January 4, 2010

Tonight on Larry King Live!

Posted: 07:18 PM ET

President Obama is now back from his family’s Hawaiian vacation and is now meeting with more of his advisers about the failed Christmas day attack on a U.S airliner over Detroit…

But in light of what happened…should he have come back to Washington sooner?

The left and the right weigh in.


Preventing the next terror attack…what should the White House do now to keep the United States safe?   Former Bush and Clinton administration officials are here to tell us what they think.


A man walks into the lobby of a federal courthouse in Las Vegas this morning and opens fire…killing a court security officer and injuring a deputy U.S marshal, before being killed by security.  What happened?  We have the latest info and the shocking video as it happened…


Another ‘gatecrasher’ -

The U.S. Secret Service acknowledged today there was a 3rd uninvited guest at the White House during November’s State Dinner.  The Secret Service says this person never had contact with the President or first lady…but how did someone enter the White House party with the Indian delegation and not get properly credentialed?   We’ll have the latest…

Tonight, we want to hear from you…


Filed under: Crime • Larry King Live • Politics • President Obama

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Rose   January 4th, 2010 7:35 pm ET

No, President Obama should not have returned to Washington early in light of the failed terror attack. The issue of security extends far beyond the President's personal geographical location. Whether he is at his home state or in Washington, directives and investigations are not hampered.

GW Bush continuing to sit through a reading of "My Pet Goat" in Florida, while he was advised of the enormous attack to the nation on 9/11 was by far worse. His photo op at Ground-Zero a few days later, bull horn in hand, bringing on shouts of "U-S-A" accomplished little and was fodder to start a lie-based war. Obama has enough issues on his plate without his destination being questioned.

Idzan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia   January 4th, 2010 7:38 pm ET

I thnk Americans are putting undue pressure on Pres. Obama.
He's entitled to a vacation like the rest of us. Indeed for him it's a busman";s holiday.
There's no point for him to hurry home to DC. He's got all the officials at his disposal to brief him on the minute-by minute situation.
Obama has shown full confidence on the Homeland Security, the CIA and the FBI to handle the problem.
You guys want him to condemn the Muslim "terrorisst" and blame the Al-Qaeda.
You got it from him. Hope you are happy.

Brenda Stout   January 4th, 2010 7:44 pm ET

Yes!!!Because Bush was so critizied, his campaign speach he said he would change. My opinion no different then Bush.

ken day   January 4th, 2010 8:03 pm ET

The president should stop wasteing time on more terror attacks. He should instead stop our countries large company leaders from outsourcing any more of American jobs. We wouldn't need better health care reform or more effort going to terrorist prevention if we kept american money in america. As long as there is man there will be terrists, as long as we show fear, they win.

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 8:06 pm ET

It seems that Americans have a very short memory. To help those who forgot, here is a timeline of the 9-11 attack!

Surface-to-air missiles were placed on the roof of the The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort where Bush was staying on 9-10-01, and an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane circled high overhead. It’s not clear if this type of protection was standard for the president or whether security was increased because of possible threats.



Two accounts explicitly state Bush was told while in the motorcade on the way to the school, when he received the news that a plane had crashed in New York City. However, Bush entered Sandra Kay Daniels’s second-grade class for a photo-op to promote Bush’s education policies. The event was to begin precisely at 9:00

Bush later related what he was thinking at the time: “I was concentrating on the program at this point, thinking about what I was going to say [about the plane crash]. Obviously, I felt it was an accident. I was concerned about it, but there were no alarm bells

Chief of Staff Andrew Card was in a nearby room when he heard the news. Card went into the classroom and whispered to Bush: “A second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack.”

He did nothing.


So before anyone condemns President Obama, they need to look at what Bush did when the US was under full attack!!!

Rose   January 4th, 2010 8:10 pm ET

During his presidency GW Bush spent 487 "retreat" days at Camp David, being joined by family, friends and former aides. He also spent an additional 490 days at his ranch in Texas – totalling 77 visits as President. How do you spell vacation? B-U-S-H.

A. Smith, Oregon   January 4th, 2010 8:23 pm ET

President Obama should fire many of the CIA Dept. heads over their on purpose or utter lapse of judgment in allowing the Nigerian Muslim bomber to board the international flight to Detroit.

When GW visited my area, a scorpion class attack helicopter with two Blackwater snipers on both sides of the helicopter circled at roof top level in 2-3 mile radius's. It would have been entirely refreshing to see what would have happened if Sean Hannity, Glen Beck or Bill O'Reily had been there with a rifle in their hands standing on a street corner or simply walking down the road.

When GW spent the night, his security staff called in out of state riot police who shortly after arriving tear gassed the crowd and shot them with pepper spray bullets.

tommy & Sandy   January 4th, 2010 8:51 pm ET

Dodie & Rose told it exactly how it was & will always sad..Bush, so many vacation days...for 8 yrs we knew he was the wrong choice..we did not think we would live long enough to see hm gone./we were born when Herbert Hoover was Pres./ HH was wrong too, should have been Gov. Al Snith of NYState..but bec. he was Italian AND a Roman Catholic, he did not sad..hope for the best in 2010 ..Al SMITH..even today AL SMITH banquets are held in NYCity..a very special person...and an honorable one..

Rose   January 4th, 2010 9:01 pm ET

One can't help but wonder why such a blind eye was turned to all of the strong signals warning the would-be bomber should not board a plane to the US. There was overwhelming evidence that this young man could be a potential threat. "Systemic and human failure"?

As grotesque as this sounds, had the bomber been successful, it would have escalated the American position on war substantially to the pre-Obama Administration days. There are a number of mainly military based parties who are unhappy about de-escalation of war. Let's not forget that the war on Iraq was initiated with the false fear of WMD. No such weapons were found and confirmed by the UN. It didn't stop the war. Iraq was wrongly blamed for the 9/11 attacks. It didn't stop the war.

Suddenly, within hours after the attempt on the Delta plane, we all know exact details of the suspect, where he was, the name of the cleric he knew, Yemen as the source and Al Qaeda taking responsibility. Everything is spelt out neatly. As horrific as it appears, conspiracies aside, the would-be bomber was given a pass with a very, very blind eye. Why? Failures? There are young caucasian American children under the age of 10 years who are on no-fly lists and can't get onto flights (?!)

Very little about this story adds up. Why was there such disregard for security? It is beyond systemic failures and appears almost orchestrated – as past reasoning for war have been. I hope not.

Susan in Austin Texas   January 4th, 2010 9:16 pm ET

NO, there was nothing he could do anyway. Did the right thing by staying in Hawaii.
People need to be screened. It is the only way. Know it and deal w/ it if you want to be safe.
I myself find staying home the way to go.
Too much of a hassle to fly these days....
so, I built a swimming pool and will just chill out and rock
in Austin Texas!!

A. Ahmad   January 4th, 2010 9:29 pm ET

Dear all
I think Mr. Obama did what he supposed to do.
Now it's time for Mr. Obama and to the British Prime Minister to ask this question"Who changed the mind of a young man from a good student into a terrorist? I heared "London is the babysitter for the terrorists and extremists"

V. Mercader - WA   January 4th, 2010 9:53 pm ET

A. Ahmad, It's not just London, almost all major locations in Europe —Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Norway, etc. have extremists or planning to be extremists are bred in hiding.

Kevin   January 4th, 2010 9:53 pm ET

I feel this is a non-issue. With technology the way it is, and the expediency of information, I'm sure the president knew exactly the actions and investigations being pursued.

The bigger threat here is the TSA. It is essentially a jobs program for the uneducated masses. A sure "Yes" vote for anyone willing to continue to fund their useless existence.

RJ   January 4th, 2010 9:57 pm ET

Nothing short of full body screening in every airport, not just the ones on the list will be enough! And Eldrick Woods should be ashamed of himself!

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 10:02 pm ET

Good Evening Larry King, CNN staff and bloggers!

Wishing everyone a prosperous 2010!

RJ   January 4th, 2010 10:05 pm ET

i think that Muslim people should be stepping up more to discourage these actions instead of encouraging it. It has to start right there! There is extremely poor people all over the world but most dont engage in these kinds of tactics!

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 10:08 pm ET

It sounds like a logical consequence but maybe they are coming together because of the fear they are experiencing from us?

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 10:10 pm ET

Question # 1 Why is the US experiencing more terrorists attempts than any other country in the world?

How would you feel if you had Afghanistan and Iraqi military in your back yard, blowing up your city and killing innocent people, some of whom may be friends or family? I am pretty sure you would be outraged!

Pam Sampson   January 4th, 2010 10:12 pm ET

Oh course not. I believe it is possible to communicate with someone without being in the same room, or state! This is 2010 and I find this question both insulting and ridiculous.

A. Ahmad   January 4th, 2010 10:13 pm ET

I am just frustrated to see "Murders In The Name Of God"
They make the life harder and harder for many peaceful and innocent people.

Cynthia   January 4th, 2010 10:14 pm ET

No, Obama should not have come back earlier. He owed it to himself, his family, and the country to complete his vacation. He is human, not a is imperative to be fit to do our best.

Marge Keller   January 4th, 2010 10:14 pm ET

Absolutely. He should have returned to D.C. immediately and stop acting like a jet setter. On the other hand, is he really running the country or just a front man who can preach a good sermon?

Josh   January 4th, 2010 10:17 pm ET

I couldn't help but think how poorly it reflected on President Obama while the mainland US was watching an attempted terror attack unfold on Christmas Day, while CNN reported from Hawaii with surfers playing on the beach in the background. It really gave those who believe President Obama is weak a lot of ground for their argument. I certainly didn't feel reassured that we have a man protecting us who is strong on terror. He didn't even address the nation.

Judith   January 4th, 2010 10:20 pm ET

No President Obama didn't have to go back to Washington.He has phones.
The GOPs,Cheney who should keep it zip all bash President Obama on everything.These same people bash him when he was going to talk to the children of America during school.When the GOPs did that they look like the ones that American should be worried about.

If the GOPs have their way we certainly wouldn't be so safe and I'll tell you why Larry.Demitt of SC has stated he is worried about ones that secure the airports would turn to Unionize.What does he or others think that we should pay the people to help secure America low wages like they do in the South like work for less States.

Now Bottom Line–from day one President Obama has had these GOPs along with a ex VP Cheney after him.All of them sat on their tails letting Bush and his adm do anything they wanted.When they held the seats they wouldn't work with the Demos.Now the tables are turn and they still do not want to work with the Demos.
For 8 yrs our Country went down and it seems that the GOPs want to keep her down.Instead of being United when our Country needs it the most the GOPs want to keep that Divided.
Can you imagine Larry if the GOPs would really work for the people how much our Country could finally go forward instead of staying behind.Our President Has tried repeatly work with the other side and they just won't move.

They slam President Obama for not talking about terrorism?Time for them to open their ears because he had many times.

