"...and adding my basic agreement with you on the main controversy here, that it just seems strange to me that you went into full-kneejerk-refutation mode. Whatever, dude."

No way dude!

"So it's some republican leadership, and the evil media and Ms. Clinton who are really at fault?"

No, I didn't say that. I was referring to the damage done to themselves. And yes the media continues it's death spiral- but that's expected- because it's quasi molopoly. It basically provides a shitty service, and something better will replace it. As far as who to fault. First, it's general ignorance and racism. Second, it has some aspects of a "perfect storm"- meaning many factor played a role. I'll spare you the details.

"I don't think you have a firm grasp of who is doing all the complaining. Congressmen are getting a mess of letters from constituents. Right-wing talk-radio is having a fit."

It's quite possible- I don't know. I don't listen to talk radio- right-wing or left-wing. And I don't think it's very important. And we shouldn't want politicans, raving as a response to raving.

"But the main way this is going to be handled is knowing what in the ship before it's within 100 miles of US- not when it's at the port Are you saying we should board and inspect cargo at sea? Or what is your plan?"

It's not MY plan. But the system being set up where security measures occur before cargo leaves the homeport. And there are additional security measures- a layered security procedure of numerous checks. BUT we won't win this fight with only defensive measures. May I point out the obvious- in prison inmates can buy illegal drugs. And if we could have stopped all smuggling into this country we could won that old war known as War of Drugs- that failure has cost us far more then this current War of Terror [and btw, I think is closely related]. But I disgress- it's not my plan but a system which the administration, Congress, local governments, foriegn governments, and most importantly, the Private Sector is establishing.

"And we will get the silly "the president knew about it, but did nothing to stop it" nonsense. Well you did just see me make reference to specific warnings, so how could it be nonsense? "

I'm not sure what you mean. But I will mention that perhaps you unaware of the scale of issue.