The confusion, lack of communication and general politicking taking place in Washington at the expense of our real security remind me of pre-Rudy New York City.
The president's claim that "if somebody from Al Qaeda is calling you, we'd like to know why," and Mr. Herbert's observation that "it has become fashionable to say that this controversy is about the always difficult problem of balancing civil liberties and national security" remind me of the post-9/11 hype to carry on or "the terrorists will win".
"Standing in the line at a security queue reminds me of a slaughterhouse line - it's that kind of atmosphere, where everyone has submitted to being sheep following directives," he says.
As marathoners left through Logan Airport on Tuesday, security personnel reminded them of the importance of sharing their pictures with the F.B.I.
Not only could he go on the hustings and proclaim victory in two wars but, more important, national security would remind voters of the quality which they say they most admire in him: leadership.
Still, as Shlomo Ben-Ami, the scholarly security minister, reminded an Israeli audience the other day, it was the theological revolution under Paul VI that opened the door to John Paul's embrace of Israel.
Obama will probably make pointed reference to this emerging policy consensus in his speech tonight; rather than using the wonky terms above, he will likely use the language of "security" to remind Americans what will be achieved if a bill can be passed that enacts the bargain to which the insurance industry has, essentially, already agreed.
In defending Social Security, he reminded us, "It is an old strategy of tyrants to delude their victims into fighting their battles for them".
This is the time to unite, share comfort and security and remind ourselves that it is our values of tolerance, pluralism, love for humanity and the desire to do good that make us human and not hate, anger and violence.
Since 9/11, the United States government has flexed its security muscle at the gate concourse in every domestic airport, where passage through a security check point reminds everyone of the might of Homeland Security.
(She plays a security guard who reminds Carl of his earlier worship in the church of Jerry Garcia).
