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The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) maintains a consolidated watch list of known or appropriately suspected terrorists and sends records from the list to agencies to support terrorism-related screening.

To accomplish the objectives, the US Congress reviewed documentation obtained from and interviewed officials at TSC, the FBI, the National Counterterrorism Center, the Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies that perform terrorism-related screening.

The FBI and the intelligence community use standards of reasonableness to evaluate individuals for nomination to the consolidated terrorist watch list. In general, individuals who are reasonably suspected of having possible links to terrorism — in addition to individuals with known links — are to be nominated.

As such, being on the list does not automatically prohibit, for example, the issuance of a visa or entry into the United States. Rather, when an individual on the list is encountered, agency officials are to assess the threat the person poses to determine what action to take, if any. As of May 2007, the consolidated watch list contained approximately 755,000 records. From December 2003 through May 2007, screening and law enforcement agencies encountered individuals who were positively matched to watch list records approximately 53,000 times.

Many individuals were matched multiple times. The outcomes of these encounters reflect an array of actions, such as arrests; denials of entry into the United States; and, most often, questioning and release.

Within the federal community, there is general agreement that the watch list has helped to combat terrorism by providing screening and law enforcement agencies with information to help them respond appropriately during encounters, as well as helping law enforcement and intelligence agencies track individuals on the watch list and collect information about them for use in conducting investigations and in assessing threats.

Regarding potential vulnerabilities, TSC sends records daily from the watch list to screening agencies. However, some records are not sent, partly because screening against them may not be needed to support the respective agency’s mission or may not be possible due to the requirements of computer programs used to check individuals against watch list records.

Also, some subjects of watch list records have passed undetected through agency screening processes and were not identified, for example, until after they had boarded and flew on an aircraft or were processed at a port of entry and admitted into the United States.

TSC and other federal agencies have ongoing initiatives to help reduce these potential vulnerabilities, including efforts to improve computerized name-matching programs and the quality of watch list data. Although the federal government has made progress in promoting effective terrorism-related screening, additional screening opportunities remain untapped –within the federal sector, as well as within critical infrastructure components of the private sector.

This situation exists partly because the government lacks an up-to-date strategy and implementation plan for optimizing use of the terrorist watch list. Also lacking are clear lines of authority and responsibility.

An up-to-date strategy and implementation plan, supported by a clearly defined leadership or governance structure, would provide a platform to establish governmentwide screening priorities, assess progress toward policy goals and intended outcomes, consider factors related to privacy and civil liberties, ensure that any needed changes are implemented, and respond to issues that hinder effectiveness.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.

He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

A Chinese national who lives in Connecticut has been indicted by a San Diego federal grand jury for conspiring to purchase and export military-grade accelerometers used in “smart bombs” and missiles from the United States to the People’s Republic of China.

Qing Li, 36, of Stamford, Conn., is charged with attempting to buy and export piezoresistive accelerometers for what her co-conspirator described as a “special” scientific agency in China. The charges are the result of a seven-month undercover investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). ICE and DCIS agents arrested Li at New York’s JFK International Airport Oct. 14 as she was checking in to board a flight to China

The piezoresistive accelerometer measures massive shocks and has many military applications, including use in “smart” bombs and missile development. The accelerometer is designated as a defense article on the United States Munitions List and cannot be exported from the United States without the written permission of the United States Department of State. The United States maintains an arms embargo against China, and the State Department’s policy is to deny permission for the export of defense articles to China.

“The controlled military sensors that were the focus of this technology procurement plot are extremely sensitive devices used in the development of missiles and artillery and the calibration of large-scale nuclear and chemical explosions,” said Kenneth L. Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “I applaud the agents who infiltrated this foreign procurement network and prevented these items from being illegally exported to China.”

“Accelerometers are a designated defense article frequently used in missiles, ‘smart bombs’ and other major weapons systems and in the wrong hands, could prove catastrophic,” said Julie L. Myers, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE. “These devices are simply not for export to China or anywhere else without explicit permission from the U.S. Government. Stopping the illicit export of weapons technology is paramount to the national security of our country and the public safety of all.”

“This investigation and prosecution demonstrate the firm commitment we in federal law enforcement have to prevent the illegal exportation of items on the United States Munitions List,” said United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt. “This plot was foiled and the defendant was apprehended because of the tireless efforts and hard work of agents from ICE and DCIS.”

According to court papers, from April 2007 to October 2007, Li and her co-conspirator used e-mail messages and telephone calls to negotiate the illegal export transaction with an undercover ICE agent in San Diego, who repeatedly stressed the illegality of the transaction. Li and her co-conspirator urged the undercover agent to deliver the accelerometers directly to China, advising the undercover agent that if the accelerometers tested properly, large orders would follow. According to court papers, during a three-way telephone call, when the undercover agent advised Li and her co-conspirator that the accelerometers are used to measure massive explosions, and even nuclear explosions, Li’s co-conspirator stated that “our client knows exactly what this thing is used for.”

“This investigation signifies the aggressive pursuit by the DCIS, in cooperation with our other federal law enforcement partners, to identify and pursue prosecution of those who illegally export or steal our sensitive military technology,” said Rick W. Gwin, Special Agent in Charge for the DCIS Western Field Office.

Li, a legal permanent resident of the United States, is currently in federal custody in New York. She is scheduled to appear Oct. 22 before United States Magistrate Judge Steven Gold in the Eastern District of New York to determine whether she will be returned to San Diego to answer to the indictment. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.

He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

In January 2007, President George W. Bush stated that the high levels of violence in Iraq had overwhelmed the political gains that the Iraqis had made and required a new US strategy for stabilizing the country.

The new strategy recognized that until the Iraqi people have a basic measure of security, they would not be able to make significant and sustainable political and economic progress.

To help Iraqi leaders provide security for their population, the United States deployed about 30,000 additional troops to Iraq during the spring of 2007, bringing the total number of U.S. military personnel up to about 160,000 as of mid-June 2007.

Enemy-initiated attacks data are a key indicator of progress in improving Iraq’s security situation, an important condition that, according to the administration, must be met before the United States can reduce its military presence in Iraq.

While attacks data alone may not provide a complete picture of Iraq’s security situation, the Department of Defense and Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I) officials state that the data provide a reasonably sound depiction of general security trends in the country.

Since 2004, the Government Accountability Office has periodically provided this information to Congress in classified and unclassified briefings, reports, and testimonies. In response to GAO’s requests, various DOD components — most recently the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) — have assisted GAO in publicly reporting trends in the security situation by declassifying the attacks data on a monthly basis.

In the GAO report on the status of the achievement of Iraqi benchmarks, analysts provided attacks data through July 31, 2007 The DOD report provides data through August 31, 2007.

Overall security conditions in Iraq have deteriorated and grown more complex, since May 2003, as evidenced by the increased numbers of attacks and the Sunni-Shi’a sectarian strife that followed the February 2006 bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra. Enemy-initiated attacks against the coalition and its Iraqi partners increased through October 2006 and have remained at high levels since that time.

These attacks have increased around major religious and political events, including Ramadan and elections. Coalition forces are still the primary target of attacks, but the number of attacks on Iraqi security forces and civilians also has increased since 2003.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.

He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

by Jim Kouri, CPP

(The following article is based on a report received by the National Association of Chiefs of Police Public Information Office.)

In general, a fusion center is a collaborative effort to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity. Recognizing that fusion centers are a mechanism for information sharing, the federal government — including the Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment (PM-ISE), who has primary responsibility for governmentwide information sharing, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) — is taking steps to partner with fusion centers.