They feel he should have come out right away instead of a few days later.
Bush came out 6 days later with the shoe bomber.Cheney knows it!
Why is he flapping his mouth?The Bush Adm did not have the best security as they want ones to believe.We were hit on Bush's watch.

Howard 'duke' Holtz   January 4th, 2010 10:22 pm ET

I do not see any way to fight the Muslim terrorism directly, because the enemy has no boundaries to contain them. It IS time however to gather our religious leaders together to sit down with the Muslim leaders with the goal of removing any religious rewards for terrorist activities. The Muslim leaders should be able to officially interpret their teachings to accomplish this.

mark   January 4th, 2010 10:22 pm ET

lets face the realities of this incident Larry we are @ war , and this recent failed attempt in Detriot . is just the beginning of a ramp up effort in the terrorist war on the USA . just take a look @ what the UK is going through . Is this want we want in the USA ? face it . were under attack . . lets strike back now . and prevent or delay what is really going on concerning our beloved country . ....... these people will not stop !! they believe in what their doing . and so must the people and government , lets use all we have to fight back ,. if we don't ...... we will just bring more attacks .let;s fight back with all we have .

Jon Neufeld   January 4th, 2010 10:24 pm ET

I find it very odd that so many commenters feel Barry O! 'did the right thing' by staying on vacation for almost a full week after the incident, but criticize President Bush for not scaring the wits out of little children on 9-11.

Should 'president' Obama have cut his vacation short? Only if he wanted to actually BE the president, rather than simply have the title.

Lilarose in Bandon, OR   January 4th, 2010 10:26 pm ET

Larry, about the dark-haired woman in purple on your show tonight.

She is far too young to have an opinion on anything!

Rude, too!

She reminds me of the Miss California girl who called you "inappropriate."

Please bring more mature people on your show. Even if they aren't pretty.

Michele Grenier   January 4th, 2010 10:27 pm ET

NO, The President should not have cut his vacation short for a crazy man on a plan that was stopped and caught - we have phones, email, text, , advisors etc....

Thank you

Jane - WI   January 4th, 2010 10:28 pm ET

Why are there 3 against one on your panel tonight?

Judy Katona   January 4th, 2010 10:29 pm ET

No, the President should not have to return from his well-earned vacation.
All security measures are decided by a team of experts, and not by one individual.

All the procedures are carried out by many people at check-points, and not by one individual.

At the same time, the President should make the appropriate personal changes in his cabinet after studying the facts: verbal flaps made by HSS is an embarassment, her comments make all of us insecure at home and the airports. If she does not know the facts, stay away from the mic and come back later with up-to-date information.

Jane - WI   January 4th, 2010 10:30 pm ET

Why is it that a few pictures of supposed "torture" radicalize the Muslim world (according to Ron Paul) against us, but Muslims cutting off the heads and torturing their fellow Muslims does not turn them against and "radicalize" them against Al Quaeda and the Taliban?

Barry Dumbleton   January 4th, 2010 10:30 pm ET


Chris N   January 4th, 2010 10:30 pm ET

It is wrong for the republicans to criticize President Obama because the republicans have run on a platform that considers criticism of a sitting President to be un-American. Democrats never did that, which is why criticism by republicans is hypocritical and wrong.

Shedrack Okoye   January 4th, 2010 10:33 pm ET

Who is that Carrie Prejean on your show tonight Larry?

demetrius gordon   January 4th, 2010 10:35 pm ET

No i don't believe that an unsuccessful underpants bomber, should have rushed the commandor in chief home from vacation any sooner.When theirs other levels of security to deal with that @t the moment.

Jane - WI   January 4th, 2010 10:36 pm ET

Democrats criticized George Bush for golfing and for being at his home in Texas (versus a luxury vacation in Hawaii during tough economic times). This terrorist attempt appeared to be a distraction from Mr. Obama's golf game. It seems that Janet Napolitano is the "Brownie" of President Obama's administration. Where are all the media stories about her incompetence like we heard about the Bush FEMA director?

Kathleen   January 4th, 2010 10:38 pm ET

President Obama deserves the vacation with his family. I don't know of any other president who has tackled so many difficult issues and moved the needle regarding so many aspects of American life as he has in his first year in office.

When I listen to those Republican strategists like the lady with the long hair on your show this evening, I become more and more disgusted with Republicans, whose only goal is to complain and whine about every possible thing that Obama does. I am disgusted by Republicans and hope they stay out of the majority for a very long long time. All they have proven is that they are anti-everything.

Joanna Laine   January 4th, 2010 10:39 pm ET

You ask whether Obama should have come back to Washington sooner, as if that was a totally feasible and benign option for the President. But your commentators seem to ignore that, like all Americans, time away from work is not only enjoyable but in fact necessary for our health, sanity, and work performance. Numerous studies show that those who work the longest don't work the best, and the President is no exception.

Obama's time in Hawaii was probably critical for him personally – providing him with precious little time to see his family, and, daresay, relax. In turn, he will be a better leader with a clearer mind to respond to the pressing issues.

And it's not like Obama was totally isolated from his work. He responded to the plane bombing threat from his "vacation." In this age of technology, Obama was just as close to us in Hawaii as he would have been in Washington.

Shontay   January 4th, 2010 10:39 pm ET

No, Prez Obama couldn't have done anything more n person w/ his advisors/cabinet than over the phone or electronically. As long as he had ppl wrking on it, getting the facts and updating him, and so on...wuts the big deal? It isn't. He can't b compared 2 the former Prez by any means as far as his vacation was concerned, that's just a jab by political analyst to compare apples 2 oranges. Give him a Chance.

Jane - WI   January 4th, 2010 10:39 pm ET

It is hard to compare Barack Obama's many vacations in one short year to the totality of George Bush's 8 year term. Barack Obama has been to Europe, Hawaii, and jets off at taxpayer expense non-stop in his perpetual campaign mode. At least George Bush went to his own home for a retreat. Barack Obama has a home in Chicago. How often has he gone there versus his jet setting destinations around the world?

Gordon   January 4th, 2010 10:39 pm ET

Please read "John Perkins" Books as follows:
1.The Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
2. Hoodwinked

Then one can understand the war in Iraq. Who was the President of Haliburton? Dick Cheney!!!!! What did Haliburton do.....According to John Perkins......Haliburton President made approximately 400 hundred Millions by being a Company that Employs Economic Hit men and employs Jackals. If that does not work, then they employ the Mi.litary and the CIA to overthrow and take control of the Economy. Dick Cheney got rich on Iraq Oil. Then guess what? He became Vice-President!!!! This is how it works.
Please reads these books. I was stunned.
When Dick Cheney speaks, it is of the opinion that he has no credibility.......I am so amazed that the Anchors at CNN never read these books and never had John Perkins as a Guest on Larry King.
Come on CNN, let us hear John Perkins Live

speaking2u   January 4th, 2010 10:40 pm ET

President Obama has done the right thing by staying on vacation during the Christmas Day attack. Please, we have capable people in this administration that have kept our president abreast of all events. I am very fed up with all of the snipeing of our president when we have just seen one of the most corrupt and inept presidencies of all time.

I guess this is journalism at its best. Anything for a story.

marie   January 4th, 2010 10:41 pm ET

What a mess! Total complete mess – no leadership.

Anne A.   January 4th, 2010 10:42 pm ET

The President should have done EXACTLY what he did. There is NOTHING the President would have done differently if he had gone back to Washington. Do his critics believe that he cannot be well informed if he steps outside the White House? And the attack failed... would they have him sit at airport security looking at our x-rays?

Deborah, Kingston Jamaica   January 4th, 2010 10:42 pm ET

President Obama doesn't need to stand up in front of a bunch of bureaucrats on Capital Hill to effect action in response to this or any other crisis of national importance. He can do that from the men's room on Route 66 for that matter. Just do it. His response was quick, decisive, formidable and measureable. That's what matters.

Yours truly,
Kingston, Jamaica

Esther   January 4th, 2010 10:43 pm ET

I believe the President signed up for the job, and that he should own up to the shoes that come along with the job. The people of America are under attack from terrorists and the President of the United States needs to be the Commander in Chief and make some decisions in making it safer to fly in America. Someone said that we are putting undue pressure on the President. Ha!!!! He's the President. He chose this position. If it's too much for him, then he can step down and let someone else do it, and do it better.

jeane   January 4th, 2010 10:43 pm ET

I think Andrea should volunteer for the military. Take the fight to the terrorists. All those who support the fight should join up...walk the talk.

Most who object to our fine criminal courts handling the terror cases have no problem with our sons dtrs, husbands, wives going over to fight the fight, but they are scared to hold a trial on American land.


Dan Nelson Lafayette,IN   January 4th, 2010 10:44 pm ET

The president has been too late on attacking the extremists in Yemen also. He should also change the name of this war to the war on the anti-Christ! We heard from these so called terrorists and they had called us the crusaders meaning we Christians are the people they want to kill! We should tell the world that these terrorists are the anti-Christ so that they will be ready for what will come after the rapture!

Darrin P   January 4th, 2010 10:44 pm ET

President Bush would have been drilled for not addressing the attempted terrorist attack – personally (not using his cabinet) and for not addressing in a timely manner. Additionally, Bush would have been hammered for taking such a long vacation. Liberal media at its best – drinking too much Obama Kool-Aid.

A. Smith, Oregon   January 4th, 2010 10:44 pm ET

Its refreshing to hear Ron Paul state, 'We can't just run in and bomb people and torture them' expecting to solve the problem.

Jane - WI   January 4th, 2010 10:45 pm ET

Speaking of whining and many more years will Barack Obama be in office and be whining about what he "inherited"? If he wants to point a finger at what he "inherited", perhaps he needs to look at Congress, which has been controlled by Democrats for 3 years now. congress spends the money and makes the laws, not the President. If Barack Obama "inherited" a mess, perhaps he needs to look at what his fellow Democrats have been doing the last 3 years.

A. Smith, Oregon   January 4th, 2010 10:45 pm ET

America doesn't have enough bullets and bombs to murder everyone that hates America now, and with each war and bomb campaign that number increases!

Muhammad   January 4th, 2010 10:46 pm ET

Obama must consider Ron Paul's position on fighting terrorism. The idea of rushing to every country with a terrorist is not effective, not economical, nor logical. We should avoid spending trillions on ineffective military campaigns and spend billions investing in homeland security. It's more effective and will create more U.S. jobs.

Bertha S. Burris   January 4th, 2010 10:47 pm ET

The President should not have come back following the failure of the terror attack. He appropriately handled and is still handling the incident very well. His vacation was well deserved and needed.

A. Smith, Oregon   January 4th, 2010 10:48 pm ET

Frances Townsend, former Bush Adviser, 'we are a country of laws and constitutional rights' WHAT? Bush didn't adhere to laws and Cheney certainly didn't follow the constitution, what you stated Frances makes no historical sense, are you trying to re-spin the Bush-Cheney's legacy?

