Another Leaked "Sensitive Security" Document

It seems that any time a sensitive security study might damage President Bush and Republicans and help Democrats, it is leaked to the press.

The AP's latest article about lapses at U.S. ports, including specific examples of lapses, could be used as a "how to" supplement for terrorists. More importantly, Democrats will use the report to publicly make their case that their party should be trusted to handle our national security. The next step will be to have CNN run push polls specifically on port security and which party is better equipped to handle it.

This morning I heard from several Democrats on the Sunday news programs talk about how it's been almost five years since 9/11 and not all port security issues have been addressed. This statement is absurd. While there likely are a few things we could do to make security better, I could list thousands of ways a terrorist could hurt the U.S. if they wanted to do so (Amtrak security, highway security, shopping mall security,...). Will bringing the U.S. economy to a halt by hand inspecting every cargo container actually make us safer? Of course not, but it is a great thing to demagogue.

There are gaps that will always exist in a free society and "ports security" is far from the most important - it is simply the latest example where Democrats truly believe they can capitalize politically. And I have no doubt the MSM will try to help them any way they can - this latest release is just the latest example.