If you can't win, cancel!

Siji · Post by **Siji** » July 12, 2004, 10:58 am

What do you do when your approval rating is in the shitter and your trailing in the polls and are afraid you won't be re-elected? You come up with a way to simply cancel the election as a whole! Fear is a wonderful thing..

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5411741/site/newsweek/

July 19 issue - American counterterrorism officials, citing what they call "alarming" intelligence about a possible Qaeda strike inside the United States this fall, are reviewing a proposal that could allow for the postponement of the November presidential election in the event of such an attack, NEWSWEEK has learned.

The prospect that Al Qaeda might seek to disrupt the U.S. election was a major factor behind last week's terror warning by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. Ridge and other counterterrorism officials concede they have no intel about any specific plots. But the success of March's Madrid railway bombings in influencing the Spanish elections—as well as intercepted "chatter" among Qaeda operatives—has led analysts to conclude "they want to interfere with the elections," says one official.

As a result, sources tell NEWSWEEK, Ridge's department last week asked the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel to analyze what legal steps would be needed to permit the postponement of the election were an attack to take place. Justice was specifically asked to review a recent letter to Ridge from DeForest B. Soaries Jr., chairman of the newly created U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Soaries noted that, while a primary election in New York on September 11, 2001, was quickly suspended by that state's Board of Elections after the attacks that morning, "the federal government has no agency that has the statutory authority to cancel and reschedule a federal election." Soaries, a Bush appointee who two years ago was an unsuccessful GOP candidate for Congress, wants Ridge to seek emergency legislation from Congress empowering his agency to make such a call. Homeland officials say that as drastic as such proposals sound, they are taking them seriously—along with other possible contingency plans in the event of an election-eve or Election Day attack. "We are reviewing the issue to determine what steps need to be taken to secure the election," says Brian Roehrkasse, a Homeland spokesman.

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » July 12, 2004, 11:35 am

Or, scare people enough, that turnout is so shitty that perhaps you will have a chance...

masteen · Post by **masteen** » July 12, 2004, 12:00 pm

King Rummy is coming. All infidels shall burn in the holy American fire of his reign!

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » July 12, 2004, 12:02 pm

Or they are doing the job they were hired to do. They are trying to account for as many obstacles as possible. Let them do their job. Maybe they know what they are doing a smidge more than you do.

Kguku · Post by **Kguku** » July 12, 2004, 12:12 pm

Considering ample time is required to announce the election yadda yadda, postponing it will achieve what exactly? If there was / is a 'terrorist plot' to interrupt the elections in some way shape or form, I'm sure they would not have much of an issue of postponing their plans.

Krimson Klaw · Post by **Krimson Klaw** » July 12, 2004, 12:13 pm

Anyone else reminded of how the Emperor came into power? Damn Sith.

Trek · Post by **Trek** » July 12, 2004, 12:41 pm

I would guess this is horse shit, Al Qaeda could really use an election in this country right about now.

Thess · Post by **Thess** » July 12, 2004, 12:50 pm

Trek wrote:I would guess this is horse shit, Al Qaeda could really use an election in this country right about now.

Why is this horseshit?

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » July 12, 2004, 12:50 pm

Sounds like the way they are using terror threats and the threat meter (elevated atm isn't it?) to put a scare in the population. Just like how they use the "We have avoided hundreds of terror attempts" crap to build support.

Really pathetic imho.

Edit: Besides, wouldn't that be letting the terrorists win?

Siji · Post by **Siji** » July 12, 2004, 1:10 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:Maybe they know what they are doing a smidge more than you do.

When that's been proven, get back to us. Actually don't. Just go away.

Dregor Thule · Post by **Dregor Thule** » July 12, 2004, 1:14 pm

Krimson Klaw wrote:Anyone else reminded of how the Emperor came into power? Damn Sith.

Quick Midnyte, use the Chewbacca defense!

RAAAAWWWWWRGGGGHHHHH!!!

noel · Post by **noel** » July 12, 2004, 1:24 pm

Darth Rumsfield and Darth Bush?

