Touting his own record, Kerry takes new tack against Bush, Dean

Casting himself as the only Democrat with the national security expertise to beat a wartime incumbent president, Senator John F. Kerry unveiled a new political message last night accusing President Bush of giving Americans "a raw deal," and implicitly deriding his front-running rival, Howard Dean, as the candidate of "anger" and "slogans."

Kerry, speaking before 8,000 Iowa Democrats likely to vote in the first caucuses on Jan. 19, did not assail Dean by name. But he cast the former Vermont governor as a protest candidate whose antiwar message did not reflect the vision of Kerry's Democratic heroes, presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and Clinton.

"They offered hope and leadership and vision, and that's what we need to offer to the country next year," Kerry said last night at the annual Jefferson-Jackson party dinner. "We need to offer answers, not just anger. We need to offer solutions, not just slogans. So Iowa, don't just send them a message next January -- send them a president. We need somebody who can do the job."

<snip>

Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, argued that the Iraq war was the result of Bush's inexperience in foreign affairs and suggested that Dean, with no background in Washington or world affairs, could not credibly challenge Bush's stewardship.

"If George Bush wants to make national security the issue of this campaign, then I have three words for him that I know he'll understand: Bring it on," Kerry said.

<snip>

Earlier, after playing hockey with firefighters who have endorsed him, Kerry argued that he, not Dean, offered the best hope to Democrats of beating Bush.

"Every poll shows it -- I do better than Howard Dean against George Bush," Kerry said. "It's time for us to get serious in this party -- pick somebody who can win and take back the White House, and I'm that person."
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2003/11/16/touting_his_own_record_kerry_takes_new_tack_against_bush_dean

He will create strategies to encourage the development of new industries in areas hardest hit by manufacturing job losses, and provide education, training and health care portability for displaced workers to help them prepare for these new jobs.
http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/DocServer/Policy_-_Economy_-_Reclaiming_the_American_Dream.pdf?docID=1859

JOHN KERRY’S PLAN TO REVIVE THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR

(1) TAX BREAKS TO ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS TO STAY IN THE U.S. AND TO CREATE NEW JOBS. The Bush Administration has done nothing to end incentives that encourage manufacturers to move their jobs overseas. John Kerry believes that we should not only get rid of these incentives, but that we should give new tax breaks to companies that stay in the U.S. and create new jobs. He would:

• Stop Incentives to Move American Jobs Abroad. John Kerry will save jobs by ending the unpatriotic practice of U.S. corporations moving jobs offshore (known as inversions) to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. He also believes that these inverters should not get government contracts or any other perks or incentives from the government.

• Give Tax Breaks to Manufacturers in America. John Kerry supports efforts to promote manufacturing and provide incentives to keep manufacturing in the U.S. That’s why he supports the Crane-Rangel-Hollings legislation, which provides a corporate rate reduction to manufacturers who produce goods in the U.S.

• A New Manufacturing Jobs Credit.John Kerry has proposed a new jobs tax credit to encourage manufacturing companies to stay and expand in America. When a manufacturing company creates jobs above their 12 month employment average, the payroll taxes of the new employees will be refunded for two years.


(2) STRONG ENFORCEABLE TRADE THAT WORKS FOR AMERICA. The Bush Administration has not cracked down on countries that are avoiding trade laws or manipulating currency. President Bush has supported cutting funds for trade enforcement, despite the fact that we need more enforcement of trade laws to stop the manufacturing job drain. Some Democrats pretend that we can close our doors to the global economy. John Kerry believes we need strong leadership to assure that the global economy works for America.

• Assure Trading Partners Play by the Rules. Some nations have consistently violated agreements by the World Trade Organization. They have taken unfair actions to block U.S auto companies from selling in their markets. Many products from China are counterfeit or don’t meet industry standards. While this Administration has not used the remedies available under the World Trade Organization to crack down on these violations and help U.S industries, John Kerry would.