Henya, Ca   January 4th, 2010 10:48 pm ET

I’m sick and tired of the people that always blaming the President for every think his fault , he is doing everything in his power to fix things, it is impassable to protect everybody our population is over 300 Million why are we not chatting the people that go to a post office and kill everyone it happens every day, P.S. health care Environment jobs and security are all important,

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 10:48 pm ET

Well stated A. Smith

Yes, we need to pull out

It has become a tit for tat.. they bomb our jetliners and our jets bomb them. Its a NO win war

mike rogers   January 4th, 2010 10:50 pm ET

Obama supporters! You've all been duped. Wake up and smell the coffee.

A. Smith, Oregon   January 4th, 2010 10:50 pm ET

How many ten's of thousands of civilians have died since the CIA propped up the Shah of Iran and tortured the hell out of the Iranian people that protested against that corrupt dictator? That was 30 years ago, look at the blow back.

Chris N   January 4th, 2010 10:51 pm ET

Apparently one of your guests isn't familiar with the Constitution. The Suspension Cause permits the government to suspend particular individual rights under special circumstances. There is nothing unconstitutional about it.

Haydee-   January 4th, 2010 10:51 pm ET

I guess not.....maybe i'm not in America.

Cynthia   January 4th, 2010 10:51 pm ET

YES, mr. obama absolutely should have returned early from one of his many vacations. Air Force One has been flying around the world and accomplishing nothing, except costing the taxpayers a lot of money. Paris, Egypt etc. "vacations" with the family. I'm really sick of all you goons who live in the past (Bush administration) and can't face the reality of "today". At least we were kept free of another attack on US soil during the eight years before the Obama administration. Check out all his appointees – Socialists++++. They won't keep the US safe , as they are pandering to the terrorists.
By the way, do you get the feeling that golf is more important than the security of our nation? I do.

Jean   January 4th, 2010 10:52 pm ET


I have heard it said: "As many heads there are it is as many opinions there will be." Why are some people blaming President Obama? I am tired of hearing him blamed. Why do they constantly criticize him? For goodness sake, he was on holidays which he greatly deserve. The terrorist failed in his evil plot. The plane did not go down. No one died. Why should he have returned to the US? For what? It makes no sense to me that he should have returned. His Homeland Security was in constant communication with him and so was he. If the terrorist had succeeded in bombing the plan and there was a disaster with the loss of all lives aboard, I have confidence that President Obama would immediately have returned to the US. He would not have remained in Hawaii. Can't these critics use their basic common sense? Or are they criticizing him for the sake of criticizing and talking which is much ado about nothing. Place the blame on the airport security in Amsterdam. They are the ones to be blamed. President Obama is not responsible for this 23 year old man from an affluent family who cooperated with Al Qaeda to blow up the plane and who allowed him to board the plane to the U.S. The International Courts should convict the Amsterdam security. They are very much at fault.

Terry   January 4th, 2010 10:52 pm ET

The President did exactly what he did. The President does not need to micro-manage every aspect of the office.

It would be great if folks like Andrea or Dick Cheney would join the military since they are so eager to fight.

I've never heard anyone say that Presidet Obama sounded ignorant until Andrea. This is an all time low for the republic party. But there is always tomorrow.................

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 10:54 pm ET

One possible root of the problem: Project for the New American Century (PNAC)

Chris, DC   January 4th, 2010 10:56 pm ET

I think you need more public intellectuals on your show rather than political pundits.

Ron from PA   January 4th, 2010 10:56 pm ET

@ Dodie,

Thanks for letting me know that you bought the RFK, Jr. book. I hope you have had a chance to read it. 🙂

jf1983   January 4th, 2010 10:56 pm ET

No, President Obama should not have returned early from Hawaii to DC because of a failed terrorist attack. Technology allows the President to work and stay informed wherever he is.

Nnenna   January 4th, 2010 10:57 pm ET

I do not care whether Obama came back one day before or one day after. What I am more concerned about is the list of blacklisted countries. I must point out that the individual that attempted to blow up the flight on Christmas day spent time in England and Yemen being radicalized. Very important to point out is that Richard Reid, the shoe-bomber, is from England and is a self-admitted member of Al-Qaeda. SO WHY ISN'T THE UNITED KINGDOM A BLACKLISTED COUNTRY? The Obama Administration should justly list the right countries, or scrap the list of countries identified or better yet search every single individual coming into the US – American or not.

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 10:58 pm ET

Good Evening Ron

I have not read it yet, I am in another CIA type of book... but I will start reading it soon. Thanks for the information!

Ron from PA   January 4th, 2010 10:59 pm ET

You're very welcome, Dodie. Have a great evening!

Darrin P   January 4th, 2010 10:59 pm ET

It's funny how there are two standards – one for Bush and one for Obama. I'm an Independent – for obvious reasons (mainly because they're all hypocritical, self-centered SOB's) -and I didn't always agree with Bush either. But so many of you grilled Bush for similar things, and now let it slide because it's Obama. Talk about hypocritical.

A. Smith, Oregon   January 4th, 2010 11:00 pm ET

The White House and the surrounding parks are surrounded by ghetto's and violence. Take a drive around Washington DC. if you dare. TV camera crews are under the gun for tight shots to not show the dilapidated homes, homeless veterans, homeless teens, gang members and ghetto's around that area.

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 11:00 pm ET

Thanks Ron and you too!!

Good Night Larry King, CNN staff and other bloggers! Have a wonderful evening and week! Wishing everyone a prosperous 2010!!!

Charles Thompson   January 4th, 2010 11:01 pm ET


Why did you not ask why it took two months to report the third intruder to the White House?

jeane   January 4th, 2010 11:01 pm ET

The problem is feeling superior when you put you pants on the same way as everyone else. Radical is radical no matter what kind of snake oil you are selling.

Ron from PA   January 4th, 2010 11:02 pm ET

Dodie, Larry King, CNN staff and everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year from me as well!!!

Tesfaye Alemayehu   January 4th, 2010 11:05 pm ET

I agree with Jack Rice that the US can not change all weak central governments. However, he made a serious mistake by listing Ethiopia as one of the countries with weak central government along with Somalia, Eritrea and Yemen. Ethioipia has one of the largest army in Africa and has always maintained a strong presence in the Horn. As one of the oldest christian countries in the world, Ethiopia has also succefully fought terrorism for a long time including in Somalia. Thanks.

Toronto, Ontario

Martin Webb   January 4th, 2010 11:05 pm ET


I am totally amazed at the complete lack of focus on the root cause of these continued terrorist attacks on us. We can't actually believe that we can root out every terrorist cell in every country of the world or depend on foreign governments like Somalia or Yemen to do it for us.

We have to identify the root of the motivation for these continued terrorist attacks and devise a strategy to modify the thought process' and perceptions of America in the eyes of the world (and potential terrorists).

Lets stop playing kiddie soccer (all running to the ball / hot event of the day) and develop a strategy to change our image in the world!


Gerri   January 4th, 2010 11:12 pm ET

No, he shouldn't have cut his vacation short, this is one isolated incident – shouldn't have happened but jeez, most of the DHS procedures were put in place under Bush, no?
What's with that very rude Andrea, please don;t ever have her on your show again, she was unbelieveably rude interupting people and snickering at their comments. She needs to go to courtesy school.

marie   January 4th, 2010 11:16 pm ET

yes he has a lot of work to do he has a really hard job i bet he wish he did not have this job now the world is all crazy

Nannette   January 4th, 2010 11:29 pm ET

Would security be tighter if President Obama was white? It appears that this is leading up to someone trying to assassinate him right
in the White House. His security staff is showing how they blatantly disregard the lives of our President and his Family! How many other Presidents have had there dinner parties interrupted by unauthorized guest? If we went overseas, you can believe that we wouldn't get on
the property let alone near their President.

Dodie   January 4th, 2010 11:33 pm ET

@ Martin Webb

When we go after terrorists, they hide among the local people. This is exactly what happened in Vietnam. We should have learned then! They do not run around with labels saying I am Al quaeda!

Dr.Ben Ogunkua   January 4th, 2010 11:49 pm ET

I did not finish my comment before it was submitted.
I was saying that I am afraid that powerful interest or organisations or rogue officials withing the U.S government security should be scrutinized to establish what may be at the bottom of this Nigerian bombing fiasco.
Let us list some of the points that I will like to address:
1. Dad of suspected terrorist informed the U. S government no effective preventive action was taken.
2. Suspect bought traveling ticket from a neighbouring country to Nigeria always a red-flag in Nigerian overseas traveling.
3. Suspect travel by land through the Nigerian boarders for example I have counted more than thirty security check points on that road from Gendarmes in Republic Bening, Nigerain customs, police, immigrations, secutiry services, member of the Nigerian Army, lagos State security and multiple other non-uniform security officers mounted road check points. On the alternative he could have gone through Badagry, Ottah, Porto Noveo smuggling route axis, none of those options is an easy undertaking even by seasoned smuglers.
4. Boarding the airplane in Nigeria to the U.S without a return ticket is not an easy undertaking unless the individual is helped by powerful security forces or well connected foreign embassy officials. it is almost impossible despite the reputed corruption for the young man to be able to single-handed do it even when apparently he was not being sponsored on the trip by his father.
5. A Nigerian not producing a passport at the European Airport for connecting flight and then been able to board a U.S bound flight is impossible unless assisted by powerful individual or highly placed security personels who must also be well connected in Europe. I have gone through most of the airports in Europe and when you do not carry American passport it is a daunting task
6. I have watched with dismay how this situation is being mis-handled as some of the politicians and news analyst are not addressing the issues that I believe were important
7. Why do the press not talk to Nigerians or Americans who knows more about Nigerian and the mechanism of air transportation in such country like Nigerian
8. American has got more than enough share of Nigerian human assets to advice how to turn this into something that can prevent further or copycat attack.
9. The present policy may inadvertently turn millions of Nigerian into adversary instead of partners in the war against international terrorist.
10. Any policy seen as singling law abiding Nigerians to unnecessary suspects of terrorism by the U.S will not help with the war against terrosism. It may make it more difficult for Nigerian human asset to be cooperative and make it more expensive
11. Many of the commentators I see on the TV have never been to American Embassy to seek a visa. many do not understant how perception by the masses of these other countries is more useful than all these electronic eavesdropping that I have had some individuals trumpeting on Fox Network.
12. American especially those who are responsible for making policy should step outside their cocoons and let people who had been out of the cocoons before becoming American to advice them and there are thousands of serious, intelligent Nigerian-Americans who will be willing and enthustiastic to help. America has done a lot for Nigeria and Nigerians and the loud noise from the extreme partisans should not be allowed to obscure the easy, intelligent and effective ways to prevent further terrorism.
13. Nigerian is big and had its own muslim fundamentalists who intermiteently erupt like inferno maiming and killing Christian especially in the Northern part of the country which happens to be the state where this terrorist is born and raised.
14. the American response should not allow the Nigerian religious extremists who are home grown and very organized to be pushed into the waitning hands of Al Kaeda extremist.
15. Let us limit this war to what is manageable than expand tit by misguided knee-jerk response.

