Diary: Republicans Continue To Exploit 9/11 As Acid Test on Patriotism

Last week we learned the FBI shut down its Bin Laden Unit months ago due to absence of any direct evidence linking Osama to the 9/11 attacks. The FBI/bin Laden item was ignored by the MSM while it pandered in turn to Republicans conducting a propaganda blitz about Democrats who only want to "cut and run." The MSM also went quite heavily for a supposed new tape from Osama begging the American people to vote Republican in the fall. Scoop Outgoing News -- based in New Zealand -- issued a couple of posts Tuesday (7/3)on its "Unanswered Questions Wire": You can view them at: 1) GOP Iraq Debate Memo - Use 9/11 [In Adobe Format] http://images1.americanprogress.org/il80web20037/thinkprogress/2006/boehnermemo.pdf 2)Reuters Reports On 9/11 LA Conference http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=worldnews&storyid=2006-06-25t204155z_01_nootr_rtrjonc_0_india-256711-1.xml Republicans continue to exploit 9/11 with the same old "Saddam Did It" and "Fight Them over There -- Not Here" dementia. GOP leadership continues to think that Americans are not only stupid but suffer from Alzheimer's Disease as well. The podium parade of GOP House members with diatribes of "Americaner Than Thou" was served up in the form of a debate on a non-binding "Iraq Resolution" -- supposedly to "re-commit" America's efforts to win the Iraq War. The effort was also inteneded to brand anyone who opposes them as terrorist sympathizers. It was truly sickening to watch. At the same time, Republicans continue to distance themselves from issues concerning the 9/11 Investigation that ever more increasingly implicate that neo-conservative leadership was as -- at minimum -- complicit in the attacks themselves. Might be a good time to send your Congressman an e-mail or fax to let him or her know that you're tired of this charade. The same "Fight Terrorism Over There Rather Than Here" issue is on the House agenda for tomorrow. If your Congressman is a Republican -- you might also want to inclue a copy of the Majority Leader's tactical memorandum he no doubt received. There is one more good reason to write your Congressman. The FBI continues to lose senior administration and agents who want to clean up the FBI and restore lost manpower so that its performance vis a vis 9/11 can't be scapegoated again. The Bush Administration has increased efforts to promote from both within and without the FBI favoring neo-con ideologues over more qualified personnel. This will not stop unless Congress orders a review of staffing problems resulting from continued politicization of the FBI.