From a U.S. Marine Corps Harrier pilot (aired on WKOA Denver, 28 SEP)
A Military Man's Perspective

The tragedy that befell all of us on September 11th shocked America.  America no longer feels safe. Many of you have said, "The government should have known! 30 Billion Dollars is spent on intelligence! What about the Military!?"

Just a reminder, America, you voted our government into office. For years you allowed some dishonest politicians and twisted television media personalities to shape your ideas about the defense of our nation. Why? Because most Americans were too lazy to look beyond the three minute sound-bites on the evening news. Here's a news flash not being broadcast much: "On September 11th, America had the exact level of protection, both military and intelligence, that it was willing to pay for".

Only yesterday the Congress and the Senate approved 40 BILLION dollars as a "Down Payment" to fight this War. A short time ago, our politicians said a 100 Million dollar increase for the Navy budget was substantial. In that same bill they ordered the Navy to conduct an 85 Million Dollar Study on.......they wanted Breast Cancer research. Yes, America, your elected officials decided that the US Navy needed more mammograms and less missiles. Was this an under the table sneaky move? No, it was right out in the open. The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy both opposed it. A New York Senatorial Candidate (Yes, she's the
one) was enraged that the Military would be so sexist and irresponsible to the needs of civilians and wanted the Navy to give the money back immediately! But the media paid it little mind. So, America paid little attention.  Did any one ever watch CSPAN? Particularly when the Heads of our Armed Services essentially begged OUR representatives to give the Military more money to fight terrorism and maintain a strong defense? Did you see the debates by the Heads of the Intelligence Services that terrorism was the new threat? They told the committees of Congress that the CIA, the FBI, and the Service did not have the money to build the necessary intelligence networks in the areas where terrorists were being harbored. They warned again and again that there was clear and present danger within America's borders.  Americans must have been watching one of their other 114 satellite channels.

The Military said: "We need more money to maintain military readiness and Combat Training." America Answered : "What the Military needs is Sensitivity Training! You're all sexist homophobes! I saw it on 60 Minutes!"

The Military said: "We need money to build ships, planes, tanks, and improve our technology. America still has credible threats throughout the world. Terrorism will come to America's doorstep." America Answered: "You're all part of a vast right-wing conspiracy. There is no more Soviet Threat!  My Senator told me so! He/She says we do not need such a big military! You're dinosaurs trying to hold onto the Cold War! We need Social Programs!"

The Military said: "We need to recruit more Americans into the military. We need to increase our force." America Answered: "You're not taking my kids! We're going to shut down the ROTC programs at our high schools and universities, because you discriminate against alternative lifestyles! ROTC teaches CHILDREN (under 21) how to shoot guns! You just want another Columbine!   Rosie and Oprah say so!"

The Military said: "We can't keep interfering in the civil wars of  small insignificant countries. It wastes our time, expends our resources, decreases training, and demoralizes our troops. The men and women of the United States are Warriors trying to defend OUR nation, we are not the third world's police force." America Answered: "You heartless bastards! Can't you see the tear in the eye of that starving child!?! There are flies on her face for Christ's Sake! Get Moving! Jesse Jackson on CNN said that is what we pay you for!"

The Military Asked: "Why isn't America enraged over the terrorist attack on the USS COLE that killed seventeen AMERICAN Sailors? How about the Air Force barracks bombed in Saudi Arabia? The embassy staffs in Africa? The Soldiers mutilated and dragged through the streets in Somalia?" America  Answered: "We don't have time right now! We're busy defending Animal Rights! Our schools are handing out automatic weapons! The federal government is discriminating against cross-dressing Bolivian hermaphrodites! The police are all members of the Ku Klux Klan! The lack of Ozone is ruining my tan!  If they cut deeper into Food Stamps those poor women will have to move down to Size 18/20 dresses! AND THE WORST! Corporations are raising the prices of  their products so high I might not be able to afford the multi-disc DVD Player for my 36'" digital-ready TV! Besides, YOU GUYS ARE PAID TO DIE!

So, America, while you sit on your couch or around your office coffee pots and ask, "Why did those terrorists kill innocent civilians?  Why didn't they go after the Military?" remember this, America: They already had, but America didn't care. These Terrorists realized that they needed to kill American Civilians, and lots of them, before they could have their desired reaction from the people of this country.  Well, now they have it.

Excellent editorial, but one important factor was left out — Namely, Clinton instructing the CIA to concentrate on eliminating foreign piracy of music and movies. Essentially, he shifted a significant portion of the CIA's resources from protecting the nation against espionoge and terrorism to protecting the financial interest of major Democratic campaign contributors — Namely, the entertainment industry.

And yes, since we elected him, we did indeed get what we deserved.

For the record, I am not the "we"