Most states and many local governments have established fusion centers to address gaps in information sharing. Fusion centers across the country vary in their stages of development — from operational to early in the planning stages.

Officials in 43 of the centers Government Accountability Office analysts contacted described their centers as operational, and 34 of these centers had opened since January 2004. Law enforcement entities, such as state police or state bureaus of investigation, are the lead or managing agencies in the majority of the operational centers GAO contacted.

However, the centers varied in their staff sizes and partnerships with other agencies. At least 34 of the 43 operational fusion centers contacted reported that they had federal personnel assigned to their centers. Products disseminated and services provided vary.

DHS and DOJ have several efforts under way that begin to address some of the challenges fusion center officials identified. DHS and DOJ have provided many fusion centers access to their information systems, but fusion center officials cited challenges accessing and managing multiple information systems.

Both DHS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have provided security clearances for state and local personnel and set timeliness goals. However, officials cited challenges obtaining and using security clearances. Officials in 43 of the 58 fusion centers contacted reported facing challenges related to obtaining personnel, and officials in 54 fusion centers reported challenges with funding, some of which affected these centers’ sustainability.

They said that these issues made it difficult to plan for the future, and created concerns about the fusion centers’ ability to sustain their capability for the long term.

To support fusion centers, both DHS and FBI have assigned personnel to the centers. To help address funding issues, DHS has made several changes to address restrictions on the use of federal grant funds. These individual agency efforts help address some of the challenges with personnel and funding.

However, the federal government has not clearly articulated the long-term role it expects to play in sustaining fusion centers. It is critical for center management to know whether to expect continued federal resources, such as personnel and grant funding, since the federal government, through an information sharing environment, expects to rely on a nationwide network of centers to facilitate information sharing with state and local governments.

The DHS, DOJ, and the PM-ISE have taken steps to develop guidance and provide technical assistance to fusion centers, for instance by issuing guidelines for establishing and operating centers.

However, officials at 31 of the 58 centers said they had challenges training their personnel, and officials at 11 centers expressed a need for the federal government to establish standards for fusion center analyst training to help ensure that analysts have similar skills. DHS and DOJ have initiated a technical assistance program for fusion centers. They have also developed a set of baseline capabilities, but the document was still in draft as of September.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.

He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

Do we have the fortitude to stand behind our troops? And the fortitude to stand strong for them?  The problem lies with our politicians in Washington who use the war in Iraq as a political football instead of realizing lives are at stake. The public then loses hope that the Iraq war is a winnable situation. 

We should be listening to the voices of those who see war firsthand and do their jobs with such determination, gusto, and selflessness.  We can all learn from them. 

One brave and committed U.S. soldier writes to me:

 “I just wanted all my friends to know that true Iraqi’s want the same things we do in the US. I’ll give you another little insider story. There was an Iraqi soldier who was killed in action about 6 months ago. He was Sunni. The local mosque on the installation I serve at is Shia. The immam (like a priest or pastor at a Christian church) held a memorial service for this Sunni soldier even though the immam was Shia. He stressed that this soldier died for all of Iraq and he wanted to honor that sacrifice. What a story! There are signs that the Sunnis and Shias want to live in peace together, even though they disagree. I’m reminded of the struggle between the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Irleland and how after centuries of hatred, they are finding ways to peacefully coexist. The Sunnis and Shias need to do that too. With our help, if we are allowed to stay by the democrats, they will find a way. There is hope in the land. Please keep giving that word out.”

–Name Withheld

This soldier sent another message: 

“As many of you know, I am in Iraq for a year as an advisor to the Iraqi Army basic training program.  Many of you also know that I am very friendly by nature and have made many good friends among the Iraqi soldiers, NCO’s and officers I’ve met.  Some of my friends are Iraqi gate guards watching over our compound 24/7. 

This morning as I was leaving the compound with my interpreter, I stopped to talk to a group of off duty guards just hanging out.  We know each other well and spoke for a few minutes.  This is the month of Ramadan, one of the holiest of months in the muslim religion.  They fast during the day and eat dinner after sundown.  These friends invited me to share dinner with them tonight which they prepared especially for me.  I just returned from dinner with them.  I had my interpreter with me most of the time and we had a great time together.  We spoke of our families and children and showed off pictures with pride.  I was honored to be invited to share a meal with them and hope that because of me and others like me, they will see the US in a good light and share their thoughts and feelings with their friends and relatives.

These people are much like us in the US.  All they want is to live in peace with their families and be able to support them and care for them.  I hope that our presence here will enable them to do that.  I’m seeing positive signs that the leadership of General Petraius is starting to pay big dividends as the insurgents are on the run and disorganized in many places that have recently been hotbeds of violence.

I will always remember this mission and these good people.  May God grant them peace in the coming days.”

–Name Withheld

***

This speaks volumes to the camaraderie between the Iraqi troops and U.S. troops. It speaks volumes as to how our troops view General Patraeus…as honorable and trustworthy.  So when leftist groups attack Gen. Patraeus, they are attacking our troops on the ground as Patraeus is their “brother in arms.” 

Another brave soldier lost his life in Iraq on September 19, 2007.  I became informed of Sgt. Eddie Jeffers earlier this year when he wrote Hope Rides Alone. Sgt. Jeffers then described an irritation that many U.S. soldiers are experiencing; irritation from watching the incessant politicking of the Iraqi war back in the U.S. He begins his article by explaining the feelings that surge through his body…his reaction to his surroundings as he faces the possibility of attacks daily:

“I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others.”…

“…There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own…but that are necessary for survival.”…

“…But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn’t fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler.”…

“…People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are. They don’t realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires.”…

“…The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society…and they are becoming our enemy.”

Sgt. Jeffers does not say that America as a whole has turned on the troops, but he simply wants us to take a look at our actions and how they may have an effect on troop morale. He does not like the fact that America has simply opted for a quick way out of the Iraq war.

 ”America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend what is right and just in the world,” he continued.

Jeffers moves on to question in his article, the anti-war protesters. He wonders where they are when soldiers come home and need care.

As Sgt. Jeffers closes his article, he implores Americans to stand up and be fighters:

“We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want a country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place where their children will be abducted, raped and murdered if they do not comply with the terrorists demands. They want to live on, rebuild and prosper. And America has given them the opportunity, but only if we stay true to the cause and see it to its end. But the country must unite in this endeavor…we cannot place the burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and fight, whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It’s supporting our President, our troops and our cause.”

(read more of Sgt. Jeffer’s compelling article Hope Rides Alone below) 

In a show of support and honor to his son, Sgt. Jeffer’s father David took time to share with the public what he and his son talked of when he was still serving our country. David leaves behind some thoughts for all of us to meditate on:

“…As ‘Hope Rides Alone’ spread across this country and out beyond our boundaries beyond our shores, The Ride was no longer alone; it was a stampede of many a sleeping patriot, the true but hidden citizen who had been long lulled to sleep as though some magic spell had been cast over our country. The response was beyond all imagination. I told my wife Karen that I was naïve enough to believe Eddie’s article could spark a revolution.