Dodie   January 5th, 2010 12:11 am ET

@Dr.Ben Ogunkua

Have you ever thought of a job in Washington? I completely agree at every level. It has become tit for tat. We bomb their country and kill many innocent people; they bomb our planes and kill many innocent people. When will it end?

I continue to ask: Why is America targeted more than any other country?

Have you ever Googled Project for the New American Century (PNAC) or read about this? You might find it very interesting!

Dodie   January 5th, 2010 12:16 am ET

Yemen and Saudi prime ministers had a meeting today discussing security and Al Qaeda. This was found on CCTV

Dave Kelley   January 5th, 2010 12:20 am ET

I previously submitted the following comment. It seems to have been moderated out, the only reason I can think is because I had included my blog address at the end. Not trying to get attention, just thought if there were any with similar views, I'd share. I've left it out. Or, possibly because I hadn't subscribed to this blog. I'm not aware whether I am required to subscribe or not. Maybe I'll try it.

The concern is the real possibility that the Christmas Day attempted terror suspect may well, if not likely have boarded the airplane with no passport, as described below. If so, then he would not have even been spotted if he had been on the No-Fly list.

It is absolutely unbelievable with all the concern and commentary about this subject that there is pretty much no concern whatsoever with the possibility that the individual may well, maybe even likely, boarded the airplane with no passport. This is among the circumstances noted below.

It is now reported that the individual’s Father’s concerns about his son were shared with the US Embassy in his home country and with the CIA. His father’s concerns were voiced in a way that they should have been taken more seriously; given his father’s status in his home country and the fact that he revealed that his son had informed him that he was sending the last communication that his father would get from him. That would be significant in that it would be a final message from a suicide bomber. He was on a terrorist ties list; even though he was not on a terrorist watch list and wasn’t on a no-fly list.

A report from one of the flight’s passengers is that he (the passenger) had observed the young man, appearing as a young poor black. (The guy looks like he’s around 14 to 17 years old, so, he could and evidently was dressed and looking like a young poor individual) He was accompanied by a rather distinguished looking older Indian man, or some similar description. (This is apparently what caught his (the passenger’s) attention to the pair) He overheard the whole conversation (in his words) between the Indian man and the person at the ticket counter for the airlines. The Indian represented that he (the young man) was a poor refuge from Sudan and he didn’t have a passport. The Indian man did all the talking, the young man did none. When questioned and told that he would have to have a passport, he emphasized that he was a refuge from Sudan (we have all heard of the trouble occurring in Sudan) and that they did it all the time. The ticket agent told the man that he would have to speak with her supervisor; and he was directed toward the supervisor. Evidently, whatever occurred after that, the young man made it onto the flight. (Frankly, under those circumstances, it makes you wonder if the individual even went through the normal security screening process or not) So, he makes it onto the plane, in his underdressed (white T-shirt) garb; appearing as a young poor refuge from Sudan. If he had presented his passport, it would have been evident that he not only was not from Sudan, but, that he had, in the last several years been from Nigeria to London, and Dubai and Yemen. I believe I’ve heard recently that the ticket was bought in Ghana, so add that to his passport travels. A little further look would have revealed that he had paid Cash for his ticket and had booked no luggage. Not indicative of a poor refuge from Sudan. There are so many loose ends here that need to be looked into and so many dots that need to be connected that were all almost miraculously missed. It’s unbelievable. Also, it’s reported that along with having no booked luggage, he had no jacket, just his white T-shirt. Going to Detroit in mid-winter, this alone should have raised questions.

The young man had a US visitor’s visa (or something of that sort) from 2008. Well, even though he wasn’t on the no-fly list. He had made the terrorist-ties list. Whatever the order of which he made the terrorist-ties list; if a person who lands on the ties list has an existing US visa, then he should be more closely looked at; if a person already on the ties list, obtains a US visa, then he should be more closely looked at. If a person having the above mentioned circumstances has his Father going to the US Embassy in his home country and to the CIA, he should be much more closely looked at. Folks landing on a terrorist ties list should be cross-referenced with those holding US visas and vice versa.

The father was a known highly placed Nigerian banker. His caution alone should have been enough to bring further attention to the matter. But, the father’s caution along with the individual’s having an existing US visa, and the man’s having already been placed on the terrorist ties list, should have all been way more than enough to draw significant attention. All this, without even consideration of the fact, that, this individual may well have boarded the flight without even so much as a passport, because of a verbal ruse, by a distinguished looking older Indian man that he was a refuge from Sudan and that it’s done all the time. At the same time, the ruse of this man being introduced as a refuge from Sudan and therefore, having no passport, should have been enough to draw an appropriate amount of attention, even without the circumstances as mentioned above. Again, if the individual had presented his passport, it would have shown a far different set of circumstances than that of a poor refuge from Sudan.

Even without any of this, mentioned above; the individual paid cash for his ticket, apparently all the way from Nigeria or maybe Ghana, whichever, to the US, via the Netherlands (an amount of cash a lot of folks may have a hard time coming up with) and he booked no luggage. A simple “What is the purpose of your trip?; how long will you be staying?; where will you be staying and who will you be visiting with? This routine questioning would have certainly given authorities something to question about the young man’s actions.

The passport wipes out the refuge from Sudan story. The ticket paid for in cash (in Nigeria) wipes out the refuge from Sudan story; or at least leads to other questions such as "who purchased the ticket?" among other questions. The passport shows a young man going from Nigeria through London, Dubai and Yemen then going to the US, who is on a terrorist ties list.

It should be determined whether or not it is a fact that the young man actually got on board the plane by using the ruse of a poor young refuge from Sudan, with no passport. If so, then how does that work? And, if so, who is the Indian gentleman? No passport? He looks between 14 and 17; but, we now know he’s 23 years old. If he got onto the plane like this, then, did he also by-pass the normal airport security? Oh boy!!!!!

If he was accepted as a refuge from Sudan, was it ever looked into, what name the ticket was purchased for, who purchased the ticket, where and how (cash)?

If not, then how did he get aboard? Did he have his passport, and, what questions were raised about his trip to the US, with no luggage, no jacket and a ticket paid for in cash? Did the travel from Nigeria to London, Kuwait and Yemen raise any concerns? If nothing else the stops in Yemen should have raised a question.

Being on a terrorist ties list and having an existing visa to visit the US should bring attention. Alternatively, having an existing visa to the US and then, landing on a terrorist ties list, should bring further attention.

Under the circumstances, the father’s caution to the US Embassy should have been enough to have brought further attention to this individual which would have prevented all of the above.

If he in fact got on board the airplane with no passport, then, that in itself pretty well explains where things went wrong. As a matter of fact, he could have been on a no-fly list and if he was allowed to board the plane with no passport then there would have been no verification of his name and therefore he would have successfully by-passed the no-fly list.

Frankly, at this point, it almost seems more likely that he did board with no pass port; given all the questions which should have been raised by reviewing the passport that he should have had. If so, if it was by virtue of the verbal ruse offered by the Indian gentleman, it’s really inexcusable and furthermore, the Indian gentleman should really be considered a ‘person of interest!!!!’

A. Smith, Oregon   January 5th, 2010 12:20 am ET

@ Dr.Ben Ogunkua, Thank you for your in depth comments on the Nigerian processes at play in regards to the Nigerian Muslim bomber.

Are you Yoruban?

When a percentage of the population hits a certain mark, the Muslim Clerics attempt to install Sharia Law. Which sadly has occurred in some areas of Nigeria. Other than Big Oil that sometimes has their Oil pipelines blown up by the Muslims in Nigeria, few Americans really know anything about Nigeria other than all of the fraud emails and tales of corruption that floats thru now and then.

I've heard of Nigerians that refuse to convert to the Muslim religion being rounded up at night by roving gangs of Muslims and are murdered and found the following morning as a reminder, or they simply 'disappear' never to be seen again.

Buddy Autry   January 5th, 2010 1:17 am ET

No the president should not have come back just because of the terrorist event. There was plenty of capable people to handle this situation.

Polly   January 5th, 2010 1:21 am ET

Yes! It should have been handled as if it was a sucessful bombing in spite of it not being sucessful. I am curious as to how quickly he would have returned if 300 people had actaully died.

Scott Bassett   January 5th, 2010 1:35 am ET

Who is this Andrea in the lower right corner of the screen? A talking head plant that ignores the Constitution and is still holding a grudge for the things Bush was rightfully called on the carpet for. Her ignorance is appaling.

Jan Davis   January 5th, 2010 1:37 am ET

No. He should not have returned early.

It was a failed attempt. We have other (hopefully) competent people working to run this country. The President deserves time off to re-charge the batteries.


Kate Haas   January 5th, 2010 1:59 am ET

As serious as this situation was, the President has people to whom various responsibilities are delegated, in this case Ms. Napolitano. It was her job to field this issue and investigate it and report to him. It would have served no purpose for him to make an 8-hour flight back to DC to speak to the nation, which he can do very simply from Honolulu

Donn Ledwick   January 5th, 2010 2:04 am ET

I cannot understand how it is difficult for the Secret Service having everyone attending the White House State dinners match a guest lists . Have you ever tried to get back stage at a rock concert? If your name isn't on the list, you don't get in. Seems simple, or am I missing something.

sow   January 5th, 2010 2:09 am ET

I think the terrorism is not a problem for only the US it is a problem for the world, and I think muslim must stend up to explain to people that terror is not the fondement of islam .
and I want to say that alquaida have not any fondement in coran to kill people .
islam is peace and love .and there is not constraint. in religion .

Annette Richmond   January 5th, 2010 2:15 am ET

I think the entire Secret Service Dept. needs screening. I think it is
ridiculous, that the President is not safe as he should be. The Secret
Service in the White House should also be checked out. Their jobs are
serious,that could have been a terrorist, that slipped in the White House.
Not only the president was in danger, the people there also in danger.
They need to fire some of them!! They are not trust worthy.!!

Abraham Lopez   January 5th, 2010 2:20 am ET

Don't you think or could you ever precieve that an American could pass all security systems? come on man. If I have 1million dollors, just a million dollors and walk up to any american and tell them, take this package to so and so address, what do you think would happen? Da. A million dollors in this social economic structure. COME ON!!!!! thus it take that much to make someone happy? Everybody is guilty

A. Smith, Oregon   January 5th, 2010 2:22 am ET

@ Dr.Ben Ogunkua, as you aptly pointed out, there were numerous critical points of intelligence regarding the Nigerian Muslim bomber which points to only two possible conclusions:

1) The information was purposefully held back by the CIA from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) who would have immediately moved to block the Nigerian Muslim bomber from entering America.

2) The CIA was so inept that given the ample and copious amounts of critical information, they utterly failed to even perform at the most basic level needed to relay the information to the TSA to block the Nigerian Muslim bomber from entering America.