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » July 12, 2004, 1:39 pm

Siji wrote:
Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:Maybe they know what they are doing a smidge more than you do.
When that's been proven, get back to us. Actually don't. Just go away.

You just want him to go away because you are powerless against his overly powerful arguments. Bow, infidel!

Trek · Post by **Trek** » July 12, 2004, 1:40 pm

Thess wrote:
Trek wrote:I would guess this is horse shit, Al Qaeda could really use an election in this country right about now.
Why is this horseshit?

You really think Al Qaeda wants to stop this election?

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » July 12, 2004, 1:48 pm

Well they want Bush to win the election heh.. and of course having the election cancelled or postponed gives them a victory.

Trek · Post by **Trek** » July 12, 2004, 1:55 pm

Kelshara wrote:Well they want Bush to win the election heh.. and of course having the election cancelled or postponed gives them a victory.

I disagree, they would be much more active in the US if they really wanted Bush to win

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » July 12, 2004, 2:00 pm

How many districts are there? They're going to take them all out simultaneously or something?

I fear not for my life for the senior citizens that run nearly every poll station shall STAND UP TO THEM!!

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » July 12, 2004, 2:01 pm

Kelshara wrote:Well they want Bush to win the election heh.. and of course having the election cancelled or postponed gives them a victory.

Terrorism has a much better chance to prosper under a lax government, ie Kerry/Edwards or before them Clinton/Gore. Tell me you really don't believe they would prefer having a man like Bush as president where he actually challenges them? Damn some of you people really suck up the rhetoric and don't do any thinking for yourselves at all.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » July 12, 2004, 2:03 pm

The day someone can't just walk on the subway and blow it up as you write your your little simpleton post is the day I feel even remotely safe from the measures our current fool of a president has undertaken.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » July 12, 2004, 2:06 pm

Well let's see what Bush has done so far:
- Taken away personal freedoms (wine one for terrorists)
- Taken out one of their enemies (win two for terrorists)
- Caused a major uprise in recruitment (win three for terrorists)
- Played on fear (threat baromether and warnings) which causes fear in the population.. and you are a perfect example (win four for the terrorists)
- Caused a LOT of media attention for ther cause (win five for the terrorists)

I am sure I can give you more as well but well.. to finish off in typical you style: "Damn some of you people really suck up everything the government says and dont' do any thinking of yourself at all".

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » July 12, 2004, 2:07 pm

Chidoro wrote:The day someone can't just walk on the subway and blow it up as you write your your little simpleton post is the day I feel even remotely safe from the measures our current fool of a president has undertaken.

Wake up Chidoro. Wake up. Stop living in a dream world. We will never be 100% safe. EVER!!!!!

All you can do is try to prevent as much as humanly possible.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 12, 2004, 2:12 pm

WWII was not so long ago... It would be really easy to swap Bush's name for someone elses, and be dead on.

Kelshara wrote:Well let's see what Bush has done so far:
- Taken away personal freedoms (win one for terrorists)
- Taken out one of their enemies (win two for terrorists)
- Caused a major uprise in recruitment (win three for terrorists)
- Played on fear (threat baromether and warnings) which causes fear in the population.. and you are a perfect example (win four for the terrorists)
- Caused a LOT of media attention for there cause (win five for the terrorists)

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » July 12, 2004, 2:13 pm

I'll hail Bush, first emperor of the United States. The power to postpone elections makes my nervis huge. It has big time potential to be abused. Lets see...November election postponed...next available voting date: Nov 2008.

If something like this is done, there needs to be very specific wording so the election isn't delayed more than 30 days.

I'd hate to see this abused in the future by a democrat president!

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » July 12, 2004, 2:16 pm

Wait wait wait! You say Clinton/gore would have done nothing and kerry/edwards would do nothing cause they are "lax"???

You mean, like when Dubya did nothing when he received reports saying Osama WAS going to attack the US?? (see Dr. Condoleezza Rice) Just like that, right? The same "NOTHING" your god didn't do while in office.

Any president would have gone to afganistan afterwards...knee jerk reaction that all politicians did after 9/11.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » July 12, 2004, 2:18 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:Tell me you really don't believe they would prefer having a man like Bush as president where he actually challenges them?