A revolution where people finally say ‘ENOUGH!’ and ‘NEVER AGAIN!’ will we stand by and watch our brave men and women castigated by the unpatriotic, unworthy, uncaring, unloving, un-Americans who love power and hate all that is good about America. We said, and are saying, and will forever say to these pitiful politicians, psychopaths, pacifists, pinkos, and pathetic performers of Hollywood and the Left, ‘You will not exact defeat on our country as you did with Vietnam!’”…

“…Eddie did not want us dishonoring his life and service like so many have done. He wanted what he stood for to carry on even if he was killed in action.”…

“…Many of you are angry that Eddie has died all the while the enemy within continues to relentlessly disgrace our military and our Commander-in-Chief. More than one person has asked me how we answer this. How do we counter this obvious attack on the survival of our country?

Simple, we use the Ronald Reagan strategy; the strategy he used against the Soviet Union and communism. Reagan said: ‘Here’s my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.’”…

“…For me it is personal; it always has been. I will not let my son die in vain. People have been so sweet and say Eddie will never have died in vain, but he can. He can if we do not fight back; if we do not win. Eddie was on ‘modern day crusade to exterminate evil’ and I will change one word in our fight against the enemy within. We will not exterminate any political opponent, but we can and we must eliminate them from having any control over our country.” 

(read more of David Jeffer’s thoughts in Hope Rides Eternal below)

All of us should be fully thinking of U.S. troops as they are the ones in harm’s way. We need to make every effort to uplift them when we can.  We need to be thankful that there people who would selflessly put their lives at stake for others to live a better life. 

Remember that U.S. soldiers are ordinary Americans like you and I.  These soldiers, however, have answered the call to be brave to the core.  They are willing to stand in the face of danger and keep pressing on no matter how dark it seems and will serve their country.

Will you not serve them and have their back when they need it?  Stay positive America!

Related Reading 

Hope Rides Alone, article by Sgt. Eddie Jeffers

http://newmediajournal.us/guest/e_jeffers/print/02012007.htm

Real Deal in Ramadi, article by Sgt. Eddie Jeffers

http://newmediajournal.us/guest/e_jeffers/04172007.htm

Hope Rides Eternal, article by David Jeffers, father to Sgt. Eddie Jeffers

http://www.newmediajournal.us/guest/d_jeffers/09242007.htm

*Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Michnews.com, Daley-Times Post, Renaissance Women ( http://www.rwnetwork.net/ ) , Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, TheConservativeVoice.com, Mensnewsdaily.com, and other news sites like AmericanChronicle.com.  She is a columnist and a reporter for the Mid-South Patriot ( www.freewebs.com/midsouth-patriot ) in Memphis, TN.  Felicia hails from a military background, and has been politically active since the 2000 elections. She also has been a guest speaker on a variety of conservative internet talk radio shows.

You may email Felicia:  Feereports@aol.com  

by Jim Kouri, CPP

The Department of Homeland Security’s recent 4-year anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress DHS has made.

The creation of DHS was one of the largest federal reorganizations in the last several decades, and the Government Accountability Office has reported that it was an enormous management challenge and that the size, complexity, and importance of the effort made the challenge especially daunting and critical to the nation’s security.

Prior work on mergers and acquisitions has found that successful transformations of large organizations, even those faced with less strenuous reorganizations than DHS, can take at least 5 to 7 years to achieve. This testimony is based on an August 2007 report evaluating DHS’s progress since March 2003. Specifically, it addresses DHS’s progress across 14 mission and management areas and key themes that have affected DHS’s implementation efforts.

Since its establishment in March 2003, DHS has made varying levels of progress in implementing its mission and management areas, as shown in the following table.

In general, DHS has made more progress in its mission areas than in its management areas. Within its mission areas, DHS has made progress in developing plans and programs, but has faced challenges in its implementation efforts. Key underlying themes have affected DHS’s implementation efforts.

These include strategies to achieve agency transformation, strategic planning and results management, risk management, information sharing, and partnerships and coordination.

For example, analysts have designated DHS’s implementation and transformation as high-risk. While DHS has made progress in transforming its component agencies into a fully functioning department, it has not yet addressed elements of the transformation process, such as developing a comprehensive transformation strategy.

DHS also has not yet fully adopted and applied a risk management approach in implementing its mission and management functions. Some DHS component agencies have taken steps to do so, but this approach is not yet used departmentwide.

In addition, DHS has taken steps to share information and coordinate with homeland security partners but has faced difficulties in these partnership efforts. Given DHS’s leading role in securing the homeland, it is critical that the department’s mission and management programs operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. DHS has taken important actions to secure the border and transportation sectors and to prepare for and respond to disasters.

DHS has had to undertake these missions while also working to transform itself into a fully functioning cabinet department — a difficult task for any organization.

As DHS moves forward, it will be important for the department to continue to develop more measurable goals to guide implementation efforts and to enable better accountability. It will also be important for DHS to continually reassess its mission and management goals, measures, and milestones to evaluate progress made, identify past and emerging obstacles, and examine alternatives to effectively address those obstacles.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.

He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

by Jim Kouri, CPP

The government of Iraq has failed to meet 15 of 18 benchmarks contained in the US Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007.

The Act requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the status of the achievement of these benchmarks. Consistent with GAO’s core values and the analysts desire to be fair and balanced, the agency also considered and used a “partially met” rating for some of the Iraq government benchmarks.

In comparison, the Act requires the Bush Administration to report on whether satisfactory progress is being made toward meeting the mandated benchmarks. The benchmarks cover Iraqi government actions needed to advance reconciliation within Iraqi society, improve the security of the Iraqi population, provide essential services to the population, and promote economic well-being.

To complete this work, GAO analysts reviewed US agency and Iraqi documents and interviewed officials from the Departments of Defense, State, and the Treasury Department; the Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) and its subordinate commands; the Defense Intelligence Agency; the Central Intelligence Agency; the National Intelligence Council; and even the United Nations.

These officials included Ryan Crocker, the US Ambassador to Iraq, and General David H. Petraeus, Commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq. GAO investigators and analysts made multiple visits to Iraq during 2006 and 2007, the most recent being from July 22 to August 1, 2007. The GAO analyses were enhanced by approximately 100 Iraq-related reports and testimonies that were completed since May 2003. The GAO conducted its review in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards.

The benchmarks were derived from commitments first articulated by the Iraqi government in June 2006. Sadly, according to the GAO report, the Iraqi government met only 3, partially met 4, and did not meet 11 of its 18 benchmarks.

Overall, key legislation has not been passed, violence remains high, and it is unclear whether the Iraqi government will spend $10 billion in reconstruction funds. These results do not diminish the courageous efforts of coalition forces and progress that has been made in several areas, including Anbar Province.

The Iraqi government met one of eight legislative benchmarks: the rights of minority political parties in Iraq’s legislature are protected. However, the Iraqi government has not enacted legislation on de-Ba’athification, oil revenue sharing, provincial elections, amnesty, and militia disarmament.

It is still unclear whether sectarian violence in Iraq has decreased — a key security benchmark — since it is difficult to measure whether the perpetrators’ intents were sectarian in nature, and other measures of population security show differing trends.

As the US Congress considers the way forward in Iraq, it should balance the achievement of the 18 Iraqi benchmarks with military progress and with homeland security goals, foreign policy goals, and other goals of the United States.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). Kouri also serves as political advisor for Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor Michael Moriarty.

He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

They are at it again…standing in the gap for our military.  The Gathering of Eagles group will be in Washington D.C. September 10th through the 15th in a show of patriotic force to coincide with Gen. Patraeus’ remarks to the Senate on the war in Iraq.

The Eagles and the pro-America Move America Forward group have set their sights on D.C. to be an uplifting force for the nation… to be an example to the nation that we must continue to support our leaders (no matter what strategy they choose to follow) and our troops in their fight against terrorism.