• Stop Countries from Manipulating Currency.China, Japan and other nations have purposely kept their currency undervalued relative to the U.S. dollar to promote exports in the United States and undermine U.S. products abroad. John Kerry believes we must use the full force of the World Trade Organization to take on countries that are manipulating their currency to undermine U.S. exports.

• Enforce and Strengthen Intellectual Property Protections. In the 21st economy, the U.S. relies more heavily on international partnerships and joint ventures. Intellectual property protections are essential in this environment so that companies can share their technology without losing control of it.

• Break Down Barriers in Key Export Markets. This Administration has done little to open key export markets in places like Japan and Korea. Some countries use non-tariff barriers, such as making it difficult to access finance or have obscure investment requirements, to undermine U.S. exports. For example, auto exports to Japan are still essentially blocked by complicated rules. John Kerry would use all the available tools, including Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, WTO remedies, and diplomatic measures to open these markets.

• Review Existing Trade Agreements. John Kerry will also order an immediate 120 day review of all existing trade agreements to ensure that our trade partners are living up to their labor and environment obligations and that trade agreements are enforceable and are balanced for America’s workers. He will consider necessary steps if they are not. And John Kerry will not sign any new trade agreements until the review is complete and its recommendations put in place. He believes all new trade agreements must have strong labor and environmental standards.

(3) ASSURE A STRONG MANUFACTURING SECTOR FOR THE FUTURE. John Kerry believes we must keep manufacturing strong, as it is one of our most productive sectors and it is critical to the U.S. economy. In fact, every $1.00 in final demand for manufacturing products creates $2.43 in output, including demand for intermediate goods and services in other sectors.

• Tax Incentives and Subsidies to Develop Energy Efficient Products: Kerry will create hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs by investing in the new energy opportunities of the future. Kerry has a plan to provide tax credits and subsidies to manufacturers to develop the next generation of automobiles and new energy efficient appliances for homes and businesses.

• Double the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). We know that the MEP helps make American manufacturers competitive. Yet this Administration has proposed to cut it nearly 90 percent. John Kerry believes we should invest in things that work, and has proposed to double funding for the MEP. John Kerry would also create Manufacturing Development Centers to help improve manufacturing. Finally, he would make it easier for small manufacturers to get loans and encourage investment by getting rid of capital gains tax for equity investments in small businesses.


• Assure Better Training and Retraining Programs for Manufacturing Workers. To keep the manufacturing sector healthy and strong, America needs a workforce with cutting edge skills, training, and knowledge. Kerry would: (1) in order to assure that are sufficient numbers of highly skilled workers, Kerry supports providing assistance for workers in declining industries to upgrade or develop necessary skills, and providing community-based grants to help train or retrain workers; (2) assure adequate Trade Adjustment Assistance to help workers transition; (3) encourage students studying engineering, computers, and other high-tech fields to work in the manufacturing sector by repaying a portion of student loans if they do; and (4) encourage better math and science instruction in our schools to assure more students have the skills to help the manufacturing sector grow.

(4) RELIEF FOR MANUFACTURERS THAT PROVIDE QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND RETIREMENT. Simply having employers absorb rising health care costs puts U.S. manufacturers at an impossible competitive disadvantage with overseas producers. General Motors estimated that as much as $1200 of each car sold goes towards health care costs and often labor negotiations are consumed by just maintaining health care coverage. John Kerry’s health care plan takes on the cost of health care by:

• Supporting a Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit That Rewards Retiree Coverage. Prescription drugs coverage consumes about 40% to 60% of the cost of retiree coverage. But under the drug benefit plan before Congress, employer coverage would not count towards the expenditures needed to reach the catastrophic cap. CBO has estimated that will cause about one-third of beneficiaries who would otherwise have coverage to lose it. John Kerry believes we need a quality affordable prescription drug benefit to relieve employers and employees from high drug costs by counting retiree coverage toward any cost-sharing.