I reiterate, I am no more safe under Bush than the others whom you claim to be lackadaisical.

All you can do is try to prevent as much as humanly possible.

There are a hundred different ways to do that from what Bush is doing and all of them would be better. So again, the irony of you telling me to wake up exceeds even your own record of continuous stupidity on the issue.

Deward · Post by **Deward** » July 12, 2004, 2:56 pm

Who's to say Al Qaeda would actually attack. I wouldn't put it past Bush or one of his cronies to fake an attack and make it look like AQ was responsible. Delaying the election is just one step closer to dictatorship or dissolution of Congress.

The reason why there haven't been more terror attacks in my opinion is because having a lot of random attacks lessens the impact of those attacks on our psyche. Look at Israel, they have a bombing every day and it doesn't do squat for them over there. A smart organization will have one big attack every few years to keep us from getting complacent.

Post by **Xouqoa** » July 12, 2004, 3:20 pm

noel wrote:Darth Rumsfield and Darth Bush?

I think it would actually be Lord Bush and Darth Rumsfeld.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 12, 2004, 3:26 pm

I could totally Star Wars geek out and explain it to you but I will spare you!

Drasta · Post by **Drasta** » July 12, 2004, 3:33 pm

why the hell would they attack during election when they want bush outta office? now shooting bush would prolly be more of their thing

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » July 12, 2004, 3:35 pm

Having Bush in office increases their numbers, think about it

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » July 12, 2004, 3:40 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Kelshara wrote:Well they want Bush to win the election heh.. and of course having the election cancelled or postponed gives them a victory.
Terrorism has a much better chance to prosper under a lax government, ie Kerry/Edwards or before them Clinton/Gore. Tell me you really don't believe they would prefer having a man like Bush as president where he actually challenges them? Damn some of you people really suck up the rhetoric and don't do any thinking for yourselves at all.

As a matter of fact, an AQ official publicly stated he would rather see Bush win the election then anyone else. This is due to the fact that Bush fuels foreghn hate for America (undisputeable) and foreghn hate for america is a great recruiting tool for AQ (undisputeable)

Conservatives and blind Bush supporters try to see things in black and white, thats why there always fucking wrong

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » July 12, 2004, 3:42 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Chidoro wrote:The day someone can't just walk on the subway and blow it up as you write your your little simpleton post is the day I feel even remotely safe from the measures our current fool of a president has undertaken.
Wake up Chidoro. Wake up. Stop living in a dream world. We will never be 100% safe. EVER!!!!!

All you can do is try to prevent as much as humanly possible.

Ever see that movie Equilibrium Midnyte?, im sure that society (grameteron?) started with measures similar to the patriot act

Kaldaur · Post by **Kaldaur** » July 12, 2004, 4:15 pm

I love that movie. The similarities to 1984 are astounding, as in current real life events. 2+2=5+Pleasedon'tletBushwinotherwiseI'llruntoSweden.

Karae · Post by **Karae** » July 12, 2004, 4:43 pm

Trek wrote:I would guess this is horse shit, Al Qaeda could really use an election in this country right about now.

I agree, clearly this is a plot to extend Bush's power indefinitely (read: dictatorship). It comes to my mind that this is almost *exactly* how Hitler came to power. (Yes, another Hitler comparison).

I can't believe this would ever happen, but it's quite a frightening thought. Personally, I'll be moving if it does.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » July 12, 2004, 4:50 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Kelshara wrote:Well they want Bush to win the election heh.. and of course having the election cancelled or postponed gives them a victory.
Terrorism has a much better chance to prosper under a lax government, ie Kerry/Edwards or before them Clinton/Gore.

Al Queda terrorist attacks under Clinton/Gore: USS Cole (ship minorly damaged), some military base (4 dead, minor damage).

Al Queda terrorist attacks under Bush/Cheney: World Trade Center (both towers destroyed, 3000 killed, 100's of billions in damage and 1000's of billions in economic losses), Bali (700 killed), Madrid (thousands killed, transit sytem severly damaged), Saudi Arabia (three times), Iraq (soldiers and civilians beheaded).

what?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » July 12, 2004, 4:54 pm

Karae wrote:
I can't believe this would ever happen, but it's quite a frightening thought. Personally, I'll be moving if it does.