No matter what one thinks of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, showing the troops that they are loved and supported is of the utmost importance.

The Eagles had an unprecedented amount of people to show in Washington D.C. earlier this year on March 17th with flags waving and spirits high. They are determined to see the same numbers again on Sept. 15th. The Eagles are made up of military, veterans, and ordinary and patriotic Americans who want to show the world they love their country. 

Eagles Chairman Capt. Larry Bailey, USN, Ret. mentioned an aggressive but positive agenda that the Eagles have laid out starting September 10, 2007.

Mr. Bailey said the anti-war A.N.S.W.E.R crowd will be in D.C. on that day and the Eagles will hold a counter demonstration. Elected representatives are scheduled to address the crowd.  The Eagles will then “disperse and go to the Senate and House offices to tell our leaders to vote the right way.”

On the 15th, the Eagles will continue to confront the leftists from A.N.S.W.E.R while the Eagle rally will include a variety of speakers and patriotic music. 

September 15th is the day the Move America Forward organization plans to arrive in D.C.. Move America Forward is made up of a group of concerned Americans (much like the Eagles) who feel the need to get the word out about the importance of supporting our troops in their defeat of terrorism. They have plans to head out early towards D.C. on September 3rd on a cross-country caravan, as they did earlier this year. The route will be different than the caravan route they took before.  Also on the itinerary, Move America Forward will collect cards and well-wishes to be given to troops recovering in military medical centers around America.

And, for a special treat, author and Move America Forward Vice Chairman Lt. Col. Robert “Buzz” Patterson, USAF, Ret. will be joining M.A.F on the caravan. He will be one of the speakers during the patriotic event.

Deborah Johns, Blue Star mom, Marine mom, and Director of Military Relations for Move America Forward said, “America needs to show a united front not only here in the U.S. but also to the terrorists and to the world, ‘we will stand united until the job is finished.’”

In typical fashion, anti-war protesters plan to be in D.C. to discredit the job the troops are doing as they protest the war. And at times, their message comes off as brash and negative.  The Eagles and Move America Forward are completely positive in their approach to getting attention about their passion.  

“We will be law abiding, and will encourage the leftists to be law abiding,” said Bailey.

Other notable patriotic groups such as Veterans for Freedom will also make a showing in D.C. 

Move America Forward and the Gathering of Eagles group ask all who love America; please join in on their efforts. They need your support.

So America, it’s your chance now…let the troops know that you don’t take your freedom for granted.

A lot of blood has been shed and lives given so that you can live freely. Return the favor and stand proud with our troops.

*To support the Gathering of Eagles, go to: www.gatheringofeagles.org

*For the Move America Forward caravan routes and other information, go to: www.MoveAmericaForward.org

Earlier articles on the Gathering of Eagles:

Eagles Ready to Take Flight: http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/benamon/070215

Eagle Eyed Patriots Show Their Pride: http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/benamon/070322

(contains pictures from the Move America Forward caravan)

*Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Michnews.com, Daley-Times Post, Renaissance Women ( http://www.rwnetwork.net/ ) , Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, TheConservativeVoice.com, Mensnewsdaily.com, and other news sites like AmericanChronicle.com.  She is a columnist and a reporter for the Mid-South Patriot ( www.freewebs.com/midsouth-patriot ) in Memphis, TN.  Felicia hails from a military background, and has been politically active since the 2000 elections. She also has been a guest speaker on a variety of conservative internet talk radio shows.

You may email Felicia: Feereports@aol.com.   

by Jim Kouri, CPP

Two University of South Florida (USF) students have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Tampa, Florida, for transporting explosives materials without permits, the Department of Justice announced on Friday. 

The two-count indictment unsealed Friday charges Ahmed Abdellatif Sherif Mohamed and Youssef Samir Megahed, both Egyptian nationals, with transporting explosives in interstate commerce without permits.  The indictment alleges that the two men, “not being licensees” under federal law, “did knowingly transport and cause to be transported in interstate commerce explosive materials” on or about Aug. 4, 2007 in the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere.   
  
Mohamed was also charged with distributing information about building and using an explosive device.  The indictment alleges that Mohamed taught and demonstrated the making and use of an explosive and destructive device, with the intent that such information be used for, and in the furtherance of, an activity that constitutes a federal crime of violence.

Mohamed, a civil engineering graduate student and teaching assistant at USF, and Megahed, an engineering student, were stopped for speeding and subsequently arrested on Aug. 4, 2007 in Goose Creek, SC by a South Carolina Berkeley County Sheriff’s deputy. 

Both Mohamed and Megahed were charged with possession of an explosive device, in violation of South Carolina law.  Bond was set for Mohamed in the amount of $500,000 and for Megahead in the amount of $300,000.  Both men are currently being held in Berkeley County jail.
      
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  The charge of distributing information about explosive devices carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the charge of transporting explosive materials carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Reginald I. Lloyd, US Attorney for the District of South Carolina, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department and the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office in South Carolina. 

“I am very grateful for the hard work and professionalism of our local law enforcement partners in this important investigation.  The arresting deputy’s vigilance and the immediate response of our local investigators and prosecutors are highly commendable,” he stated.
 
This case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with the assistance of the National Security Division at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Joint Terrorism Task Forces in both Tampa and South Carolina, with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

by Jim Kouri, CPP

Three US national strategies, developed in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, directed US law enforcement agencies to focus on the prevention of terrorist attacks. The strategies called for agencies to intensify their efforts to help foreign nations identify, disrupt, and prosecute terrorists.

Following the 9/11 attacks, the President issued a series of strategies that provided broad direction for overseas law enforcement efforts to assist foreign nations to identify, disrupt, and prosecute terrorists.

However, these strategies did not articulate which LEAs should implement the guidance to enhance efforts to help foreign nations combat terrorism or how they should do so. While one of the strategies tasked State Department staff with developing and coordinating US efforts to combat terrorism abroad, the feds found State did not develop or coordinate the development of a plan to use the combined capabilities of US LEAs to help foreign nations identify, disrupt, or prosecute terrorists.

In December 2004, Congress passed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which charged the National Counterterrorism Center with developing a plan to use all elements of national power, including LEAs, to combat terrorism.

NCTC officials told analysts that they had drafted a general plan, which was approved by the President in June of 2006. According to NCTC, State Department, Justice Department, and Department of Homeland Security officials, implementing guidance for the plan is under development, and they would not discuss the contents of the plan or the guidance.

Some LEAs have increased efforts to help foreign nations identify, disrupt, and prosecute terrorists. For example, DHS has implemented its Container Security Initiative to screen US-bound cargo at foreign ports, and the Department of State has expanded its Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program.

However, analysts found that because most LEAs, with the exception of the FBI, have not been given clear guidance, they lacked clearly defined roles and responsibilities on helping foreign nations identify, disrupt, and prosecute terrorists.

In one country terrorism analysts visited, the lack of clear roles and responsibilities between two US LEAs may have compromised several joint operations intended to identify and disrupt potential terrorist activities, according to the US and foreign nation LEAs.

In addition, the Government Accountability Office found LEAs generally lacked guidance on using resources to assist foreign nations in addressing terrorist vulnerabilities and generally lacked performance monitoring systems and formal structures for sharing information and collaborating. They also found that, because comprehensive needs assessments were not conducted, LEAs may not be tailoring their full range of training and assistance to address key terrorism vulnerabilities in foreign countries.