Either conclusion indicates there is a serious problem with the CIA and President Obama should address that problem with a serious look at firing all CIA Dept. management who purposefully held back information sharing, or were too inept to even perform their duty's at the most basic level.

Adam McKeeman   January 5th, 2010 4:17 am ET

President Obama definitely should have ended his vacation and went back to Washington as soon as possible. GW Bush caught a lot of hell for his actions during 9/11.
Obama is a the President of the United States of America. It's his job and regardless of everything else that job comes first. His family could have stayed but running a country isn't easy. Sacrifices need to be made.
It was a terrorist attack regardless of its unsuccessfulness, and during times like this the President must be able to make informed decisions and be updated quickly. Thus, he needs to be back in his office. Even though it was a single attempt, it could have been worse. And if the President of the United States is on vacation, it's an open invite to attack our country. We need to show that our country and our President are ready for anything at anytime!

Ra Ba,   January 5th, 2010 4:51 am ET

The president deserves a break. Coming back early will not change anything the past, it is what gets done moving forward.

P.S. We need to stop saying that we have chance to win the war on terrorists. It is sad and harsh, but we are just wasting good men, and money on a war that has no end.

erik skjæveland   January 5th, 2010 6:34 am ET

al quaidas tactic works.,., us are spending billions on security.,.,

sincerly Erik Skjæveland, Norway

Serge Borel, Geneva   January 5th, 2010 7:00 am ET

Jesus Christ... does america never learn from history.. not even from it's own..?! Talking about being AT WAR with terrorism won't fix the problem.. neither would bombing yemen.. yeah why not adding yemen to the already large list of countries america isn't stopping bombing and helping these fool islamic extremists recruiting (by the way all over the world by now).. and thinking and telling the public that "a war" against terrorism is winnable is fooling the public. Is america still not realizing it's largely fighting "ennemies" it has built up itself.. think of Iraq who had full support (financial, military and intelligence-wise) from the US to make war to Iran.
Another example: Bin Laden and the taliban also got trained and armed to the teeth by guess who to kick the russians out of afghanistan.. and once "the job was done".. america turned it's back on afghanistan as it did with Iraq after the war against Iran, leaving Saddam with enough power to, remember?, enable him to invade Kuweit. And quite bizzarly.. when it comes to Saudi Arabia.. complete silence.. despite it being well known that the major financial contribution to jihad and terrorism comes from exactly that country, which by the way is very far from being a model for democracy... but I forgot.. they've got oil right?.. and buy big lots of arms from the US.
It's well known.. America has no friends.. only interests and those "interests" are now dangerously bouncing back on to the US.
Anybody really surprised out there?
If the US were a movie.. it would be Dr Frankenstein...

Sabina   January 5th, 2010 7:02 am ET

Why are we not hearing any of the prominent muslim religious leaders/organizations coming forward in condemning the attacks on innocent Christians? I'm sure the Pope would have come forward if the shoe were on the other foot. I say don't let any muslims on our planes and into our counties and make our safety a priority and not their "rights".

Serge Borel, Geneva   January 5th, 2010 7:08 am ET

If by moderation you mean my last sentence pleas erase it (my personal point of view) The rest of my comment is based on facts. Thank you.

OMAH CHIMEZU   January 5th, 2010 7:23 am ET

President Obama, is not a God, rather just a human like every one of us,he has advisers on such matters, and the FBI and CIA are their to handle such things. on the attack, to blow off American airline,i seriously condemn such act. this is a matter that concerns the whole world, thank God for the lives of those on that air plane. however, i believe that the president and Government of Nigeria and it security agents are very weak when you talk about airport, sea port, and human security, they have don't nothing to address or increase the level of security in Nigeria. our airport in Nigeria, is nothing to write home about, how can we talk about security when corruption is their priority, even their is no constant power supply, even if they could provide those required machines needed on our airport. United State should handle this issue of terrorism with all her ability, because i believe that no were is safe for any person living on this up- planet earth any more unless terrorism is put to an end. this fight is not for America alone but for the whole world.

Prof Dave W. Dawson   January 5th, 2010 7:41 am ET

The President can he had a full schedule over Christmas whilst the LEFT were on their underhanded path of DESTRUCTION.
REBELS are REBELS & is it strange that all REBELS are LEFTIST.
If the RIGHT deem that the President & his Good Lady Wife Michele have WORKED WELL for the Nation because the LEFT is far too CONFRONTATIONAL to work, then the RIGHT should say to the Obama Family "Take a few more days off & here's that snow we promised you."
In the meantine, the LEFT should examine their TRACK RECORD AGAINST QUALITY CONTROL.
BLOCKING Quality Control is only done by LUNATICS.
Two lines of advice to the LUNATICS from BOSSES UNITED;
1) BLOCKING Quality Control is a CRIMINAL Act.
2) Examine FULLY what's BAD FOR BUSINESS.
Because Quality Control is NOT BAD FOR BUSINESS.
Is the President & Family not standing by the F.B.I. AGAINST ALL CORRUPT Communist & LEFT influences already.
As for acts of TERRORISM, America leads the World in PREPAREDNESS & the reason for PREPAREDNESS?
And if you rock the CHERISHED boat?
And the aim of DISLOYALTY digging it's own grave?
So DISLOYALTY can go & bury itself.

dottie   January 5th, 2010 9:33 am ET

this is my ;opinion what about ours most elite Double Agents that trust
this Jordan informant that they though and were convince that they had turn him around,and he were one of them so the speak.
and what it's came down ,he outwited and outsmarted them or just plain betrayed them, by blow them up with explosive Listen up CIA agents what make you all think that one can trust an informant?
do you know,what a informant does/? he give confidential or incriminating information
to law enforcement ,or ones about someone else.bottom line they're spies, stool pigeons ,moles, a sneak -mean a person untrustworthy ,a cunning and deceitful person..what l'm saying is, he didn't make an United States oath to become CIA agent,he was a foreign, he didn't give a dam about about Amercians,foreign spies can't be trusted, we found that out the hard way. didn't we.let's try making rules on pats down, and when the moles are entering ,the premises,or any groups,you may want to say when working with the enemies as spies, set up rules and abids by them . tell your fellows colleagues rules are rules , whether you are American or the mole therefore everyone will be safe. l hope l help. ,and i also hope we can avoid this kind of disastrous in the future.
stay safe and work smart.
p.s what happen to the man, that went in the New Jersey Airport, .
why not check the cargo,areas, the kennel areas. and the morgue department..he's hiding out somewhere, unless he's a ghost.
again think smart.

clarissa   January 5th, 2010 10:40 am ET

No, and for your guest to call the presidents remarks ignorant was appalling. And you did not challange her.Cnn is the new Fox. If he had come out earlier the right would have been complaining, what -ever her does they say the opposite!!!

Ted   January 5th, 2010 10:49 am ET

It is such a pleasure to read so many intelligent comments and so few stupid ones!!

The President is the head of state, his job is to lead and to delegate, but not to run around and fix small problems. Compared to the task he is facing the Detroit incidents is a tiny little speck. When he travels a full staff is going with him with full electronic instruments to communicate, hear and see, therefore he could do his job just as well in Hawaii. The Air Force One is just as good as the Oval Office.

Rose, Dodie, A. Smith,
just to name a few, you see correctly the problems we have, we became an imperialistic military power trying to subjugate the world to our interests. Either by corruption through the CIA, or removing elected governments by subversive means organized by the same CIA and the military, ( see Iran, Chile, Honduras), or through naked military attacks, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Granada, etc.

With the WWII we freed countries from the nazi terror, but at the same time we sold eastern Europe to the Sovjets that resulted in a communist terror for them. Then using the communist treath Senator McCarthy organized a witch hunt in our own country, destroying the lives of many famous americans. G. Bush did the same using the moslem terrorist treath, jailing americans without any charges.
We are not as free and great as we try to tell ourselves on a daily base!

There are 1.5 billion moslems on this Earth, are we going to bomb every country where we suspect the Al Quida has connections, or get read all those dumbheads in Washington and the Pentagon and give this problem to intelligent people who can think. We must find a way out of this problem withour blazing guns.

The Roman Empire started as a republic with strong morals and rights of citizens. Over the centuries the moral was gone, the republic became a bloody empire of corrupt emperors who did more for their own interests and very little for the country. (Bush-Cheney can be compared). At the end they were fighting on all borders against invading hordes and went down in flames. The empire was rotten from inside.

mardee   January 5th, 2010 10:53 am ET

Hawii is part of the 50 states.

T - Cherry Hill, NJ   January 5th, 2010 10:55 am ET

Larry, when you have guests on your show such as Andrea last night who supports unjustified war, the US should reinstate the draft and call her up for duty. Also; I've heard President Obama called many things by the republic party but as Andrea says he "sounds ignorant" beats them all. He may be and may sound like a lot of things but ignorant is not on the list.

Rose   January 5th, 2010 11:10 am ET

TO: Jane W I, you wrote:


Response: The bulk of Obama's trips were on official business. He went back to his home state for Christmas. How can you compare that to nearly 1,000 days off for GW Bush? Do the math. That averages close to 125 days off per year for Bush (or one-third of the year off) over 8 years. GW is a joke who left a terrible mess for President Obama to clean up. Part of this clean up includes official trips for Obama, who also needs to meet with foreign heads of state as the new President.

Rose   January 5th, 2010 11:27 am ET

Also, Bush's nearly 1,000 days of absence does NOT include official business trips, campaigning etc. If those days were also added, he would take cake as both "the absent and absent-minded president".

Rose   January 5th, 2010 12:21 pm ET

Ted: Brilliant. In a nutshell, the main problem is that many have no understanding of history. Both recent and old. Failed and cruel policies are not readily seen and masses are duped into believing in scare tactics and blanket statements such as "we've got to do what good for our country" – without any concept of corrupt short term gain for long term woe. Often what is suppposedly "good for us" involves killing thousands upon thousands of men, women and children in other lands. Then we wonder why they hate us. The "civilian" death toll in Iraq is in over 250,000. Imagine if a quarter of a million defenseless Americans were killed in a few short years.

Undoubtedly, our selfish and ruthless foreign policies and disregard for human life for decades created much of the terrorist activities. I don't agree with their response but understand the origin. Innocent people suffer in the end. Rather than taking responsiblity for US actions, it's whitewashed with "they don't like our way of life and want to destroy it "- instead of the truth which is: We've exploited, killed, imposed dictators and oppressed other nations and started wars based on lies. We are now seeing the response from the recipients of US actions and it's ugly.

Read the history. If we've got time to hold uninformed, ignorant views, we also got time to objectively read – especially past a lot of right wing rhetoric that continues to oppress the minds of many in the US.

Dodie   January 5th, 2010 1:03 pm ET

@ Ted

Thank you for your kind compliments and a wealth of felicitous information correlating back to WW II. Your statement regarding the process of the Roman Empire from being powerful to collapse with implications towards the US is exemplary.

