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Opinion

Commentary: U.S. was let down by anti-terror agencies

The Tri-City Herald

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December 31, 2009 12:52 PM

Today's the day a steaming mad Barack Obama has demanded the results of a preliminary investigation into the scandalous ineptitude in combating the latest attempt at terrorism.

No question, this was a humiliating event for the Department of Homeland Security, its head, Janet Napolitano, and the entire Obama administration.

No wonder the president's angry.

We'd have felt better about it if he'd shown a lot more anger sooner than he did.

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It was one of two parallels to the Bush administration's handling of events following Sept. 11, 2001.

Back then, the nation hungered for reassurance from the top. But Bush was being flown around in dead silence -- so far as the public was concerned -- aboard probably the most sophisticated aerial communication system in the world -- Air Force One.

The excuse: His Secret Service handlers thought it best.

Obama addressed his crisis sooner, but only in mild tones.

His excuse: He didn't want to give the bomber's exploit too much public attention.

Yeah, that sure worked out well.

The other parallel cuts even deeper.

To read the complete editorial, visit The Tri-City Herald.

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