Sources: American Federation of Police, National Association of Chiefs of Police, US Government Accountability Office, US Department of State, US Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

by Jim Kouri, CPP

Efforts to combat terrorism have become an increasingly important part of government activities. These efforts have also become important in the United States’ relations with other countries and with international organizations, such as the United Nations.

The Department of State is charged with coordinating these international efforts and protecting Americans abroad. The State Department has helped direct the US efforts to combat terrorism abroad by building the global coalition against terrorism, including providing diplomatic support for military operations in Afghanistan and other countries.

The State Department has also supported international law enforcement efforts to identify, arrest, and bring terrorists to justice, as well as performing other activities intended to reduce the number of terrorist attacks.

Members of the US State Department conduct multifaceted activities in its effort to prevent terrorist attacks on Americans abroad. For Americans traveling and living abroad, the State Department’s security division issues public travel warnings and operates warning systems to convey terrorism-related information.

For American businesses and universities operating overseas, State uses the Overseas Security Advisory Councils — voluntary partnerships between the State Department and the private sector — to exchange threat information. To disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations abroad, State has numerous programs and activities that rely on military, multilateral, economic, law enforcement, intelligence, and other capabilities.

State uses extradition treaties to bring terrorists to trial in the United States and cooperates with foreign intelligence, security, and law enforcement entities to track and capture terrorists in foreign countries.

If the United States has no extradition agreements with a country, then State, with the Department of Justice, can work to obtain the arrest of suspected terrorist overseas through renditions.

The State Department leads the US response to terrorist incidents abroad. This includes diplomatic measures to protect Americans, minimize damage, terminate terrorist attacks, and bring terrorists to justice.

To coordinate the US effort to combat terrorism internationally, State uses a variety of mechanisms to work with the Departments of Defense, Justice, and the Treasury; the intelligence agencies; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and others. These mechanisms include interagency working groups at the headquarters level in Washington, DC, emergency action committees at US missions overseas, and liaison exchanges with other government agencies.

US Government and other sources: US Department of State, Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Security Management Institute, National Association of Chiefs of Police

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and he’s a staff writer for the New Media Alliance (thenma.org). He’s former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed “Crack City” by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. Kouri writes for many police and security magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer and others. He’s a news writer for TheConservativeVoice.Com and PHXnews.com. He’s also a columnist for AmericanDaily.Com, MensNewsDaily.Com, MichNews.Com, and he’s syndicated by AXcessNews.Com. He’s appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com. Kouri’s own website is located at http://jimkouri.us

The lamestream media told you:

Authorities are increasing the numbers of vehicles randomly searched at U.S. airports in the wake of thwarted bombing attempts at airports in Great Britain. Travelers should allow extra time for check in.

The Uninvited Ombudsman notes however that:

Newspapers nationwide have failed to add the critical sentences that say, “Random searches for any reason by authorities are specifically prohibited by the U.S. Constitution. No arrests of authorities have been made.”

My recent trip to Europe shows that the jihad has had a greater impact in the heart of Western Civilization than here across the pond. Routinely: police now carry machine guns, heavily armed military presence is evident in public places, women in full black burkhas with eye slits pushing baby carriages are common, multicultural efforts to include people who hate Western society continue despite the obvious and increasing disparities and bomb scares, posters advise everyone to be cautious and observant and to report any suspicious activity, and closed-circuit cameras are everywhere, but at least there are signs everywhere that say “CCTV in use.” Watch for similar developments at a location near you. Don’t expect politically correct news outlets here to convey this sense of things.

In other news, travelers waited patiently outside the Air France terminal in Paris while the bomb squad approached an unattended package in the flight terminal and exploded it in place. Passenger delays did not exceed thirty minutes. I am not making this up.

In the past, I’ve advocated that we support the President in his request for funding for military operations in Iraq. I supported the President’s view of having no attachments to the Iraq Funding bill…as it should have been. I was under the impression that after getting the war funding needed, that we would go on the offense with a vengeance. I haven’t seen it.  Thus, my view of the Iraq war has taken a new direction.

For the sake of bipartisanship and for the sake of the precious lives of our troops in battle, I would hope that President Bush would at least sit down and meet with concerned Republican lawmakers in Washington who represent a growing consensus among their constituents who want to see an end to the Iraq war. President Bush has been plunging ahead full force with a troop surge, but that has left many unnerved. Why commit more troops to Iraq without showing the full brunt of our military’s might?

The reason President Bush has advisors is so they can tell him the best course to take in fighting terrorism and the war in Iraq. It would be best if the President lent an ear to all who have concerns.  He can’t go about making decisions on Iraq on his own, or from a select few.

President Bush is losing Republican support left and right and it doesn’t seem to faze him. He is going about things his own way.

A lot of times, when I hear President Bush speak to the American people as he tells us to expect heavier fighting (as if casualties on our side expect to rise)…I wonder, why are we thinking in that mentality? When we go on an offensive operation, shouldn’t we have the mentality that it is our enemy that will suffer the consequences of heavy losses?  The American people need not worry, right?

We have the capability of causing heavy losses on our enemies and we won’t do it. Never in the history of the world have we seen a desire by our enemies to control, dominate, or wipe us out and our way of life. But it seems we are not taking that scenario serious enough.

We got rid of one tyrant, Saddam Hussein. The US has sophisticated means of collecting intelligence, no doubt aided by satellites. We can pinpoint a wanted terrorist in no time. Once we have established that we have in sight the enemy, why not take him out? I am still waiting to see Osama Bin Laden caught or wiped out. We certainly are able to find who we need to find.  This question needs to be asked…why are we limiting ourselves in this global fight on terror?

Something else that has bothered me…the fact that we are charging our troops with supposed “war crimes” against civilians.  No war will be painless…we’ve been more brutal in the past and civilians caught in the heat of battle have suffered far greater. Today, our military is fighting with the utmost care they possibly could to avoid any civilian casualties; it’s changing even how we fight wars.

A soldier is trained to kill. He is to identify the enemy and go after them to kill.  This war has seen terrorists use, time and again, women and children as human shields. If the enemy wishes to use that tactic, then they are putting their own citizens at peril. It is not the fault of American troops and our allies to hold back because civilians get caught up in the war strategy of the enemy. Why is there no outcry from humanitarian groups to terrorists to cease using women and children? No, the fault always lies with our troops. It’s a disgrace!

War is necessary to remove the threat of evil, to confront and defeat evil. We must not play around with evil.  We should never treat terrorism as if it were some law enforcement issue. Defeat it and move on.

Considering the position I am now taking, I am not protesting war for the sake of it; I truly feel we need our troops home to protect against any future attacks against this country and to fortify, increase, and strengthen our troops. Some of them have done a number of tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and are no doubt weary. 

I do not advocate that we make our troops abandon their presence in Iraq right now; I really believe we need to employ a different strategy so we CAN exit sometime in the future. I really hope that we step up offensively and with a vengeance; the way we are going now seems to drag on.

I just wrote an article only hours ago and mentioned an amendment backed by Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee that would seek the help of our allies more and would see us eventually leaving Iraq. But if we do not go on the offensive, then the strategy that the amendment offers seems the wiser choice.

Iraq needs to step up and govern their country, same for Afghanistan. We came to help in those countries (and in other countries throughout the globe) and that’s all.  Now we need help back at home.  The border situation seems to be out of control (our border to the South); the US Border Patrol is needing help. No one terrorist should even come CLOSE in succeeding in another attack on America!  I say this because it was reported today that US intelligence suggests Al-Qaeda is looking to execute more attacks on American soil by infiltration or by agents already on American soil. 

