9/11 Commission report

Debra Burlingame, sister of a 9/11 pilot/victim, makes a strong point and points out a crucial piece of the 9/11 Commission report in today's Wall Street Journal:

For many 9/11 family members, the most compelling reason for putting an end to Saddam's dangerous regime can be found in the 9/11 Commission's pointed analysis on the subject of "imminent threats." As we forced ourselves to read through the voluminous material which explains in excruciating detail the disparate threads of the 9/11 plot, we were constantly mindful of the seemingly innocuous events which would ultimately prove critical to the cruel and brutal deaths of our loved ones. We understand the commission's dire warning and wish that our fellow Americans would listen closely: "Once the danger has fully materialized, evident to all, mobilizing action is easier--but it then may be too late."

Rather than waiting until it was too late to prevent a fully materialized threat, President Bush acted. We believe history will support his courageous decision. We believe the president has demonstrated strength, consistency and a laser-like focus, sending a clear message to America's friends and foes that he will not waver in his resolve as the winds of political fortune change.

Of course she is right, but how did we get to the point where one major party could credibly rally its base by arguing in favor of waiting for the danger to "fully materialize?" The fact is, they can't make this argument in clear terms, because to state it is to refute it. They must make the argument by implication by accusing the President of "rushing to war."