• Controlling the Cost of Health Care - Saving Workers Up to $1,000 on Health Care.John Kerry believes that we need to stop the spiraling cost of health care to assure our employers can stay competitive in the global economy and so our families can afford health care. Four-tenths of one percent of claims accounted for nearly 20 percent of expenses private insurers. John Kerry has proposed a new 'premium rebate' pool that will give companies and insurers that guarantee a pass-through of the savings to their workers through reduced premiums, a reimbursement for 75 percent of catastrophic costs above $50,000. This would save up to $1000 for a family premium.

• Cutting Greed to Bring Down Rx Prices. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) process hundreds of millions of pharmaceutical claims per year, giving them a great deal of leverage in the market. They often get financial rebates or other savings they do not pass on to consumers. John Kerry’s plan would require transparency rules for PBMs that do business with the Federal government to clearly show what savings they are receiving from the industry and from bulk purchasing.

• Don’t Penalize Manufacturers With Pension Laws. Many manufacturers provide their employees with defined benefit pension plans – which assures workers dependable predictable income at retirement. However, under current law, manufacturers are required to set aside unrealistically high reserves to meet future obligations to their workers. These are resources that manufacturers could use to invest in new technologies, new plants, and hiring or advanced training for workers. John Kerry supports basing the law on a realistic long-term rate.
http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2003_1021.html

The Fund will be distributed to states and localities to assist communities that have been worst hit by the economic downturn. Some of the money will be used to improve homeland security by hiring and training first responders, public health personnel and security providers for critical installations and ports, and for purchasing new and improved equipment.
Other funds will be awarded to states and cities to build new or to renovate and repair their failing infrastructure, including schools, roads, rail, water, wastewater, electrical and telecommunications systems.

The Fund will be distributed to states and localities to assist communities that have been worst hit by the economic downturn. Some of the money will be used to improve homeland security by hiring and training first responders, public health personnel and security providers for critical installations and ports, and for purchasing new and improved equipment.
Other funds will be awarded to states and cities to build new or to renovate and repair their failing infrastructure, including schools, roads, rail, water, wastewater, electrical and telecommunications systems.

Under Article 6 of the FTA, the United States and Jordan reaffirm obligations under the International Labor Organization and their obligations under the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-Up.

The United States and Jordan agree to not relax domestic labor laws to encourage trade. Additionally, both countries agreed to ensure that laws for labor standards comply with international recognized labor rights. The FTA does not address any new labor laws or commitments.
http://www.jordanusfta.com/overview_labor_en.asp


Article 5 of the FTA addresses the issues of environmental laws. Seeking to protect and preserve the environment, each country affirms that neither will waiver or relax their current environmental laws. Furthermore, the country agrees to “provide for high level of environmental protection and to strive to continue to improve“ their environmental laws.

The United States and Jordan also issued a Joint Statement on Environmental Technical Cooperation. Under the memorandum, the United States and Jordan will establish a Joint Forum on Environmental Technical Cooperation, which will regularly discuss environmental priorities, and to work jointly to enhance levels of environmental protection.
http://www.jordanusfta.com/overview_trade_related_environment_en.asp

The five leading Democratic presidential candidates — and home state Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (news - web sites) — top President Bush (news - web sites) in support among New York voters, according to a statewide poll released Friday.

The Quinnipiac University Polling Institute found the Republican president's approval rating at 44 percent, up slightly from 42 percent in a similar poll released early last month.

Those surveyed favored former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean over Bush, 48-44 percent; Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman over the president, 49-43 percent; Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, 50-42 percent; Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt, 49-43 percent; and Wesley Clark 47-43 percent.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/bush_new_york_poll

JOHN KERRY’S PLAN TO MAKE AMERICA STRONGER AND SAFER

(1) A NATIONAL ‘DEFEND AMERICA’ INITIATIVE. Americans showed on September 11th that they want to contribute to their communities and their country. People waited hours to donate blood or help grieving families. Yet the Bush Administration has asked little of Americans, focusing instead on giving more tax cuts for the wealthy. John Kerry believes winning the war against terrorism will require tapping the best our country has to offer and asking more of Americans. He would start by:

