Another example of the shining Bush record on national security

While you're putting 3-oz. bottles of your toiletries into 8" Ziploc bags this holiday season on your way to Grandma's house, don't forget to say a special thank you to Premier George Walter Bush [/Borat] for his exemplary work to keep Americans safe by making sure terrorism plots are foiled:

A team of suspected terrorists involved in an alleged UK plot to blow up trans-atlantic airliners escaped capture because of interference by the United States, The Independent has been told by counter-terrorism sources.

An investigation by MI5 and Scotland Yard into an alleged plan to smuggle explosive devices on up to 10 passenger jets was jeopardised in August, when the US put pressure on authorities in Pakistan to arrest a suspect allegedly linked to the airliner plot.

As a direct result of the surprise detention of the suspect, British police and MI5 were forced to rush forward plans to arrest an alleged UK gang accused of plotting to destroy the airliners. But a second group of suspected terrorists allegedly linked to the first evaded capture and is still at large, according to security sources.

Aren't you happy now to put your toiletries into plastic bags, to allow the government to tap your phones and read your e-mail, to arrive at the airport three hours in advance of your flight, not knowing what in your carry-on may be confiscated by overworked and confused security screeners? Of course if the Bush Administration hadn't been so concerned with obtaining a short-term bump in the polls, we might not have to worry about this second group. But what's the safety of the public when there's potential political gain for George W. Bush at stake?