes to politics. But all of the evidence points to the contrary. Obama is just another politician and the only thing novel or unique about him is that he is half black. This coupled with the fact that Bush is a moron who's leadership has sucked has caused a bunch of weak minded fools to glom onto Obama's ass like a million useless hemroids.
15 - Glenn Contrarian
Baronius -
1. Has Obama, in ANY speech he has given, spoken of the threats against his life? No. Has he, in ANY speech he has given, spoken of the Republicans being racist? No.
2. Have people at Republican rallies said they were afraid Obama was going to help "the blacks take over"? Yes. Have people at Republican rallies referred to Obama with the 'n-word'? Yes. Has a nationally-known Republican talk-show host claimed that Obama was going to put on his staff people like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Louis Farrakhan? Yes.
3. Have people at Republican rallies accused Obama of BEING a terrorist? Are they shouting that just for fun, or because they BELIEVE it?
Baronius, you're using the same REPUBLICAN tactic I've seen for years - accuse the other side of what your side IS doing.
Obama's playing the 'race card'!...but whose members has acted in the same fashion?
Democrats are fiscally irresponsible!...until one actually looks at the deficits that started with 'trickle-down economics'
Democrats are weak on defense!...until one remembers it was Bush Sr. who led the biggest military drawdown in American history, and remembers that Bush Jr. REFUSED to send as many troops as the generals told him were needed (among MANY other mistakes).
Democrats are corrupt!...until one sees how many MORE Republicans are corrupt.
Democrats are perverts!...until one sees that EVERY same-sex political scandal after Barney Frank back in the 90's has been REPUBLICAN.
Baronius, there's a REASON why Republican rallies are almost always close to (if not completely) lily-white. Why don't YOU tell us what that reason is, hm?
16 - Baronius
"We know what kind of campaign they're going to run. They're going to try to make you afraid.
They’re going to try to make you afraid of me. He’s young and inexperienced and he’s got a funny name. And did I mention he’s black?"
- Barack Obama
June 20, 2008
Jacksonville FL
Oh, and I found this gem from May 4th:
Obama placed under Secret Service protection
'Not aware it was based on any threat,' agency spokesman says
17 - Baronius
Baritone, imagine if I ever accused you of the nasty things you call me. The funny thing is, you pretend like I do anyway. I probably could get away with it.
18 - El Bicho
When do the candidates get Secret Service protection? If there was a threat, why would the agency show their hand and admit they know of it?
19 - Dan(Miller)
Yes, Senator Obama "deserves" respect, but certainly to no greater extent than do others who daily put their lives on the line -- policemen, firemen, soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen; even taxi drivers. Some do it voluntarily, others due to economic necessity, others because they have no choice, others in pursuit of power and glory. None of these other folks have or have available to them Secret Service protectors to guard them, yet they seem not to get a whole lot of respect. It comes with the territory. So did the spittle and other noxious stuff flung at returnees from the unpopular Vietnam war, many of them draftees. So as well do the vicious personal attacks on political aspirants, and on their families come with the territory. That's sadly the world in which we live.
Senators McCain and Biden, and Governor Palin, are no less vulnerable than Senator Obama. It would equally horrify me, but would no more surprise me, to see any of them physically attacked. The unreasoned emotional attacks are in full swing and have been for a long time. This is not new. Aspirants to and holders of high public office (as well as lots of others) have been unreasonably disparaged, threatened, some of them have been physically attacked, and some of them have been killed.
Perhaps I am missing something in the article, but a higher level of respect than is "deserved" by many others has to be earned. It is not an entitlement.
Dan(Miller)
20 - Heloise
One for the road: "I laughed because [2006] there was one name that did not appear anywhere in the book about the upcoming campaign, one name Halperin and Harris left out of the index: "Obama, Barack."
from the end of the media matters article I linked elsewhere tonight. Can you believe this Drudge did not have a blinking clue that Obama was poised to be "the one" "the Man?" White people for all their Aryan smartness have NO blinking intuition...none...zip...zilch...nada...zero.
One of my favorite zingers other people are picking up on.
What has Heloise been saying all along about Dems and Republigrims? That NO ONE saw Obama coming...bottom line. I really rest my case on this one...laugh of the week on Drudge Report.
Heloise
21 - Baronius
Dan - that comment is racist. I see what you're implying.
22 - Dan(Miller)
Baronius,
You caught me. Damn! No matter how hard I try, I just can't hide it.
blushing with embarrassment, crawls off stage and exits to the right (of course to the right).
Dan(Miller)
23 - Baronius
Sorry, Dan: I forgot to mention that your comment was un-American too.
24 - Cindy D
You like to fling that word "racist" around a lot Baronius. Like when you claimed that I said Palin was racist. You said you were disheartened, which made me feel bad. But you never answered me when I assured you I wasn't claiming Palin was racist.
Your sarcasm, in this instance, alludes to nothing more than your own bias.
As far as losing heart, examine your own projections. Or you'll wind up with a heart 10 times smaller than a grinch.
25 - Dan(Miller)
Baronius,
Just between us kids (and I promise not to tell anyone) do you detect just a smidgen of defensiveness around here, or is just me?Shame on you, Sir. Do penance. Vote for The Reverend Mr. Jackson -- write in his name if you must, but be sure to demonstrate that you are not a racist (or, for that matter) Un-American.
I recall a bit of satire offered by one of my heroes, Bertrand Russell:
Dan(Miller)