The President needs to think of Americans here at home.  And no, I don’t think regular law enforcement can handle a terrorist intent on inflicting mass causalities. Our troops can help here. 

Most Americans want an end to our role in Iraq; we need to be fortified at home.  Defending our beloved homeland takes more importance over any other matters right now. We may not know what to expect in the future. Iran is said to be focused in getting nuclear material; Iranian President Mahmood Ahmadinejad wants an end to the West and our way of life, China is rapidly increasing their military for a reason. America must not be vulnerable militarily.

Let’s think of our troops and their families, and move to see an end to US presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. We can use our full might of the military if only our military were allowed to. President Bush used to talk tough (as he should) on “taking it to the enemy” so if he is going to talk that way, he should deliver. The US doesn’t bluff.

C’mon! Let’s kick butt, let our troops do their jobs!
 

 *Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Michnews.com, Daley-Times Post, Renaissance Women ( http://www.rwnetwork.net/ ) , Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, TheConservativeVoice.com, Mensnewsdaily.com, ConservativeCrusader.com, and other news sites like AmericanChronicle.com.  She is a columnist and a reporter for the Mid-South Patriot ( www.freewebs.com/midsouth-patriot ) in Memphis, TN.  Felicia hails from a military background, and has been politically active since the 2000 elections.  She has been a guest speaker on a variety of conservative internet talk radio shows. 

You may email Felicia: Feereports@aol.com  

One way we can honor the lives of those who have fought in wars past and present is to not only actively support them while they are engaged in battle, but here at home, being mindful of what is going on in our country and working to bring about positive change. It is positive to support our troops, to pray for them, our President, our nation, and our leaders in Washington. We must also act to let our voices be heard.Like many of you, I’ve endured hearing of more troop deaths in the War on Terror. Frankly, I’m getting sick of it as our leaders in Washington have not sent our men and women to war with all that they need. The main function of the military during times of war is not so much nation building as we are doing now (although that is good), but it is to search and destroy the enemy. We have to be on the offense, eliminating the threat. That MUST be the case all the time. But since we only go on the offensive only half of the time in Iraq specifically, perhaps we should be looking at other ways to be successful in Iraq.

Four years into the war in Iraq, our troops are still fighting, but they have had to wait for helpful resources that could have saved lives.  Meanwhile, the enemy plots and plans and carries out gruesome attacks on our soldiers through roadside bombs and IEDs. The number of IED deaths our troops have sustained, has risen.  And American troops are now just receiving the newer Mine Resistant Ambush Protected combat vehicles to protect them from IEDs, but why so late?

When you send men and women into battle in confidence and honor, you are saying “I respect you and I respect your ability to do what you have trained and dedicated your life to doing, therefore I will give you the appropriate tools (at the beginning of the war) to carry out the mission.”  To do less than that, is mocking them. 

Why are we so callous with our troops’ lives? Why are we not taking care of them as we should? The mainstream media would be happy to report any failing on the part of the Bush administration to supply our troops with all they need, and the Bush administration is helping to solidify that view, I believe.

I would caution that my voice does NOT equate to those who are against the war on the Left. I am simply asking the tough questions and writing in defense of our brave men and women who deserve all the best we can give them. It is fine to voice an opinion if one thinks that there have been mistakes made; mistakes that we REALLY should correct so that we may be victorious.

Our leaders in Washington must know…our troops aren’t expendable as they fight and die while our government makes decisions as we go along.  We must know what needs to be done and execute it quickly.

Alternate Strategy

It has been okay to say that we will press forward and fight; we must be successful in the War on Terror. But what good will it do if all we are doing is running on defensive measures with limited resources?  That’s what is fueling my frustration.  

Since we have failed to use more offensive tactics in the war in Iraq, leaders in Washington are looking at alternative ways to move forward in Iraq. More Republican senators have come forth and expressed their dissatisfaction with what is occurring currently.  They are thinking logically.

Senator Lamar Alexander, a Republican senator from my state of Tennessee has come together with other Republican and Democrat senators and recommended that the advice of the Iraq Study Group be taken into consideration in the future when dealing with operations in Iraq.

The DOD Authorization Bill would have an “amendment” attached that would set benchmarks that the Iraqi government must meet in order for us to continue giving support to them. It would require troops to mainly be provided for “training”…and their overall mission would either be for “training, force protection, and counter-terrorism.”  A new “diplomatic offensive” in Iraq would include the help of those neighboring countries in the region to help Iraq stabilize itself.

Read more: http://alexander.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_Id=1217

An operation that completely includes our allies and the help of willing neighboring countries of Iraq will yield a better result in getting Iraq under control. 

American soldiers are not occupiers of any country.  The longer we stay in Iraq, the more that label holds. Coming up with a strategy to draw down our troops little by little is more responsible than plunging full speed ahead without an offensive strategy.  Employing more troops to the battlefield won’t do any good if there is no clear action to take to remove the enemy from this earth.  A successful offensive military strategy would show the full power of the US military and see our enemy defeated, which would help in the speedy recovery of Iraq and return home of our troops. But that’s not happening.

As we head towards a 5th year at war in Iraq, we must remember our troops who are working SO hard to provide freedoms for others.  But they need every tool at their disposal to be successful.  

I would urge the President to consider how long and hard our troops have been working in Iraq to help that country up on its feet, and that they need help.  As a country, we may also face future threats and we need our military to be in top notch from.  That means the troops need the prayers of the American people, and our complete backing (including the backing of those in Washington) of their role in Iraq.  And it isn’t ”anti-war” to consider other alternatives to handling our current situation in Iraq.

When we say we support the troops, we must mean it. They are our countrymen and we must remember their needs as if they were our own.

Our troops must not grow weary in Iraq.
*Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Michnews.com, Daley-Times Post, Renaissance Women ( http://www.rwnetwork.net/ ) , Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, TheConservativeVoice.com, Mensnewsdaily.com, ConservativeCrusader.com, and other news sites like AmericanChronicle.com.  She is a columnist and a reporter for the Mid-South Patriot ( www.freewebs.com/midsouth-patriot ) in Memphis, TN.  Felicia hails from a military background, and has been politically active since the 2000 elections.  She has been a guest speaker on various conservative internet talk radio shows. 

You may email Felicia: Feereports@aol.com.  

The lamestream media told you:

Polls now clearly indicate that the overwhelming majority of Americans want the troops brought back home.

The Uninvited Ombudsman notes however that:

As I’ve observed here before — polls are just tests to see if the propaganda is working. The lamestream media has been pounding away on the idea of bringing the troops home for years now, so let me ask:

Is the “vast majority” talking about the 65,000 troops we have in Germany? Or do they really mean the 34,000 in Japan? Maybe they mean the 10,000 in Great Britain? Bring our 110,000 WWII troops home now! The war ended 60 years ago.

How would the economies of those countries be affected if all that Uncle Sam G.I.-weekend spending screeched to a halt?

If we could just bring home the 30,000 troops from Korea, think what that could do for border protection here. Is it time to start screaming about it?

The public is screaming to bring troops home from Iraq because the media is telling them to scream, not because it necessarily makes sense. The media tells them little about all 388,000 troops stationed outside the U.S. (2003 stats), so it’s all quiet on those fronts.

Annual averages, differences in tabulating troop movements and other factors affect the stats. For a detailed report see the Heritage Foundation numbers.

