Bush tells veterans (and Obama and McCain): Terrorism is more than a 'law enforcement' matter

President Bush is putting out markers for his successor, at least in the fight against terrorism.

It is an old line -- one he has been using on and off since 9/11 -- but with a new president in the wings, the current president is making it clear that it would be wrong to look at the fight against terrorism as merely one of law enforcement, and those who would attack the United States as common criminals.

Not that Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. John McCain were taking such an approach -- or to suggest the president was entering the political fray.

In a speech prepared for delivery at midday to the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Orlando, Fla., Bush is telling the veterans -- as well as the Democrat and Republican vying to replace him -- that the campaign against terrorism requires "all assets of national power."

“This war cannot be won,” he says, “if we treat terrorism primarily as a matter of law enforcement.”

Noting the use of law enforcement to track down and imprison some of those responsible for the attack on the World Trade Center in 1993, he continues:

The lesson of this experience is: In this war, we must use all assets of national power to keep the pressure on the enemy, keep the terrorists on the run, and keep the American people safe from harm.

And, in case Obama or McCain should think otherwise, Bush says: “America’s future leaders must always remember that the war on terror will be won on the offense -- and that is where America’s military must stay.”

-- James Gerstenzang

Photo: Marty Lederhandler / Associated Press

Comments

[oaklynne]

George "Mission Accomplished" Bush is the single most compelling reason why this country needs to elect Barack Obama. Why would anyone in their right mind want to endure four more years of incompetent and destructive Republican leadership by voting for McBush???

[Harry50]

Right, and give the country over to someone with little more than 3 years as a Senator, if that? I'd suggest you watch the movie "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West," and then tell me if you think someone with zero foreign policy experience; someone who wants to cut and run from the MIddle East; and someone who welcomes defeat should lead our nation.