* Enlisting the National Guard in Homeland Security. Homeland security should be a central mission of the National Guard. Guard members should be trained to serve as personnel in the event of an attack, helping evacuate or quarantine people, assisting in medical units; and helping communities set up and execute plans.
* Expanding Americorps to Make Homeland Security a Core Mission. Since 9/11, applications to Americorps have increased by 50 percent and applications to Teach for America have tripled. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration promised to double Americorps and then stood by as Congressional Republicans cut it in half. John Kerry believes that Americorps should be doubled and its mission expanded to include homeland security. Americorps members could be trained to help in emergency medical response, community planning, and other homeland security activities.
* Creating a New Community Defense Service. This service would be comprised of hundreds of thousands of Americans in neighborhoods all over the country. Volunteer Service Captains would receive training and education to assist their communities in the event of an attack Like the Civil Defense Program that existed during World War II, service captains would act as a 21st century Neighborhood Watch. They would be trained to help identify local health professionals and experts in the area, provide information on local evacuation or quarantine plans, and stand ready to be of assistance to first defenders in the hours after an attack -- providing needed manpower to deal with the aftermath.
* Calling on the Private Sector to Help Bring Technological Innovations to the War on Terrorism. During World War II, the U.S. government brought together our greatest thinkers, scientists, academics and policymakers through the Manhattan Project to design new tools for warfare. John Kerry believes we need a similar effort to bring the advances of the 21st century to the War on Terrorism. This should include: gathering the nation’s greatest scientists to develop needed vaccines and antidotes to the biological and chemical scourges (similar to the work that is already being done to protect troops on the battlefield from biological and chemical agents); partnering with the technology community to improve detection technologies and developing and implementing new security systems to prevent tampering with goods in transit.

(2) A NEW ‘FIRST DEFENDERS’ INITIATIVE TO ASSURE LOCAL RESPONDERS ARE EQUIPPED AND READY. Too often law enforcement officers, firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are operating in a vacuum, and in many communities, are understaffed. America would not ask our military to go with inadequate staffing or equipment, and the same should hold true for domestic responders. However, again and again, the Bush Administration has turned the other way when it comes to real money for first responders. John Kerry believes first defenders should be a priority now. The First Defenders Program would do just that by:

* Assuring First Defenders Have the Gear To Do Their Jobs Safely and Effectively. Nearly four out of five mayors have reported a funding shortfall for necessary threat detection or emergency preparedness equipment. First defenders often don't have the protective gear or other emergency response equipment to help react in the critical first hours after an attack. The government should immediately fund the backlog of requests for protective gear, assuring that these resources go directly to responders, rather than trickling through the bureaucracy.
* Ending the Cop Crunch. Even before 9/11, many cities were having trouble recruiting police officers as fast as they were losing them. President Bush made this problem even worse by cutting the Federal COPs program. As a result, police officers receive fewer resources to double up on duty, doing their normal responsibilities as well as focusing on homeland security. Americans shouldn't have to face rising crime in their communities to fight the war on terrorism. John Kerry believes we should restore funding to COPS to realize its initial mission of 100,000 new police officers.
* Hiring and Equipping the Nation’s Firefighters. Today, nearly two-thirds of firehouses are understaffed, making it difficult to deal with traditional fires and medical emergencies as well as terrorism. John Kerry believes we need to create a separate fund – after a hero of September 11th, Father Mychal Judge, the chaplain of the New York City Fire Department who died delivering last rites. The Father Judge Fund would be similar to the COPS program, that goes directly to hire up to 100,000 new firefighters and to provide the equipment necessary to assure firefighters are prepared.
* Determining Basic National Standards So Every Metropolitan Area is Prepared.There are currently no common standards for what basic capabilities every major metropolitan area should have to respond to chemical, biological, and other catastrophic terrorist attacks. Kerry believes the Department of Homeland Security should work with representatives of federal, state, county and local governments; representative of health providers and first responders, and rank and file members to develop appropriate standards for preparedness in our cities and provide resources so communities can meet these goals.