Move to where? Who's going to stop an out of control Dictator led U.S. from taking over the world with alien technology!

You can't hide by moving to another country like you can hide from patching IE by running to a little used browser to temporarily avoid a problem.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » July 12, 2004, 4:54 pm

kyoukan wrote:
Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Kelshara wrote:Well they want Bush to win the election heh.. and of course having the election cancelled or postponed gives them a victory.
Terrorism has a much better chance to prosper under a lax government, ie Kerry/Edwards or before them Clinton/Gore.
Al Queda terrorist attacks under Clinton/Gore: USS Cole (ship minorly damaged), some military base (4 dead, minor damage).

Al Queda terrorist attacks under Bush/Cheney: World Trade Center (both towers destroyed, 3000 killed, 100's of billions in damage and 1000's of billions in economic losses), Bali (700 killed), Madrid (thousands killed, transit sytem severly damaged), Saudi Arabia (three times), Iraq (soldiers and civilians beheaded).

what?

How did they get that strong, Miss Shortsighted? Overnight? LOL

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » July 12, 2004, 4:57 pm

The planning for the AQ strike on the towers was going on during the entire Clinton administration...including the training in flight schools for their pilot operatives.

So I guess Osama was clair-fucking-voyant enough to know GW Bush was winning the election years after he started planning.

I sure as fuck hope they find him alive so I can get some winning lottery numbers from him.

Xanastik Fox · Post by **Xanastik Fox** » July 12, 2004, 5:06 pm

Midnyte wrote:How did they get that strong, Miss Shortsighted? Overnight? LOL

If you call flying an airplane into a building strong, you really are FUBAR.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » July 12, 2004, 5:14 pm

Kilmoll the Sexy wrote:The planning for the AQ strike on the towers was going on during the entire Clinton administration...including the training in flight schools for their pilot operatives.

So I guess Osama was clair-fucking-voyant enough to know GW Bush was winning the election years after he started planning.

I sure as fuck hope they find him alive so I can get some winning lottery numbers from him.

Kilmoll, I want your honest opinion, are there more people willing to do these sorts of attacks now that Bush has done the things he has or less... seriously which do you think?

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » July 12, 2004, 5:22 pm

Xanastik Fox wrote:
Midnyte wrote:How did they get that strong, Miss Shortsighted? Overnight? LOL
If you call flying an airplane into a building strong, you really are FUBAR.

It took a lot of planning and organizing and brainwashing. Use your head a little.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » July 12, 2004, 5:51 pm

Winnow wrote:Move to where? Who's going to stop an out of control Dictator led U.S. from taking over the world with alien technology!

You can't hide by moving to another country like you can hide from patching IE by running to a little used browser to temporarily avoid a problem.

Great, so we got one guy here that defends the actions of the most corrupt admin since The Gipper himself via little interjects that are, neither, funny, nor relevant to the discussion in any way shape or form (nor have they ever been for that matter). And we got the other guy here who tries to justify the actions of everything which is "un-american" yet is unable to comprehend what is truly great about this country because Bumblefuck, PA is the capital of the world in his eyes. Regardless, he tries to function a computer to dispute others he knows are far more learned and brighter than himself yet, somehow, has the cohones to think that it's the brighter folks whom are in the dark.

Real cute to say the least.

Your whole brainwashing angle transcends irony

Skogen · Post by **Skogen** » July 12, 2004, 5:54 pm

I stll dont agree with this "huge amount of planning" hogwash that supposedly went into attacking the twin towers. All you need is a group of dedicated terrorists who would love nothing more than to martyr his/herself by killing thousands of Americans (yeah, thats difficult) Get them into the states to train at a flight school (the most difficult part....but back then immigration was not nearly as tightly controlled as it is now, and even now its a cluster-fuck). After that, just get a fucking flight schedule, and sit down, pick the flights & teams, then do it. The fact that they actually pulled it off after take off has to do with being dedicated, keeping their heads, and blind luck.

