The London Subway Bombings and Bushco Political Opportunism

Please take a moment of silence today in remembrance of those who died and were affected by the deadly bombings in London one year ago. It was a shocking and bold display of hatred based on warped ideology that left so many devestated, living in an almost unbearable sorrow. That should be the focus of this day - the suffering and how to resolve it. Compassion knows no borders.

Now, having said that, here I sit watching the US Department of Homeland Security chief, Michael Chertoff, on CNN talking about an alleged plan of attack on the New York subway. That he should use this day to announce this supposed plot which failed while the focus ought to be on the reality of what happened in London last year is nothing short of a crass political stunt.

Chertoff and Bushco could have announced this supposed foiled plot any time. Out of respect, they ought to have waited until this day of remembrance for the Brits was done. They had no reason to make this announcement today. This was not a pressing security issue that required diverting the world's attention from that due to Londoners on such a day.

Once again, the Bush opportunists saw the chance to make this day all about them and that shows a certain callousness and selfishness that belies common courtesy and respect for the suffering of others.

Update: During a news conference about this alleged plot, the FBI spokesman, Mark Mershon, said 'this was not the day we had planned to release this information'. That obviously begs the question as to why he's having this news conference on this day then. Who called for it?

Update: CNN has more and reports that the New York Daily News broke the story today. According to CNN, the FBI was not pleased with the fact that the NYDN made this story public since the investigation was still ongoing.

The Lebanese government had been expected to release a statement about Andalousli's arrest but was asked by the U.S. to hold off while operations to disrupt the plot continued, sources said.

One has to wonder now if the right-wingers will attack that paper for revealing secrets. Stay tuned...

Update: see my post about how major right-wing bloggers are giving the Daily News a free pass.

I also need to add that since the FBI has said they were forced to report the news about this alleged plot because the NYDN broke the story this morning which it had reportedly learned about from 'counterrorism' sources, it is still unclear as to the timing of these revelations. Was it politically motivated either by someone in the administration to get the story out there as a plus for Bush or was it done by someone with an axe to grind? And where is the WH reaction condemning this leak and story? There will be more to come, obviously.