By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
The tough task of protecting Barack Obama from being assassinated has become one of this nation's top priorities.
The obvious reasons: He's our first black president and he's the kind of charismatic leader Americans need at a time of financial turbulence.
The topic suddenly is all around us:
-- The Secret Service soon will officially unveil the fully protected limousine that Obama will drive around in once he becomes president on Jan. 20.
-- The Secret Service is working with authorities to make sure Obama is protected on his proposed whistle-stop train ride from Philadelphia to Washington on Jan. 17. Some environmental groups wrongly oppose the trip, saying it could be too dangerous if terrorists somehow release a chemical attack along the route. That's far-fetched.
-- A recent U.S. intelligence report predictably said the inauguration was a logical target for terrorists.
The report stated that the event was particularly a symbolic event, partly because of "the historic significance of the nation's first minority President."
The safety of the President of the United States is always a concern. But in 2009 it has taken on even greater importance for all Americans.
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One more reason
The killing of a political leader is a horrendous crime and I agree that all effort should be made to protect Obama for all the reasons stated plus one. If we lose him we will get the biggest jackass in the country for a President. And don't forget Hillary is fourth in line.
A rundown
Mary Sanchez said he has that "rock star gleam".
Barb Shelly said he had "unique talents".
Yael says he is a "charismatic leader".
Interface cuts and pastes the same campaign written biography that omits relevant facts.
Not a lot of substance from the KC Star Editorial Board when it comes to Obama. Laura Scott never wrote an "Obama is AWESOME" column--she has since been laid off.
Yeah, I would say it pretty easy to see how at least one newspaper will deal with Obama.
Darby
I kinda like your cynic knome. The media seems to think that charisma is one of the most important qualities of a politician. Charisma is fine if there is substance. We don't know if there will be any substance or not, but they seem to think that charisma alone will get us to the promised land. Don't get me wrong, I want Obama to do well. If he did well, hell I'd vote for him in 4 years. I'm just sick of the media & his supporters. This guy is not a god, and he will make mistakes. I hope the media and his supporters will be able to recognize them and call him on them. But my fear is that they won't, and when the conservatives call him on the mistakes, they will dig in and see it as only political.
the cleanup job awaits
On that thought, man- we're screwed.
Just 10 more days of him and we can move on to a better, and hopefully, wiser choice.
We do not need a charasmatic
We do not need a charasmatic leader at these times, we need one who either has experience and wisdom or at very least will listen to someone who does in the White House.
On that thought, man- we're screwed.
Sorry the little cynic knome in me just had a blurb. It won't happen again, I promise. =P
Assessment
A report by an assessment group was very interesting in taking the position that the greater threat to the President-Elect was on the campaign trail and now that he will be on the Secret Services' home turf (during the inauguration)- it will be less problematic.
They did note concerns with the train ride, soft targets away from him (with the crowds), and the many balls that night.
Another interesting note was the position of some White-Supremacy Groups: those who thought his presidency would drive more people their way and thus that he didn't need to be targeted.
- Grant Martin