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » July 12, 2004, 5:58 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Xanastik Fox wrote:
Midnyte wrote:How did they get that strong, Miss Shortsighted? Overnight? LOL
If you call flying an airplane into a building strong, you really are FUBAR.
It took a lot of planning and organizing and brainwashing. Use your head a little.

Oh, you mean in the same manner the GOP has brainwashed you?

masteen · Post by **masteen** » July 12, 2004, 5:58 pm

Bumblefuck, PA is a nice town!

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » July 12, 2004, 6:02 pm

Karae wrote:
Trek wrote:I would guess this is horse shit, Al Qaeda could really use an election in this country right about now.
I agree, clearly this is a plot to extend Bush's power indefinitely (read: dictatorship). It comes to my mind that this is almost *exactly* how Hitler came to power. (Yes, another Hitler comparison).

I can't believe this would ever happen, but it's quite a frightening thought. Personally, I'll be moving if it does.

Please Happen Please happen

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » July 12, 2004, 6:05 pm

Karae wrote:
Trek wrote:I would guess this is horse shit, Al Qaeda could really use an election in this country right about now.
I agree, clearly this is a plot to extend Bush's power indefinitely (read: dictatorship). It comes to my mind that this is almost *exactly* how Hitler came to power. (Yes, another Hitler comparison).

I can't believe this would ever happen, but it's quite a frightening thought. Personally, I'll be moving if it does.

so will i

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » July 12, 2004, 6:06 pm

kyoukan wrote:
Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Kelshara wrote:Well they want Bush to win the election heh.. and of course having the election cancelled or postponed gives them a victory.
Terrorism has a much better chance to prosper under a lax government, ie Kerry/Edwards or before them Clinton/Gore.
Al Queda terrorist attacks under Clinton/Gore: USS Cole (ship minorly damaged), some military base (4 dead, minor damage).

Al Queda terrorist attacks under Bush/Cheney: World Trade Center (both towers destroyed, 3000 killed, 100's of billions in damage and 1000's of billions in economic losses), Bali (700 killed), Madrid (thousands killed, transit sytem severly damaged), Saudi Arabia (three times), Iraq (soldiers and civilians beheaded).

what?

Oh you mean the Afghan civilians that were killed in the soccer stadium does not count or the 100's of thousands civilians killed by Sadaam?

Those were done during Clintons term. But maybe becuase there skin is brown you dont care?

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » July 12, 2004, 6:08 pm

Xzion wrote:
Karae wrote:
Trek wrote:I would guess this is horse shit, Al Qaeda could really use an election in this country right about now.
I agree, clearly this is a plot to extend Bush's power indefinitely (read: dictatorship). It comes to my mind that this is almost *exactly* how Hitler came to power. (Yes, another Hitler comparison).

I can't believe this would ever happen, but it's quite a frightening thought. Personally, I'll be moving if it does.
so will i

Dont forget to renounce your citizenship on the way out.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » July 12, 2004, 6:14 pm

Chidoro wrote:
Winnow wrote:Move to where? Who's going to stop an out of control Dictator led U.S. from taking over the world with alien technology!

You can't hide by moving to another country like you can hide from patching IE by running to a little used browser to temporarily avoid a problem.
Great, so we got one guy here that defends the actions of the most corrupt admin since The Gipper himself via little interjects that are, neither, funny, nor relevant to the discussion in any way shape or form (nor have they ever been for that matter). And we got the other guy here who tries to justify the actions of everything which is "un-american" yet is unable to comprehend what is truly great about this country because Bumblefuck, PA is the capital of the world in his eyes. Regardless, he tries to function a computer to dispute others he knows are far more learned and brighter than himself yet, somehow, has the cohones to think that it's the brighter folks whom are in the dark.

Real cute to say the least.

Your whole brainwashing angle transcends irony

I like to kill two birds with one stone.

As for the conspiracy babble, I play along with all of the freaks that think Bush has Bin Ladin already, is planning to plow up someting on US soil in order to cause panic and win the election, has orgies with Saudi men, is going to delay the elections on purpose, and so on, and so on. It's either laugh or cry and I smile too much to cry.