The lamestream media told you:

Headlines nationwide assured the public that Muslims in the U.S. are not a problem, based on a recently released Pew Center poll.

USAToday: Poll: Most Muslims seek to adopt American lifestyle.

“This is a very positive story for the vast majority of Muslims,” says Andrew Kohut, president of the Pew Research Center.

The Voice of America: Poll: US Muslims Feel Post-9/11 Backlash Despite Moderate Outlook

The New York Times: Muslims assimilate better in U.S. than Europe, poll finds, and then leads with this: “A new poll of American Muslims reveals a group that is better assimilated, more content and less politically polarized than counterpart Muslim populations in Western Europe — but also smaller in number than some Muslim groups had estimated.”

Chicago Tribune: U.S. Muslims more content, assimilated than those abroad

National Public Radio: Pew Study Sees Muslim Americans Assimilating.

Washington Post: Survey: U.S. Muslims Assimilated, Opposed to Extremism

The Pew organization says: Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream, but does followup later with:

Muslim Americans reject Islamic extremism by larger margins than do Muslim minorities in Western European countries. However, there is somewhat more acceptance of Islamic extremism in some segments of the U.S. Muslim public than others. Fewer native-born African American Muslims than others completely condemn al Qaeda. In addition, younger Muslims in the U.S. are much more likely than older Muslim Americans to say that suicide bombing in the defense of Islam can be at least sometimes justified. Nonetheless, absolute levels of support for Islamic extremism among Muslim Americans are quite low, especially when compared with Muslims around the world.

The Uninvited Ombudsman notes however that:

An alert and unbiased media would have lead with this fact from the survey: More Than One Quarter Of All Young U.S. Muslims Believe Suicide Bombing Can Be Justifiable.

Despite conciliatory headlines across the nation, USA Today did report, “The study also found pockets of sympathy for Islamic extremism, especially among younger people. Muslims between the ages of 18 and 29 express significantly greater acceptance than older people of suicide bombings in some cases… Only 5% say they have a favorable view of al-Qaeda.”

With 2.4 million Muslims in the U.S. (two-thirds of whom are foreign born), 5% support for al Qaeda would translate to 120,000 potentially dangerous Muslims in the U.S. theater of operations. The actual number is higher, since percentage support at all ages was not provided. Muslim groups dispute the 2.4 million census figure however, saying the real number is closer to 7 million (which would be 350,000 U.S.-based Muslim supporters of al Qaeda, in the one age group covered).

74% of Muslims surveyed would do not say the U.S. fight against terrorism is a sincere effort to reduce terrorism, but the Times assures readers that this is much better than in parts of Europe.

Find links to the major stories here.

In other news, PBS banned the release of the documentary it paid for about global Islam and its plans for the world, because it presented Muslims in a poor light.

FOX News obtained the censored film and aired the stunning, often revolting, eye-popping details about Muslim jihadis, indoctrination schools, honor killings, abuse of women, suppression of dissent, plans for global domination, and tentacles spread through global religious facilities for the perpetuation of violence, which do present Muslims in a poor light.

Saudi Arabian oil magnates pay for the bulk of the religious facilities that spread the hatred and preparations for jihad. The Saudis get a significant portion of their money from Americans who use oil and gas. In other words, Americans pay their enemies to prepare attacks.

Perhaps the most revealing aspect of the broadcast was how FOX methodically exposed the PBS attempt to hide the truth about Islamofascists, whitewash the film’s message, distort the story and facts, rewrite the conclusions, fire the producer who was openly conservative, and hide its efforts through claims of journalistic integrity. PBS is funded primarily by public tax dollars.

Why has the war become a political football? Why do we have leaders in Congress who are determined to push benchmarks on an Iraq withdrawal when clearly our enemies are watching every move the Congress makes? Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al Qaeda’s number 2 man recently mocked the bill Congress passed giving a time of withdrawal.  In an internet video, he said the bill “reflects American failure and frustration.” Why give our enemies the satisfaction of seeing our Congress in opposition against the President as he fights to win the War on Terror?  We are surely showing weakness when we include a timetable to withdraw from Iraq.It’s not that hard to reiterate the importance of making sure that our troops have what they need to do their jobs. The $124 billion war funding bill that President Bush vetoed had too much pork attached 

and a timetable for troops to begin leaving Iraq. The President clearly said he would not sign it. So instead of coming up with a bill that WILL get the President’s approval and help the troops, and sensing the urgency to which we need to get funding to the troops, Democrats remain pessimistic on Iraq, continuing to express how fast Iraq is going downhill. In that spirit, there has been ”compromise” on both sides; some Republicans are starting to waver. Compromise in this sense isn’t good…Republicans are becoming increasingly downcast about the war.

Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced a bill that had certain conditions attached…the Iraqi government must get it together or face dwindling support from the US.  President Bush said he would be open to a bill with “benchmarks” so in a sense, he is giving in. 

While Democrats (and some Republicans) are free to articulate their feelings about a withdrawal from Iraq, they should be mindful of the importance of helping the troops…of getting funding to them quickly, and opt to leave out any conditions for withdrawal or “benchmarks” from the war funding bill.

When looking at the situation in Iraq, in some places, it’s understandable to be dismayed with the lack of progress occurring. But our troops are busily trying to curtail the amount of violence…they are rooting out terrorists, and are also trying to rebuild and maintain security in a volatile land.  They need to know that our Congress back home will send them the means to be successful and not set conditions that have to be met to be successful.  Our troops don’t need this type of stress. They have a job to do and they want the Congress to back their efforts.

President Bush is desperate to get funding to the troops to ensure their success, and he has agreed to a compromise just to get the funds.  But the President is the Commander in Chief, he hears reports from the ground in Iraq, he knows what the generals need, and what needs to be done. It isn’t the job of the Congress to set conditions to a funding bill for our troops. Just get the bill to the President’s desk already and fund our troops. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has been going head to head with President Bush since she assumed power.  Her attitude is that she must make the President responsible to the American people, accountable if you will.  But are her actions deemed responsible when she visited Syria in defiance of the White House to hold “talks” with Syria’s President?  What good did that do other than to cause confusion and contention with the White House?

Pelosi visited Iraq earlier this year and called the situation there “chaotic” and that we must “redeploy our troops.”  Funny how that description is not what our troops are describing as they work hard for the security of Iraq and Afghanistan. They are not running amuck wondering what to do…thinking all is lost. No, they are still fighting. Still working hard. Shouldn’t we support them? 

During her visit, Rep. Pelosi said she wanted to visit the troops to “applaud their patriotism, the sacrifice they’re willing to make and the courage they’re demonstrating.”  If that is the case, shouldn’t she make every effort possible to make sure that our troops do not sacrifice in vain…by “having their back?” 

Politicians need to stand down in trying to assess the way the war is going and stand down in running counter to President Bush’s foreign policy. They can serve the American people and our troops best by listening to the advice of our military on the ground, like General Petraeus and cooperating with the President to make sure that the war we are fighting is successful.

As a country, during past wars, there was no question as to what needed to be done. We stood by the troops thick and thin. We demonstrated it.  We were focused with the troops and determined to see a conflict through.  But many Americans are soaking in the constant negativity from the media, the images and news from Iraq, and are listening to the negativity on the war from those in Congress and are becoming pessimistic about the situation.  Regardless of what is being said, shouldn’t we have enough faith in God and in our troops that they are making life better for those in every country where US troops are present?  Will you stand strong and feel proud at the work they are doing?

