"We would like to ... Involve the sports fans in our collective effort to keep our events secure." Tom Ridge, Secretary Homeland Security, July 23, 2004

George Bush and his ilk use terror to terrorize the American people. Why, if there is significant "chatter" about probably terrorism to Americans during sporting events, isn't the threat level rising? We have been at yellow for a very long time, during which time there have been numerous terror threat warnings.

I work in a bookstore, last Christmas Mr. Ridge put out a warning to be aware of people carrying Farmer's Almanacs. The Farmer's Almanac is one of the most popular books people purchase as Christmas presents. How stupid was that warning? Should I tackle the little old lady who comes in to purchase it?

This last fourth of July, Mr. Ridge came out and said beware of suspicious coolers. As I prepared to watch the Fourth of July parade, I did my American duty and surveyed the crowd. Every family, every group of friends along the parade route had numerous coolers. Most were filled with drinks, beer, maybe even snacks. I doubt that any of them held explosives or biochemical weapons.

Now, Mr. Ridge wants the American sports' fan to be on the look out for suspicious people amidst large sporting events. What he didn't say was how these Americans are supposed to keep us safe. While they are drinking their beers, should they study the crowd and tackle any "foreign-looking" people? While they are making their 'red-neck" remarks loudly during the game, should they use their cell phone and dial 911 if they see someone with a turban on?

WHAT are they doing? Answer: They are trying to instill fear and divisiveness in all of us. There hasn't been a more divided time in this country since the Civil war. The Bush Administration seeks to divide and conquer. We are now divided on issues of abortion (Laci Peterson bill, ban on late-term abortion, anti-choice judiciary nominees), sexual orientation (Marriage amendment, federal court marriage ban, etc.), guns, Iraq, 9/11...etc. He plants the seeds and then sits back and waits, smirky smile on his face.

Here is a final question I would like to ask every American. Situation: You are President of the United States. You are at a highly publicized location for a photo-op. The location is a school with hundreds of children. You learn that a hijacked plane has hit the first tower. At this point, what would you do?
A. Go into the classroom and read My Pet Goat to the children.
B. Pick your nose.
C. Give your excuse quickly and leave.

We know Bush decided to go into the photo-op anyway.

As he is sitting in the classroom, you are told that a second hijacked plane has crashed into the second tower. What would you do?
A. Sit there for 7 minutes, then read My Pet goat.
B. Scratch your butt.
C. Excuse yourself, and leave immediately.

We all know Bush sat there for 7 minutes, then read to the children before leaving. Thousands of people were dying. Question: How did he know he was not a target? He was in a school with hundreds of children, that would make them a target as well. And yet he chose to stay, putting all of the children in danger.

We need a President with some brains. Elect John Kerry.