I appeared on CNN this afternoon to discuss Ted Kennedy's name appearing on a no-fly list. I have long supported efforts to put the senator on a no-drive list, but even as steadfast an opponent of the Massachusetts liberal as myself has no problem with him flying--so long as he's just a passenger. My debating partner was, of all people, former Republican Congressman Bob Barr (buy his new book here). A couple years back the congressman argued on my side when I appeared opposite Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins on Phil Donahue's ill-fated MSNBC show. We differed, however, in our approach to airport security.
Basically, my position on the Kennedy controversy is that there's no real controversy. Kennedy got hassled by security at an airport like millions of other Americans. Ted, welcome to the real world. Despite talk of his name appearing on a no-fly list, in no instance did the Transportation Security Agency prevent Senator Kennedy from flying.
I'm still a bit unclear whether Bob Barr objected to the whole idea of no-fly lists, or just this no-fly list. Barr argued that it's three years after 9/11 and the government still hasn't gotten its act together. There are instances in which this criticism seems fair. The big picture, however, is that it's three years after 9/11 and al Qaeda still has not been able to mount another major act of terrorism within our borders. This is not because the terrorists have stopped trying or had a change of heart about America. This is because more stringent security measures, including this imperfect no-fly list, have made it harder for the terrorists to execute their plans.
Ted Kennedy is a true American Hero. Bush putting him on that list is an outrage.
Dan, wanted to let u know that we both know Kennedy's driver, so rest easy my man. His driver also visits this site from time to time and he filled me in to the fact that Kennedy has a dog named Crash!!! Coincidence i think not!! If you had to guess Kennedy's favorite drink what would it be? I would have to go with the infamous Poor Mans Drink? No?????
I have no idea what that post was. But Senator Kennedy has done more for this country than you, his driver, or his dog ever have or ever will.
Hey DB,
Why don't you tell Mary Jo Kopechne's family about your feelings of Ted Kennedy's hero status? Your statement is careless and ridiculous.
wow,
is this buford taking a stand and getting off my back??? your the reason i have gone into seclusion for a month!!! go get'em tiger!
and by the way D.B! What exacly has T.K done for Us in the past 20 years? All i remember is my grandmother praising the Kennedy family and everything the democrats have done for the government? Maybe I am still just nieve but i really struggle to fing anything that great that the Kennedy's put out, other than a kickass golf tournament in Robert F's name?
