Gut feelings

What is wrong with this picture?

Still, Chertoff said there are not enough indications of an imminent plot to raise the current threat levels nationwide. And he indicated his remarks were based on "a gut feeling" formed by past seasonal patterns of terrorist attacks, recent al-Qaida statements, and intelligence he did not disclose.

There is an assessment "not of a specific threat, but of increased vulnerability," he added.

I couldn't put into words what was wrong until I thought of these:

So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

Would lose some of its punch if Roosevelt talked about vague gut feelings and vulnerabilities and encouraging fearful reactions, wouldn't it?

Try this one:

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility-I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it-and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

Or this:

"The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise -- with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country."

A call to arms or a demand for vigilance does not mention strange intestinal rumplings.

As citizens we rally about a leader who knows how to lead, who has a plan or process that will deal with unknown problems and can communicate those plans to us. Bush has proved he himself cannot lead. He cannot win without cheating:

“Even if he loses, his friends say, he doesn’t lose. He’ll just change the score, or change the rules, or make his opponent play until he can beat him.”

So when Chertoff says feebly that he has a gut feeling and for us to keep on shopping, we wonder what they know and why they aren't telling us. Are they actually asking for terrorists to strike?

The Bush administration and Cheney himself might think that another terrorist attack might shut up Bush haters and rally the nation, but at this point, an attack would just point out Bush's incompetence.

Update: Wait a minute. Al-Qaeda hasn't gained strength says Bush and Chertoff. Just enough to make you afraid, not enough to indicate failure....

Update: Mapaghimagsik has the fitting cartoon.