Birmingham Post-Herald
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Apathy interruptedThe draw-down of military forces following Vietnam was appropriate — further draw-downs by President (Impeached) Clinton's administration threaten our nation's security. This draw-down without providing funding for increased human intelligence to meet the void left by the drastic draw-down has been a matter of concern since the early '90s.Concerned pleas from major Veterans' organizations, congressional committees,veteran Internet forums, think tanks, the CIA and FBI to replace human intelligence operatives pulled from strategic areas around the world has fallen on deaf ears (from 1948 through the Korean conflict, this nation enjoyed a worldwide human intelligence operation second to none). Even saddled with limited funding, manpower and assets, the intelligence community has performed in an outstanding manner — year after year, having thwarted/captured terrorists before they were able to carry out their deadly acts. But their limit was reached some time ago — the deficits in human intelligence in the Mideast left us with little clue as to our vulnerability and today leaves us with little clue as to a positive suspect in the tragedy in N.Y.C. and D.C. Those leaders responsible for our lack of national security are responding today with defensive, guilt-laden rhetoric — "Don't point fingers!" — and day-late self righteousness — "The wake up call came today!" Well gimme a break! — Sorry your apathy has been interrupted! Armond "Si" Simmons 104 Wadsworth Lane Pell City Look backFrom Birmingham Post-Herald files:50 years ago, Sept. 14, 1951Birmingham's first air-raid warning test since end of World War II declared failure with most sections of city reporting faint noise from sirens and some parts not hearing anything.Pounding rain that gushed out of sewers provides relief for
parched city. Inch and half of water expected to ease milk shortage
within a week. 25 years ago, Sept. 14, 1976President Ford signs bill requiring about 50 federal regulatory agencies to open most proceedings to public.Shelby County Commission begins work on 1976-77
budget. |
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