That seems to be the one flaw in Democracy. With freedom comes responsibility. Unfortunately, in our innate nature, there will always be those who rise to power and take a corrupt course of action. That is not a problem until many follow that path resulting in a total collapse! Yes, we have stepped off that ledge and currently sliding down. As long as the corrupt maintain a divided America, the path will not change. The only possibility of change to occur is through an organized mass movement by all Americans. It seems the average person is too complacent, choosing to not look at the situation until it is too late. That, my friend, is also a product of human nature. Most unfortunate for everyone in the US.

@ Jane W I,

Bush was on vacation for 96 days the first year. George W. Bush was fondly labeled as:

((( the War President who was Missing in Action ))).

Bush was tied to Reagan for the most number of vacation days. They both should receive an award for being egregious!!!

Paula   January 5th, 2010 1:42 pm ET

For me the issue isn't when Obama came back though after all the flack Prez Bush received you would have thought he would have returned immediately. My comment is why now are everyone running around like chickens with their heads chopped off to put in more security measures. The issue is that Amsterdam did not follow the basic rules of security; you cannot pay with cash and to go to any country including America you need a passport. The same was true of the people working at Logan airport in Boston before 911; the terrorists all came in, bought a one way ticket, came at the last minute, paid with cash. The answer should have been and is now, no, you're not going anywhere. I don't care if you're a blue baptist, you're not going. We don't need more rules, we need people to follow the rules already in place and if not, there will be fines. For sure 2 incidents could have been averted. Why do none of your experts ever bring up this key factor?

IKHAN   January 5th, 2010 2:15 pm ET

Hi Larry.
We all have seen that this is a hard working President & deeply involved in the affairs of the state in earnest.
Perhaps from a purely PR point of view it would have served his image better to cut short his holiday as v Bush. But are we to see that or that he does right for his country. I think this debate gets us nowhere.
Fixing things in response to this incident is like bandaging a festering sore, its not the cure. We as a nation & our leaders have now really to get down to finding a cure if we want our kids & grand kids to grow up in a safe & peaceful world.
As long as humanity turns its face away from long festering wounds of unresolved issues & conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Palestine & now erupting violence in Pakistan, this menace of terrorism which kills all regardless of race & religion would continue to grow.
We must understand that daily exposure to death & destruction as seen on the media & experienced on the ground in these countries can unhinge tender minds of the very young who would not normally be prone to violence.
These unresolved conflicts give those maniacal criminals of AlQaeda & Talibans to recruit youngsters to their demonic cause of spreading hatred.
The world led by USA should unite in an effort to bring a lasting peace & harmony on this planet.
We must in the meantime support our administration in making us safer & strengthening homeland security by uniting behind this president.

Ted   January 5th, 2010 2:26 pm ET

Following statement is not from me, but from a famous person:

Democracy ist lost on uneducated and ignorant people, because they do not understand the situation and can be misled by unscrupulous and corrupt politicians to use them for their clime to power.

Sadly said, the educational level of most americans are the lowest of any industrial countries, even college educated persons know very little of this world. They may be good in their profession, however know very little of anything else. At parties they talk for hours about their new car, the latest episode of Dallas or who hit what in baseball, boring me to death. With europeans you talk about politics, education of the children, travelling in the world and the wars we are fighting and the consequences for all of us.

The idea of everyone having a high school education by lowering the standard until the stupidest child could pass ruined our country.
How could someone like G.W. Bush become the president and to add insult to injury, be reelected? Looking at the members of the congress one gets the feeling someone scraped the bottom of a barrell. Senator Byrd, at age 92 representing a state by sleeping? Other senators changing back and forth between parties to get elected? Are they representing the people of their states or their own little private needs??

Rose and Dodie, I like your comments, because you both know what you are talking about! We should have millions like you to change our country to the better.

A. Smith, Oregon   January 5th, 2010 3:36 pm ET

Last night, two security analysts on MSNBC stated in their interviews that the inability of the CIA to stop the Nigerian bomber from boarding his International Flight to Detroit appeared to be DELIBERATE!

They actually had the strength and courage to at least suggest what occurred was more than a inept negligence of performing their job given the copious amount of information available and stated it appeared to be a deliberate action which blocked that information from reaching the TSA and other agency's which would have immediately acted to block entry by the Nigerian bomber to any flight bound for America.

Several months ago, President Obama publicly praised the CIA for their efforts. I felt at that time it was a big mistake. President Obama should fire all CIA department managers involved in any fashion with what appears to be a deliberate blocking of the ample and copious information which directly indicated the Nigerian bomber was a real and creditable threat to American citizens and fellow travelers. And then deal with the images of President Obama first praising the CIA and then 4 months later realizing what they did and President Obama firing them.

Rose   January 5th, 2010 3:50 pm ET

Thanks Ted. Europeans favor a more secular state and the US is drowning in right wing Christian fundamentalism which directly affected American politics for the negative. Given the facts, Europeans thought Americans were insane to give GW Bush another term. This situation with the religious right, in part, is a great problem for the betterment of our country.

Everyone has a right to their religious beliefs. The gross distortion of this came in the form of the Republican party buckling under the religious right in the US for votes and support. Whenever religious beliefs, morality etc is mixed with politics to form policies – a disaster is usually brewing. Palin is the latest clown in that circus.

When an evangelical leader such as Pat Robertson make statements on his TV broadcasts that Muslims should be treated as members of the Communist Party or some facist group – results in racism and intolerance against many innocent individuals. it's also very un-Christian. The constant imposition of their religious beliefs are inserted into the highly complex Middle East conflicts such as supporting illegal Israeli settlements (under international law) as they believe that would hasten the return of Jesus. Israeli political analyst Yossi Alfer, amongst others, has criticised this view saying "It's not good for the Jews. We have to get God out of this conflict if we're going to have any chance to survive as a healthy, secure state".

Yet, the Christian right, via the Republicans recently, have pursued this dangerous course of action, an impediment to peace. Robertson has called for the assassination of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and in 1985 Robertson was involved in fund raising to purchase weapons for Contra rebels in Nicaragua. Days after the 9/11 attacks Jerry Falwell said on Robertson's show that the attacks were triggered by "pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays, lesbians, the ACLU". Robertson agreed with him. Falwell also refered to Muslims as "demonic and satanic". So much for respecting the faith of 1.5 billion people.

Robertson's enterprise, African Development Company, a diamond mining operation of which he is the sole stockholder, worked closely with Zaire's brutal dictator Mobutu. While Mobutu was embezzling $6 billion from his country, Robertson established a huge farming operation there. He is worth several hundreds of millions of dollars personally. Mobutu continued with gross human rights violations.

Robertson's diamond business also involved Liberian leader Charles Taylor – a man indicted for war crimes including much bloodshed. Robertson refers to him as a good Christian and a friend.

These are the types of people who represent the large voting body of right wing Republican supporters. They abuse the sincere and often simple approach of Christians with their toxic mixture of distorted religion and politics. Robertson's Christian Coalition met regularly with GW Bush during his term and endorsed him for president.

The connection is clear between Bush policies of demonizing Muslims and paving the way to a wrong war. Now we sit and wonder why the retaliations are occuring and how we are going to protect ourselves. We need to first protect ourselves from fellow Americans who support the abuse of democracy by injecting the misuse of Christian faith in politics.

Rose   January 5th, 2010 5:02 pm ET

Sabina wrote earlier:


Response: Her ignorant position has lead to a direct racist position against Muslims. Exactly what is causing problems. Here is a short list of a few Muslim leaders response to 9/11:

– The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) grouping 57 Muslim states condemend the attacks on the US. "We condemn these savage and criminal acts" – Secretary General Belkaziz.
– Muslim scholar Skeikh Al-Qaradawi encouraged Muslims to donate blood and money to the victims. he added that terrorism is a crime regardless of nationality or religious background of the victims.
– Libya condemned the terrorist acts and was ready to send aid to Americans.
– Egyptian President Mubarak condemned the attacks against the US.

The list includes Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Yemen. Indonesia (the world's most populous Muslim nation) President Sukarnoputri condemned the "brutal and indiscrimate" attacks against the US. The list goes on and on.

Sabina's comment of "don't let any Muslims on our planes and into our countries" is a continuation of the same ignorance where facts are replaced by prejudice against others. How is this going to help our national security? If Americans want to be rid of Muslim terrorists, a good start would be for America to stop interferring in Muslim countries and stop killing their people en mass.

Joe G. (Illinois)   January 5th, 2010 5:22 pm ET

Terror Attacks? So much for Obama being the best pal of all nations. What a quack that was. What’s gonna take for Obama to show is bluff and stop raising the ante? Those printing presses ain’t helping…

Rose   January 5th, 2010 5:24 pm ET

The Pope, as noted above, needs to come forward by allowing the use of condoms to prevent aids instead of making statements that condoms spread HIV. Millions of Africans are dying from this.

Dodie   January 5th, 2010 5:24 pm ET

@ Ted and Rose

You have no idea how refreshing it is to read your thoughts in your blogs. I am sure what I am about to say, will receive a lot of ‘flack and criticism’ back from other bloggers as in the past. So, I will preface this with: I love my country. I do not want to leave. I want to see the US maintain its magnificence.

The philosophy referring to “The old Boys Club” in Washington consisting of members from the CIA, Military, Senate and other powerful levels of government along with large dominant industry such as oil companies and defense contractors like Boeing, have seized control of this country. They are utilizing the taxpayer’s money (what is left of it) in order to topple other regimes that will not concede to this organization’s wants and desires. This is a “Industry/corporate takeover” not a government or Military take over even though our military is used and many people work in the government. The old boys club (organization) use propaganda such as ‘fear’ in order to coerce Americans in supporting their venue. The average American has no clue. The manipulation was done by analyzing American’s vulnerabilities.

1. Lack of education = decreased deductive reasoning
2. Religious indoctrination as strong believers in religion become ‘followers’ and lose their independent thought process.
3. Wannabes (egocentrism) – Those that are educated; however, accept this premise through their belief they will soon be in the wealthy 1%.

The ‘Old Boys Club’ was probably established in the 1920s; however, the sinister venture to control the world through large corporate industry most likely started with Richard Nixon. Reagan pushed this along and Bush is the icing on the cake!

As long as the people in this country remain divided, The Old Boys Club will maintain control and the path we are on will not change. There is no possibility of President Obama making this change unless every American would back him to the point of demonstrations. I am concerned President Obama will soon grow weary and succumb to the old boys club’s wishes. This is exactly what they want.

If my hypothesis is correct, one will be able to watch this country move from one target to another all under the guise (illusion) that they are a threat to the US; however, upon closer observation, you will notice each country has a resource the US wants. Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and soon to be Somalia all have huge oil potentials. Cheney screaming we are at ‘war’ and pushing President Obama to move in that direction only proves this hypothesis is more accurate than even I am willing to admit. The loss of life in the name of greed is completely disgusting.