(3) BRINGING 21ST CENTURY INFORMATION TECHOLOGY TO THE WAR ON TERROR. Most firefighters and local police don't have the equipment they need to communicate with each other during an attack. For example, firefighters in the World Trade Center did not have radios that worked indoors. Moreover, many local and state law enforcement agencies don't have access to critical information that would help stop terrorists. In fact, some of the terrorists on 9/11 previously had been pulled over by local law enforcement. John Kerry believes local enforcement agencies must have the information they need to fight terrorism. That includes:

* Assuring First-Responders Can Communicate in an Attack. Existing technologies must be made available to firefighters, police officers, and other first responders to communicate in an attack. The nation should also invest in technologies that make this critical communication even easier. We also need to work with the FCC to assure first defenders have access to the best wavelengths so they can communicate in an emergency.
* Sharing Information With Appropriate State and Local Officials. Appropriate state and local authorities should immediately get access to the 58 national terrorist lists and intelligence officials should work to simplify these lists. Then, as recommended by the Hart-Rudnam Commission, a 24-hour operations center should be established in each state to provide a real time intergovernmental link between local and federal law enforcement. Field-level police would contact this center to determine whether to hold or release suspects based on a check of federal databases.
* Cutting Down on False Identification. Four of the five terrorists who crashed an airliner into the Pentagon had false IDs. Attorney General Ashcroft’s solution to address identification challenges has been a wholesale assault on civil liberties. With better technology, we can replace these "big-net" tactics with smarter, more targeted efforts to identify real terrorism suspects. This includes encouraging states to modernize their driver's license and ID systems; strengthening anti-counterfeit safeguards; enabling different state motor vehicle departments to communicate about applicants using false information; and investigating phony identification traffickers.

(4) REFORMING DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. Many of the examinations of 9/11 have raised serious questions about whether the FBI is the right agency to conduct domestic intelligence collection and analysis given their fundamental mission is to catch and prosecute criminals. The Bush Administration’s proposed terrorist threat integration center, (TTIC) would not be able to do the job, given its dependence on other agencies' analysts, the bureaucratic divide created between people identifying vulnerabilities and individuals charged with eliminating those vulnerabilities, and the numerous people in charge that could complicate efforts to work with the states and local governments on information sharing. John Kerry believes that simplifying the bureaucratic charts makes more sense. America needs an independent intelligence capability that focuses explicitly on domestic intelligence.

(5) A NATIONAL HOMELAND HEALTH INITIATIVE. America’s public health system has risen to important challenges before, conquering typhoid fever, malaria, small pox, polio and other once common diseases. However, it lacks the advances necessary to detect or contain a major outbreak. There are too few medical personnel trained to spot biological attacks, a shortage of sophisticated laboratories to identify the agents and inadequate supplies of drugs and vaccines to counteract the threat. John Kerry believes we must upgrade the public health system by:

* Connecting the Nation’s Public Health Systems with a Real Time Detection System. This initiative would apply the benefits of 21st century modern technology to provide real time reporting of disease outbreaks and track and monitor health trends. Most bioterror illnesses initially look like the flu, and health professionals may not realize a trend. A new real time detection system would pool confidential patient data and pharmacy usage across the country to alert public health officials when disease is on the rise.
* Assuring Health Care Providers Are Prepared to Detect and Respond to an Attack. Today, most doctors and nurses are not adequately trained to detect many biological weapons and hospitals are not prepared to respond to a mass crisis. This initiative would provide training to health providers and assist hospitals and other providers in developing plans for a surge in patients.
* Increasing Research for Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, and Treatments. When penicilln was discovered, it was found to treat a wide range of illnesses. Later, Cipro treated a wide range of bacterial diseases, including anthrax Terrorist organizations and hostile dictators are trying to create new biological weapons that will kill us fast with designer variations on existing diseases. We need to bring together the best of the public and private sectors to develop broad-spectrum designer antidotes so that our first responders - and our population -- can be protected and treated from the widest possible range of attacks.

