Mixed Messages

It is a day of lists. Bush released a really informative list of 10 major terror plots that he's been able to prevent, including a 2002 plot to attack LA. While those disrupted plans leave something to be missed in terms of informative detail, Bush recently released another list.

In line with his new budget recommendations, Bush is requesting cuts to over 100 domestic programs that should be "eliminated and/or trimmed back" to bring his skyrocketing expenditures back to earth. Among the programs The Administration admits aren't performing and should be eliminated [and/or trimmed back]:

• Dept of Homeland Security Border Patrol
• Dept of Homeland Security Coast Guard: Aids to Navigation
• Dept of Homeland Security Coast Guard: Drug Interdiction
• Dept of Homeland Security Coast Guard: Polar Icebreaking Program
• Dept of Homeland Security Coast Guard: Search and Rescue
• Dept of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Automation Modernization Program
• Dept of Homeland Security Preparedness -- Grants and Training Office Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
• Dept of Homeland Security Preparedness -- Grants and Training Office State Homeland Security Grants Dept of Homeland Security Preparedness -- Infrastructure Protection Cyber Security
• Dept of Homeland Security Science and Technology: Threat and Vulnerability, Testing and Assessment
• Dept of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration: Air Cargo Security Programs
• Dept of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration: Aviation Regulation and Enforcement
• Dept of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration: Baggage Screening Technology
• Dept of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration: Federal Air Marshal Service
• Dept of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration: Flight Crew Training
• Dept of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration: Passenger Screening Technology
• Dept of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration: Screener Workforce

ACK!

Dear lord! Thank God for illegal wiretapping! Because if these guys don't catch these terrrist plots early, and the terrists make it anywhere outside of their homes and/or prisons, then we're totally doomed!

So when I look at these lists, I can't help but wonder: what am I supposed to believe? They're telling me they're protecting me, and they're telling me they can't protect me. Crikey!