A. Smith, Ted and Rose, you are all very accurate. We have created the terrorists due to our behaviors as a country. The illusion is vast and grave. Which brings me back to this quote:

None are more hopelessly enslaved..

Than those who falsely believe that they are free

My question is: how free are we?

I hope this is coherent. I have the flu and my cognitive process is OTL right now! :~)

A. Smith, Oregon   January 5th, 2010 5:40 pm ET

If a man saw, treated and declared that all women are worth at most only 1/3 that of a man, I would state that man is weak, gutless and a coward.

When a group hiding in a religion states the Creator commands that, and teaches that utter trash to their men, how do you find that commendable @ Rose?

That is utterly unacceptable in all civilized nations and no western nation would agree to such sexist and demeaning commandments.

Although I agree that the toxic rhetoric spewed out in Christian Churches which extol their faithful to murder abortion doctors and bomb abortion clinics is very wrong, there are very few Christian Churches that do that.

On the other hand you have firebrand Muslim Clerics in the millions that teach hatred and violence upon those that are non-Muslims and chose to never become Muslims. It is not uncommon in Muslim Mosques around the world to find Muslim Cleric's that spew out toxic rhetoric to their Muslim faithful, some of whom like the original Muslim trade center bombers, walk over and carry out those duty's.

Dodie   January 5th, 2010 6:24 pm ET

@ Rose
That was the entire Cheney/Bush Administration strategy devised by Cheney, Rove and Rumsfeld! They surveyed the US and looked for a group of people that were neither involved nor voting. They came across the bible belt (and struck gold.) Large population that are bread followers due to their religious indoctrination and what I nicknamed ( sheepal ) All the Cheney/bush Administration needed to do is dishonor Clinton through lack of morals hence, Monica Lewinsky, and make Bush appear to be a morale Christian and the Bible belt went for it!!! I believe this was all strategized in order to finally bring about a full power seizure of the US by this Administration. It was the perfect strategy! Bush was an oil man with oil ties all over the world. He was the son of a president. They used the Christians in order for Bush to win the presidency, well they did have a little help from his brother in Florida as it was not looking good for Bush even though they made an almost bullet proof plan. The Cheney/bush Administration “woke up” a huge uninvolved population in the US and now we are stuck with a group of people that hold a huge voting power and easily manipulated on the promise of blending religion and state. Bottom line, we are screwed!

Rose   January 5th, 2010 6:35 pm ET

Dodie, you make more sense with the flu than many in the best of health! So called "flack and criticism" does not deter from a strong agrument. That's the main problem. Agruments for certain positions must be based on facts, not conjecture. Opposing views are okay but they cannot stem from ignorance. No margin for that.

Unfortunately, conjecture is often presented in the media is as fact. As few bother to read or check sources or context – it's easy to spread untruths. Fox News is a great example of this. Many hold firm beliefs based on prejudice, distortions, half-truths, and malicious propaganda. They respond via what they feel in their stomach instead of their brain. They "feel" it's true. It's a lot easier to get the "latest update" with a 2 minute sound bite instead of taking the time to read or research. It's the lazy person's way of information.

Remember when the Reagan Administration organized the "disinformation" campaign against Libya. The US government had planted false stories in the media about Libyan leader Gaddafi and his supposed new plans for terrorist action against the US and the US preparations to retaliate. There was no such Libyan plans. Then Secretary of State Schultz misused Churchill's WWII remark about using a "body of lies". The US then went ahead and bombed Libya.

Later Reagan was forced to admit that it was a "disinformation campaign". There were regular American media updates that Libyan terrorists were approaching the US. Our citizens frightened. None of it was true. A country was bombed by us under this false pretext to fulfill Reagan's agenda.

How the US handles today's threats requires an informed public. The US is a great nation, filled with people who made true sacrifices for the betterment of all. Let us not disrespect their sacrifices by destroying our democracy with ignorance and misplaced abuse of religion in politics. We don't need any terrorists to do that for us, we've done it to ourselves by curtailing the rights of others and supporting unjust wars and aggression and continuing to put faith in big lies rather than questioning those we elected and represent us.

Palin's recent popularity confirms that this is not about to happen and further retrogression is around the corner. That is a strong comment on the level of deterioration of both mind and soul.

Rose   January 5th, 2010 7:11 pm ET

To A. Smith: I am not here to support Muslim doctrines (or any religious doctrines, I am a humanist). I only wanted to state that we cannot make statements against 1.5 billion people. I can get into a statistics war here by stating that the level of education for women in a number of Muslim nations is higher than in the US. Muslim nations have had more female leaders than we have. What is the point. You have not considered the role of culture instead of religion when considering the status of Muslim women.

How many Muslim nations have you been to? I have travelled to seven in three continents due to a thesis I was working on. How many divergent Muslims have you spoken to? Are you aware that social class makes a huge differentiation in the status of women? I met women who had ten times my education and were running successsful businesses and taught at universities. They are cultured and well spoken. I've also met poor women who struggled to support their families – just like many of us here.

Before you continue with your statement, be mindful of this:

– There are no women's rights without human rights
– There are no human rights without legal rights
– There are no legal rights without a just society
– There is no just society with corrupt leadership
– Corrupt leadership bans opposition
– When opposition is banned, overtime people fall back to extreme interpretations of religion as they have no other outlet.
– This is used to justify their cause and oppression especially if they see an ongoing war against their community by foreigners.
– This results in hateful speech as expected

Ill treatment of women tends to occur in various parts of the world, within various religious groups, not only one. Don't forget that it was our utterly civilized government that spewed hatred and lies against an innocent nation (Iraq) and bombed it to death. Civilians continue to die in Afghanistan. One quarter of a million dead Iraqis. Yes, we certainly are a civilized nation.

Dodie   January 5th, 2010 7:12 pm ET

@ Rose and A. Smith

Thank you Rose for your kind compliment!

Media of every country will have a slant. There is no way around it because that media has backers and only want specific information to be delivered. News reporters must have the topic of their news reviewed prior to being aired. All countries do this or there would be a revolution every week. We are no different. Yes, our media has a tendency to use conjecture and make it appear as fact; thus, making it difficult to find the truth. It is the main reason I watch Central China TV (CCTV) and you will often see me refer to it, as it is a source outside the US.

What I am about to say is just my opinion, I have absolutely no fact to back it up except I have read the Quran many years ago which was presented by a close Muslim friend. Whether the Quran has numerous revisions like the Bible is unknown to me. It was translated into English, so changes could have occurred. Nowhere in the Quran I read does it state, it is acceptable to kill others in the name of Allah other than self defense. So where in the Quran are the radical Islamic obtaining this information? Sayyid Qutb, an Egyptian man wrote what possibly could be the foundation for Al Qaeda and other radical Islamic movements. What I am trying to say here is, there could be a possibility that the radical Islamic movement is not from the teachings of the Quran, but from Sayyid Qutb. I hypothesize that many radical Islamic individuals are unable to read. So the teachings of Sayyid Qutb could have been substituted for the Quran. There is a definite division among Muslims and I suspect the aforementioned could be one of the causes!

A. Smith, Oregon   January 5th, 2010 7:38 pm ET

Here are just a few verses from the Koran.





with them. Their ultimate abode is hell, a hapless journey's end. –

of each other. Those of you who make them his friends is one of them. God does not guide an unjust people. – 5:54

obligations to idol-worshipers. Proclaim a woeful punishment to the
unbelievers. – 9:2-3




"The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and his messenger and strive after corruption in the land will be to be killed or crucified, or to have their hands and feet chopped off on opposite sides, or to be expelled out of the land. Such will be their humiliation in the world, and in the next world they will face an awful horror." (Koran, 5:33-34)



Roberta Gallant   January 5th, 2010 7:40 pm ET

President Barack Obama can do nothing to stop terror attacks
from occurring because crazy people will always attack America
and all of the other countries. The world is not perfect!

A. Smith, Oregon   January 5th, 2010 7:52 pm ET

The True Face of Islam and Quotes from the Koran, by J. Best

The Muslims, based on the Koran and its teachings, really believe that the West, (meaning the USA, Israel, and Europe) are areas that require conquering to be included into the family of Islam. Think that this is a joke? Ask your neighborhood Muslim what is the difference between "dar el islam" (the territories of Islam) and "dar el hareb" (the territories of war). This is the manner in which Islam lumps the world!

In addition, while the West may view themselves as "modern, cultured, advanced...", Islam views the West as permissive, perverted, and debased. There is no place in Islam for Western style entertainment, which is considered lewd. Women are totally second class citizens and must be obedient to their men folk. Killing a promiscuous sister is considered an acceptable method of regaining the family honor and not punished as a crime in a Islamic court!

While the West values truth and keeping agreements, Islam has no qualms about lying or breaking these agreements if they lead to coming closer to achieving a Islamazation of the West.

There is no such thing as a moderate Muslim. There are those that do not pay attention to their religion, but they are looked down upon by the overwhelming majority of "believers". In reality these Muslims who do not believe in the teachings of the Koran (and this includes the participation in or support of a Jihad), may themselves be killed as a "infidel". An infidel, according to the Koran, is not someone who does not believe in God, – an infidel is some one who does not adhere strictly to the teachings of Islam. That means that Jews and Christians are perfectly legitimate targets for Islam warriors!

O believers, take not Christians and Jews as friends,they are friends of each other.Who so makes them his friends is one of them. God guides not the people of he evil doers. Yet thou sees those in whose hearts is sickness vying with one another to come to them, saying 'We fear lest a turn of fortune should smite us.' But it may be that God will bring the victory, or some commandment from Him, and then they will find themselves for that they kept secret within them, remorseful, and the believers will say, "What, are these the ones who swore by God most earnest oaths that they were with you? Their works have failed; now they are losers.'
translated from the Koran by Arthur Arberry, pg. 108-109, chapt. "the table"

How did Islam become so "great and glorious"? Islam is a religion that believes in conquering, torturing, ravishing, plundering, pillaging all infidels unless they accept upon themselves the allegiance of Islam. A conquered territory (or country) may be carnaged and looted. Ransom is not just condoned by the Koran; it is specifically stated that this is the methodology to use in warfare.

Islam was spread by the sword – either become a Muslim or be killed. No better convincing argument than that! If you convert to the Muslim religion and then leave Islam and convert to another religion, the Koran states it is the duty and obligation of the Muslim faithful to kill you!

Rose   January 5th, 2010 7:57 pm ET

Dodie: Thanks for your comments. According to the Qur'an, killing a person unjustly is the same as killing all of humanity, and saving a person is the same as saving all humanity. Yet other versus quoted can mean the opposite. This is due to the historical context in which religious texts are read. Circumstances dictate meaning. Taking them out of context is what is occuring.