(6) DEFENDING OUR SKIES, SEA, AND LAND. Currently, 95% of all non-North American U.S. trade moves by sea, concentrated mostly in a handful of ports. Everyday we import millions of cargo containers, any one of which could contain deadly threats to our people such as a deadly disease secreted in a shipment of foreign fruit – radioactive material hidden in frozen seafood. If an explosive device were loaded in a container and set off in a port, its results could be catastrophic, not just in terms of the immediate loss of human life, but on the impact on global commerce. John Kerry believes improvements must be made, while recognizing that global prosperity and America’s economic power depends on an efficient system. He believes we should:

* Improve Port Security. The Maritime Transportation Act of 2002, which primarily focused on the physical security of ports, is essentially an unfunded mandate, receiving only $200-$300 million extra since 9/11. John Kerry believes we need to develop standards for security at loading facilities for containers and assure facilities can meet basic standards. He also believes America should be researching and developing containers that will be technologically transparent – capable of being inspected instantly by detection and identification equipment. Technology could also improve accuracy and timing for transmitting and sharing data about contents, location, and chain of control involving a container shipment.
* Secure Bridges and Tunnels. Only five major bridges and one tunnel link Ontario to Michigan and New York, and account for 70% of all the trade between the U.S. and Canada. To improve security on this important commerce, John Kerry believes we should accelerate the timetable for the action plans agreed to in the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico “smart border” accords. America should also work with Canada to implement adequate security measures for cross-border bridges and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel.
* Protect Private Infrastructure. At least 3/4 of the country's major infrastructure is in private hands. However, if even one large facility is hit, with a biological agent or an explosive that releases toxic fumes, thousands – even millions -- could die. The economy could also take a huge hit, as emergency measures were taken to figure out how to prevent a repeat and shut down whole industries for weeks or even months. The Bush Administration says we should leave it to big business to make these security improvements themselves, even though they are unlikely to make real changes. Others might want to mandate protective measures with an expensive one-size-fits-all Federal solution. John Kerry believes should work to develop modest, minimal safety standards for certain kinds of industry and infrastructure, look at requiring private terrorism insurance, and helping owners find economical ways to improved security.
http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/homeland/

"We must give the nation's first defenders and responders the resources and training they need; improve communication systems; and clarify the appropriate roles for federal, state and local government. We should also make homeland security a core mission of the National Guard. And we must fund homeland security research and development, including safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals, innovative approaches to container security and better controls over nuclear, chemical, biological and radiological materials here and abroad." http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/PageServer?pagename=policy_statement_foreign_homelandsecurity_oped

You said above that Dean is "an arrogant jerk."

* Enlisting the National Guard in Homeland Security. Homeland security should be a central mission of the National Guard. Guard members should be trained to serve as personnel in the event of an attack, helping evacuate or quarantine people, assisting in medical units; and helping communities set up and execute plans.

How will this be administered?

I guess I don't understand your question. Are you asking what the command structure of the national guard is? BTW, this is one proposal that Dean has borrowed from Kerry so I'm not sure you want to argue against it. :eyes:


* Expanding Americorps to Make Homeland Security a Core Mission. Since 9/11, applications to Americorps have increased by 50 percent and applications to Teach for America have tripled. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration promised to double Americorps and then stood by as Congressional Republicans cut it in half. John Kerry believes that Americorps should be doubled and its mission expanded to include homeland security. Americorps members could be trained to help in emergency medical response, community planning, and other homeland security activities.

Who will provide the training? How much will it cost?

Well, we already have ways to train people in these areas. And anything is going to cost money. Are you saying you think this is not a good idea? Are you opposed to this proposal?


* Creating a New Community Defense Service. This service would be comprised of hundreds of thousands of Americans in neighborhoods all over the country. Volunteer Service Captains would receive training and education to assist their communities in the event of an attack Like the Civil Defense Program that existed during World War II, service captains would act as a 21st century Neighborhood Watch. They would be trained to help identify local health professionals and experts in the area, provide information on local evacuation or quarantine plans, and stand ready to be of assistance to first defenders in the hours after an attack -- providing needed manpower to deal with the aftermath.