Make every effort to support our troops when you can. They are supporting you whether you know it or not. They fight to keep us safe, whether abroad, or stateside.

I know that has been said over and over, but it’s time that it sinks in with all of us. It’s time that we pause every now and then during our lives and say a prayer for and think about our troops who are bravely fighting for us.

Be thankful and grateful you live in a free society. Because it didn’t come without sacrifice from our troops past and present.

It is by the grace of God that and the American soldier that I am able to do what I do, and for that I am grateful.

Related Reading:

Zawahiri mocks US Congress Iraq bill: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070505/wl_afp/iraquspolitics_070505211802

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) calls the situation in Iraq “chaotic”(interview):

http://www.npr.org/about/press/2007/013107.pelosi.html

Bush critic Pelosi visits Baghdad:

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/01/26/bomb_kills_15_in_new_attack_on_baghdad_pet_fair/

Please Support our Troops:

www.AnySoldier.com

Hear from the troops why they serve!  Go to: www.mnf-iraq.com.  Select From the Troops, then Click Why I Serve.

 *Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Michnews.com, Daley-Times Post, Renaissance Women ( http://www.rwnetwork.net/ ) , Capitolhillcoffeehouse.com, TheConservativeVoice.com, Mensnewsdaily.com, ConservativeCrusader.com, and other news sites like AmericanChronicle.com.  She is a columnist and a reporter for the Mid-South Patriot ( www.freewebs.com/midsouth-patriot ) in Memphis, TN.  Felicia hails from a military background, and has been politically active since the 2000 elections.  She has been a guest speaker on various conservative internet talk radio shows.

You may email Felicia:  Feereports@aol.com. 

The fierce determination of the eagle shown through in our nation’s capitol.  They came from near and far, some as far away as Canada to answer the calling to defend our sacred memorials on March 17, 2007 from anti-war protesters who have been known to get out of control in recent marches. 

Ordinary Americans supporting the troops, and proud Vets from past and present wars, met up in Washington D.C. under the banner of the Gathering of Eagles.  Approximately 30,000 Eagles came together to show that the voice of the silent majority, those who support the troops and their mission, must be heard! 

Of course we all knew that the mainstream media had no intention of covering the Eagles event, only anti-war protesters. They called the Eagles the “opposition”, “the other side”, or “demonstrations” being held near Memorials, but they did not go into specifics about the Eagles.

That is the sort of attitude in the media Blue Star Mom Deborah Johns, and the rest of the Move America Forward family spoke of during their caravan stop in Memphis March 13, 2007.  Johns spoke about how disgusted she is with the way the leftist media depicts the war, and that the entire truth is not being told.

Note: The Move America Forward group started their caravan in San Francisco March 8, 2007 and planned to reach D.C. March 17, 2007 to join the Eagles. Their theme, “These Colors Don’t Run” traversed with them through several states, stopping along the way to collect flags to display at the memorials and to hand to military families in a show of support. Many people, some families, joined them as they made their way across the country.

It is evident by the fact that the media only chose to cover anti-war protests, that they have a bias. A HUGE showing of 30,000 Eagles didn’t even get their attention!

The Gathering of Eagles was to me, an historic event. Even as the Move America Forward caravan passed through the Memphis area, local media was barely present. However, many from radio and quite a few bloggers including Freerepublic.com, BlueCollarRepublican.com, and Alpha Patriot showed and documented the event enthusiastically.

As a reporter for the Mid-South Patriot newspaper, I was honored to see these fine Americans come to Bartlett, a suburb of Memphis, to talk of their brave family members who have served in Iraq. 

The Move America Forward organization, other military personnel, patriotic families, and the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle group, stopped at Coletta’s Italian Restaurant in Bartlett to mingle and talk.  A press conference was held at noon amidst the threat of rain. However, everyone pressed on with the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance and a quick prayer. A heavy downpour began as the prayer commenced, but people stayed intact. Afterwards, the Move America Forward crew urged everyone to file towards the restaurant’s overhang to say a few words.

Among the speakers were Blue Star mom Deborah Johns and Gold Star mom Debra Argel-Bastian, who spoke emphatically about the need to support our troops. 

The military moms were in sync in saying that, “Our military are counting on us” and that they need funding.

In countering the liberal media’s lies, Deborah Lee said that her son, who served as a Navy seal, wants everyone to know of the Iraqi people, ”they want us there.”

After the speeches, flags were collected from attendees to go with the caravan to D.C. to be flown during the Gathering of Eagles rally, placed at the Vietnam Memorial, and given to military families.

Then everyone headed inside Coletta’s for some Italian food.  It was a great time meeting and talking with those who had joined along the way and was in full support of the mission to D.C., which was to ultimately uplift the troops and to tell them that their job is not in vain. 

Our troops are watching all that is occurring back home, so let’s not disappoint them. If we should lend an ear to anyone, it should be the family members of the fallen and our troops serving.  In this case, the mothers of the fallen (other than Cindy Sheehan) DESERVE to be heard! 

Despite the rain, approximately 70 people showed for the Memphis rally. 

The Memphis rally and the D.C. Gathering of Eagles pro-troops rally was peaceful unlike recent protests from the anti-war crowd.

Blog sites like Littlegreenfootballs.com are abuzz with news of an anti-war rally in Portland, OR in which protesters burned an American Flag and an American Soldier in effigy! That’s NOT what I’d call supporting the troops ( http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=24853_Leftists_Supporting_the_Troops&only )!

Those who supported and attended the Gathering of Eagles pro-troop rally, the ordinary Americans are the true patriots who stand behind our troops 100%. Others who rant on the anti-war crowd side like to cause trouble, and many of them do not like this country. They do not like our troops.

Anti-war protesters are also very good at vandalizing, defacing, and resorting to violence when they do not get their way… as in another case of a window that was destroyed in the building of an Army Recruiting office in Milwaukee ( http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/6585292.html ).

I don’t need to say more. It’s enough to make one vomit considering the sacrifices our military men and women have had to endure just so that we have the freedom to assemble and voice our opinions.

But in staying positive, I want to say, proud Americans stood at the Vietnam Memorial and at various Memorials in D.C. with American flags and in silence, stood by their fallen comrades. In that, they sent a loud message, they accomplished their goal! 

The Eagles, America’s patriotic, will not hesitate to come together and make their petition for the respect of our military if needed. And March 17th will not be the last time!

Important Links:

Pictures from the Move America Forward caravan stop in Memphis, TN (scroll down):

http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/benamon/070322

Photo of a fraction of the Gathering of Eagles Group in D.C.:

http://gatheringofeagles.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/goe-rally.jpg

Gathering of Eagles website:

www.gatheringofeagles.org

Move America Forward website:

www.moveamericaforward.org

Rolling Thunder National Organization Headquarters website:

http://rollingthunder1.com/  

Berlin Residents to protect monuments:

http://www.newbritainherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18087941&BRD=1641&PAG=461&dept_id=572377&rfi=6

Other Links:

Sponsors of the Move America Forward rally in Memphis:

Rolling Thunder Chapter V Motorcycle Group:

www.rollingthundertnv.com

Coletta’s Italian Restaurant:

www.colettasrestaurant.com

Mid-South Patriot:

www.freewebs.com/midsouth-patriot

*Felicia (Fee) Benamon is a political columnist who writes for various conservative sites including RenewAmerica.us, Michnews.com, Daley-Times Post, Renaissance Women ( http://www.r