Sayyid Qutb opposed Nasser in Egypt in the 1950s and was imprisoned. He witnessed the torture and murder of his fellow Muslims there. He opposed Arab nationalism. He did substantial advocacy work for social justice and education. Qutb wanted the vestiges of British imperialism gone. He was ultimately hanged. His writings are a reflection of the time under decades of western imperialism and the application of Islam toward creating a better society. Again interpretation is the key word and its application.

I wouldn't say that many radicals are unable to read. They are usually educated. The overwhelming bulk of Muslims do not support terrorism, that is clear. The few who do, get air time and cause problems for everyone else.

We have seen the Bible used in the past to justify African slavery. All sorts of horrific actions have occured in the name of religion throughout the world.

Bible: Luke 19:27 Jesus says:

Imagine that verse in the wrong hands, applied out of context.

Dodie   January 5th, 2010 8:06 pm ET

@ A. Smith, Oregon

There is no question that most in the Muslim world despise our lifestyle and belief systems. As far as the quotes from the Quran, I will need to purchase one this week and take time to re-read it. I do not remember some of those quotes. I wonder if there are different versions of the Quran or if they removed it with the English translation. I am still reading the Last Pope and enjoying it! Thank you for creating a pathway to that book.

Dodie   January 5th, 2010 8:12 pm ET

@ Rose

Sayyid Qutb, I believe was also educated in the US and saw first hand racisism at its worst! Yes, Nasser killed him.

You are very versed in this area. Not too many people know of Qutb. What was the topic of your thesis? You are very dedicated to travel all the countries for a thesis. I always remember the professors saying... just get it done. If you want a masterpiece, do it after you graduate! :~)

Rose   January 5th, 2010 8:19 pm ET

To A. Smith: I could stay up all night quoting similar passages from the Bible. What would that serve? And what does that have to do with the average Muslim person living throughout the world? Do you think that when British and American imperialists ravaged great parts of the Muslim world for profit for centuries that Muslims turned around and blamed it on the Bible? Did they start quoting all the verses in the Old and New Testaments about war, women, killing?

When Christian missionaries took a foothold in Africa and Asia and treated the indigenous people as uncivilized and "natives" and tried to sway people away from their beliefs (whether polytheistic or monotheistic) – were their actions blamed on a book?

I could easily increase your above noted, wasted quotes ten-fold with negative passages from the Bible – but I would then reduce myself to your level – something I have no intention of doing. I won't bother to start on what the Church has done over the centuries as that is not a fair reflection upon sincere Christians today. Should I state accurately that people were burnt alive in the past for reading the Bible in English instead of Latin. What would that serve? Get my point?

A. Smith, Oregon   January 5th, 2010 8:33 pm ET

@ Rose, I don't see any historical use where Christians specifically referred to or used Luke 19:27 to give allowance for murder. However, the Christian bible verse Exodus 22:18 has historically and currently been used to justify murder or women and men suspected of witchcraft or sorcery in America, Canada and daily in Africa.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"You shall not allow a sorceress to live.

King James Bible
Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

American King James Version
You shall not suffer a witch to live.

American Standard Version
Thou shalt not suffer a sorceress to live.

Douay-Rheims Bible
Wizards thou shalt not suffer to live.

Darby Bible Translation
thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

English Revised Version
Thou shalt not suffer a sorceress to live.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

World English Bible
"You shall not allow a sorceress to live.

Young's Literal Translation
'A witch thou dost not keep alive.

In the Muslim belief and Islamic Justice, killing a infidel is justified, killing a ex-Muslim that converts to another faith is justified. Physically beating a wife is justified. Treating women far less than equal is justified. Not fully educating women is justified.

In a recent poll in England, Muslim women were physically thrown out of 50% of the Mosques and forbidden to even enter them!

Rose   January 5th, 2010 8:39 pm ET

Dodie: I've studied political science, history, comparative religion. I have a strong interest in women's studies. I went to Asia, the Middle East including the West Bank. The Gulf region, north Africa and Europe. I was most affected by my stay in Burma (now Myanmar) a beautiful Buddhist country destroyed by a military dictatorship. I try not to comment on areas I know little of. I wish others would do the same. I read different sources.

What is clear is that we cannot comment on situations without a good understanding of the political, economic, religious, social and historical background as that will result in severe distortions. With few exceptions, many comments by others are highly ethno-centric and can't see past a westernized viewpoint. We cannot measure others by our own yardstick, as their situation is a result of their history and development – as is ours.

Rose   January 5th, 2010 8:53 pm ET

A. Smith: Am I to understand that murder, wife beating, uneducated women etc does not exist in the US? Oh, of course this does not occur under the guise of religion, it only exists socially. Well that's different (not).

Segregation of black Americans continued as late as the 1960s. Both men and women were barred. Blacks were physically thrown out of many establishments. They were forbidden to enter them.

We are at a stage in our development where we have gone through the civil rights movement, women's emancipation, equal rights, minority rights, rights for the disabled, right to representation etc. Many other societies have not experienced this. I don't understand why you keep harping on this pointlessness.

A. Smith, Oregon   January 5th, 2010 9:10 pm ET

@ Rose, as corrupt and unbalanced as US Justice is, it does not totally pardon Murder of non-muslims, assaulting a wife, and sexism which is taught and followed in the Muslim religion and dished out in Islamic courts.

Yes Rose, Christian based legal rulings prevented women in the US from voting until the 1920's, and kept Native and Black Americans from even the most basic of educations.

And this is your argument for Muslim women forbidden to enter 50% of the mosques in England? Politics can adjust and change, the Muslim religion doesn't appear it will do so.

I attended Western University's and students from Iran, India, Pakistan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Taiwan, and China were among my friends and classmates. The Muslim women without exception threw their burkas into the closet and dressed in blue jeans with a California tank top, vowing to never return.

Rose   January 5th, 2010 9:38 pm ET

A. Smith: At the time that Islam was founded, women were indeed allowed to go into mosques according to historical accounts. Culture not religion is preventing their access. All of the Muslim women I met in the US and abroad did not wear burkas (the acceptions were in rural areas). In fact, they are more fashionable than many women in the US. Iran is an exception of course. Saudi women take their burkas off on the plane when they depart, not when they arrived abroad. Is there a slight hyperbole being expressed here?

Politics cannot change and adjust without basic democracy. Many of these countries are not democratic and under dictatorships. Many of these dictators were installed and supported by the US. An exception is Iran where the US installed the Shah and his brutal secret police. After his overthrow – look at the mess we have there now. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia are client states of the US.

In Pakistan, a women from a rich family has far more power and authority than a poor man. It's socio-economic more than religion. This hierarchy is broken down further amongst various social classes and whether they are urban or rural. That determines women's status to a great extent.

This subject is getting boring. Good night all.

IKHAN   January 5th, 2010 10:15 pm ET

Your saner voices are a welcome sign in these troubled time. We need more like you guys.
Let me say just this. Vilifying a particular religion or religious personalities that billions revere would get us nowhere indeed its counter productive. Millions in Muslim countries are fed up with these maniacs.Just yesterday a hundred innocent people were killed in Pakistan, thy ere Muslims doing what-playing vollyball! Thats not religion its pure & simple criminal.
Muslims & their scholars have time & again condemned these acts of violence declaring them unIslamic. Suicide & murder both are forbidden & considered cardinal sins.
However when we vilify the religion itself or the Prophet we give more ammunition to these maniacs to recruit & corrupt tender minds. We all must condemn & fight these criminals ,not the religion.

Bobby   January 5th, 2010 10:36 pm ET

I say, Mr. Obama keep up the good work.

IKHAN   January 5th, 2010 11:57 pm ET


though we are digressing from what Larry asked, but I must say this.
Women are not forbidden to enter mosques anywhere in Islam.They are just not allowed to lead prayers or become priests. Isn't that so in Christianity & Judaism too?? Perhaps now in some churches women are allowed to become priests?

Rose is right in saying that most disagreeable practices we see in Muslims are culture oriented or stem from ignorance of true religious teachings.

I say too. Mr.Obama keep up the good work. Get Washington disentangled from the ever tightening noose of the lobbies, special interest groups, big industries & those always beating war drums & self serving interests of our lawmakers. We still await the winds of change you promised in your campaign, though.

Dodie   January 6th, 2010 12:52 am ET

@ Rose

You certainly have a wealth of information pertaining to political science, history and comparative religion. Those are areas I never studied. However, like you, I have traveled all over, including Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Syria and was stationed in Greece at the time Libya was bombed by the US with the lie that we were going to be attacked. Our base was always on alert since it was so close to Libya.

Your statement:

There is little difference pertaining to acquired education or world experience one may have in reference to distortions. The reason being each one of us has a basic cognitive structure of perceived ideals and/or perceptions relating to our organization of the world. With that in mind, we can never truly break free of ‘our’ distortions or illusions.

Dodie   January 6th, 2010 1:54 am ET


I find this a very intriguing name. Does it stand for Purpose and Meaning or should I write it as “I Khan”?

IKHAN   January 6th, 2010 12:44 pm ET


nothing intriguing about it. Sorry to disappoint you. Let's just say it stands for a concerned citizen.

Bye all. May you all have a happy & prosperous new year in good health.

Rose   January 6th, 2010 3:34 pm ET

Thanks Dodie and Ikhan for your comments. We do need to stop vilifying an entire, substantial group of people by painting them all with one brush. That serves no purpose and creates hatred. I'm sure that many sincere and decent Christians do not want to be measured by the preachings and standards of certain right wing fundamental pastors who have strong voices in the US (as noted in my earlier postings above).

Likewise, many Catholics who strive to lead moral lives may not necessarily want to be measured by each statement made by the Pope but can still retain respect for the Church. The average Hindu may not support the concept of "sati" where a widow must jump into her husband's funeral pyre and burn to death.

Since 9/11 the vilification of Muslims in the US has reached almost a frenzied peak. How can 1.5 billion people be neatly clumped into one description? This portrayal is made worse by right wing media and pastors. The height of stupidity occured during the election when rumors began that Obama was a Muslim or an Arab. That was a stunt to take votes away from him. The number of people who believed this was also unbelievable.

The dehumanization of people is often the first step before we wage war and start killing them. It's an effective policy swallowed by certain Americans.

What is most ironic is that there would not have been a Renaissance in Europe if Europeans had not obtained translations of Muslim scholarly work on the sciences etc (from Arabic to Latin). The "sudden" burst of development in physics, medicine, astronomy etc all originated from Muslim intellectual efforts obtained in Spain. Even Leonardo Da Vinci referred to these texts. The Muslims based their centuries of research on empirical observation found in the Qur'an.

If the media was able to travel back to that time, our coverage would show a very backward Europe in the Dark Ages debating on whether or not women had souls, living in fear of the Church. The same coverage would show the Muslim world at the height of scientific genius, development and civilization initiated by Islam itself – unmatched in prior history for centuries.

The same religious books existed in both religions, then and now, But perceptions changed due to power shifts, exploitation, imperial oppression and erosion over time. It's tragic to know how easy it is to dupe the uninformed and unread out there into making hateful charges against any group.

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