Who will provide the training? How much will it cost? Who will control these local volunteer groups? The federal Department of Homeland Security?

Well you've answered your question haven't you?

* Calling on the Private Sector to Help Bring Technological Innovations to the War on Terrorism. During World War II, the U.S. government brought together our greatest thinkers, scientists, academics and policymakers through the Manhattan Project to design new tools for warfare. John Kerry believes we need a similar effort to bring the advances of the 21st century to the War on Terrorism. This should include: gathering the nation’s greatest scientists to develop needed vaccines and antidotes to the biological and chemical scourges (similar to the work that is already being done to protect troops on the battlefield from biological and chemical agents); partnering with the technology community to improve detection technologies and developing and implementing new security systems to prevent tampering with goods in transit.


Talk about a wish list. Exactly how does John Kerry plan on implementing this?

I guess no matter how detailed a plan is, you could say it is not detailed enough. Dean says "And we must fund homeland security research and development" and I suppose because that is more vague than what Kerry is saying it suits you better :eyes:


(4) REFORMING DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. Many of the examinations of 9/11 have raised serious questions about whether the FBI is the right agency to conduct domestic intelligence collection and analysis given their fundamental mission is to catch and prosecute criminals. The Bush Administration’s proposed terrorist threat integration center, (TTIC) would not be able to do the job, given its dependence on other agencies' analysts, the bureaucratic divide created between people identifying vulnerabilities and individuals charged with eliminating those vulnerabilities, and the numerous people in charge that could complicate efforts to work with the states and local governments on information sharing. John Kerry believes that simplifying the bureaucratic charts makes more sense. America needs an independent intelligence capability that focuses explicitly on domestic intelligence.

What the hell does this scary shit actually mean?

You don't understand it?


* Connecting the Nation’s Public Health Systems with a Real Time Detection System. This initiative would apply the benefits of 21st century modern technology to provide real time reporting of disease outbreaks and track and monitor health trends. Most bioterror illnesses initially look like the flu, and health professionals may not realize a trend. A new real time detection system would pool confidential patient data and pharmacy usage across the country to alert public health officials when disease is on the rise.


Total Medical Information Awareness?

You are opposed to this idea? That is a valid opinion. Maybe we don't need to do anything to prepare for a bio-terror attack.


* Increasing Research for Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, and Treatments. When penicilln was discovered, it was found to treat a wide range of illnesses. Later, Cipro treated a wide range of bacterial diseases, including anthrax Terrorist organizations and hostile dictators are trying to create new biological weapons that will kill us fast with designer variations on existing diseases. We need to bring together the best of the public and private sectors to develop broad-spectrum designer antidotes so that our first responders - and our population -- can be protected and treated from the widest possible range of attacks.


Why Cipro? Why "designer" antibiotics? What the hell is Kerry's staff talking about here? Do they even understand the concept of antibiotics and environmentally driven bacterial resistance? Do they think there are "antidotes" for viruses?

You might want to re-read this, it doesn't sound like you understood this one either.


* Protect Private Infrastructure. At least 3/4 of the country's major infrastructure is in private hands. However, if even one large facility is hit, with a biological agent or an explosive that releases toxic fumes, thousands – even millions -- could die. The economy could also take a huge hit, as emergency measures were taken to figure out how to prevent a repeat and shut down whole industries for weeks or even months. The Bush Administration says we should leave it to big business to make these security improvements themselves, even though they are unlikely to make real changes. Others might want to mandate protective measures with an expensive one-size-fits-all Federal solution. John Kerry believes should work to develop modest, minimal safety standards for certain kinds of industry and infrastructure, look at requiring private terrorism insurance, and helping owners find economical ways to improved security.

What industries? What "modest" standards? Could this be just another unformed "wish list"?

No, every detail of this part of the plan is not worked out. For example, what the standards would be would have to be worked out for each industrial sector. I suppose you could say it is better to have no plan at all, than one that provides a jumping off point. And what is Dean's proposal for protecting private infrastructure? " " --- I guess that is harder for me to criticize, lol.