February 23, 2008What the heck is the Secret Service thinking?Today's political dispatch comes from Dallas. Now, I don't know about you, but that unnerves me for a number of reasons. First, Barack was given Secret Service protection in May, earlier than any other presidential candidate because of death threats. At least one federal official in the know said some of the threats had racial overtones. Second, I read about the Texas security lapse moments after reading an Associated Press story about the hushed worry among blacks that the first serious black presidential contender could be assassinated. Some people are so freaked they plan not to vote for Obama out of concern for his personal safety. (That's a cop-out, but it's out there.) For historical reasons, you also would think the Secret Service would be particularly gun-shy about letting their guard down in Dallas. Furthermore, I have some trepidation about my industry reporting such a lapse. This doesn't rise to the same level of a national security matter, but if definitely merited some serious discussion in the newsroom. I understand that political candidates by nature of seeking to get elected open themselves up to security exposure. There's already enough evil or mental instability lurking out there in people looking to make a name for themselves. It doesn't need the Secret Service's help in making the job easier. s |
About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
.....Advertisement.....
|
...Advertisement...
...Advertisement...
Comments
[February 23, 2008 6:51 PM]
Ed S.I'm sure Obama would play this politically, thank supporters for their concern, and find some kind reassuring words to the effect that he's not worried or it's important...
I'm not Obama fan, but let's just say what has to be said. Get real, people. Time to come out of your padded room and start living. It is thought like this that allows crime to linger in "bad areas" (because people are too afraid to take control of their neighborhood). Others become victims because they're too afraid to look others in the eyes, and lose awareness of their surroundings.
If you're an Obama supporter but pull your support because you're afraid for him, then you need to go shop at the "big boy" section or not bother leaving your house to vote. Ever.
Martin Luther King, Jr. had some "cahones". Unfortunately some people heard the part of his word about equality, but missed an almost just-as-important part about standing up for what is right. See also: Rosa Parks.
Back to the original subject, who gave the order to start letting people through? It very well may have come from Obama's campaign or the man himself.
Hi, Ed: Fort-Worth Star Telegram said the order came down from the SS. Local Dallas police were not happy with the decision. I think you raise a valid point that it could have come from the man, but honestly, I doubt he gets involved in the detail at that level. It's possible, though.---s
[February 24, 2008 12:54 PM]
ByronI can't decide which is more outrageous, the lack of security for Senator Obama or the Secret Service defending the decision and claiming there was no lapse in security at all.
I strongly disagree with your statement that this is not a national security matter. When security by the Secret Service is called into question regarding the security of a Presidential candidate, doesn't it question how well the President is protected?
The Secret Service has a very tough job and no margin for error, but I think the decisions made at the Dallas rally deserve scrutiny.
[February 24, 2008 4:25 PM]
GoldenwillowOh my God! In Dallas!
I panicked when I watched the televised rally in California when Stevie Wonder accidently slipped and Michelle Obama fell getting onto the stage. I instantly thought the unspeakable.
Now, the media has made the lapse in Dallas known to anyone thinking about the unspeakable, or anyone not thinking about it who may now get the idea . . .
Any person involved in the appalling decision to suspend safety checks in Dallas (or anywhere else) should be fired. Immediately. No excuses acceptable. It is inexcusable not to follow all safety procedures to the letter. How could this decision happen? What other chances are being taken? The secret service should be looking for ways to continually improve rather than take unnecessary chances. What have we learned from the past and from the craziness that has reached peak levels today?
I have a dear friend who is so worried about the unspeakable happening that she will not vote for OBama. She believes he can better serve and more safely serve our country in other arenas. To this, I have answered that we have American troops, our sons and daughters, walking into known and unknown battles, who are in harms way day and night without secret service protection. Their lives are no less valuable. We need brave, strong, able and motivating leaders like Obama who are willing to become President for the good of our country. Our country needs to give them the best protection possible. For them and for ourselves. Dear God, please hear our prayers.
[February 24, 2008 4:31 PM]
GoldenwillowPS:
I completely agree with Byron. Protecting the President and the safety of candidates running for the office is a national security matter.
I hope this will receive tough scrutiny and not be blasted all over the airwaves.
[February 26, 2008 7:03 PM]
AntonioHallo,
my name is Antonio and I write from Italy.
In my opinion, if Obama will touch some interests like the ones that your weapon-pharma-oil companies have, they (CIA + these people) will kill him immediately as they did with JFK and RFK.
If Obama will try to realize his electoral campaign, there are no chance for him to survive. The interests you have over there are enormous,..and nobody can stop, a part if he decide not to pursue his plan...
Best regards,
Antonio
[February 28, 2008 8:39 AM]
BacklashWhat the Secret Service agents was doing? A tough job, as the likely hood of a Minority candidate for President the threats of death must have increased significantly.
Considering Hillary Clinton made an agent that was directly protecting her early in her bid for Presidency to go back to the limo she was in and get her note pad, when he refused she convinced him to leave her side and get the notebook.
Acts like this make you wonder about integrity and what's more important the life of a nation or mere words.
[March 3, 2008 2:10 PM]
LeoDo you people know that this is normal when it comes to campaigns? Do you honestly believe that the secret service would make something like this happen without thinking it out? You are all now labeled conspiracy theorists... good job