The NY Daily News confirms this:

One big problem: Security cameras owned by the Port Authority, but operated and maintained by the TSA, were not recording. That forced TSA investigators to chase down other videotape recorded by Continental Airlines, which occupies most of Terminal C.

So, let’s see…  The private company was diligent but not the government agency.  I think I heard this somewhere before…

Let’s turn back to the Second GOP primary debate, in Columbia, South Carolina, hosted by Fox News on May 15, 2007.  The GOP aspirants, including Congressman Ron Paul, were asked a question by Wendell Goler about what three Federal programs you would cut.  After a non-answer from former Governor Tommy Thompson, Goler turned to Cong. Paul.  Here’s what Paul said courtesy of the Council on Foreign Relations website (look, I wasn’t crazy about it either but it was either them or the NY Times!) 

MR. GOLER: Congressman Paul, can you do better than that, sir?

Even Fox News knew this would be a great answer and Cong. Paul did not disappoint:

REP. PAUL: I’d start with the departments — the Department of Education, the Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security. We’ve started with — we’ve just — the Republicans put in the Department of Homeland — it’s a monstrous type of bureaucracy. It was supposed to be streamlining our security and it’s unmanageable. I mean, just think of the efficiency of FEMA in its efforts to take care of the floods and the hurricanes.

Goler then asked about the wisdom of shutting down DHS during a “war”.  Paul then said these words; it rang like a manifesto throughout the hall:

REP. PAUL: Well, I think we should not go to more bureaucracy. It didn’t work. We were spending $40 billion on security prior to 9/11, and they had all the information they needed there to deal with the threat, and it was inefficiency. So what do we do? We add a gigantic bureaucracy, which they’re still working on trying to put it together, and a tremendous amount of increase in funds.

I was admittedly skeptical about Paul’s assertion in re the DHS.  I totally agree the Department of Education ought to be abolished and probably Energy, too.  No constitutional authority for either one.  Certainly essential parts can be transferred to other departments – the Civil Rights Division can go to Justice.  Most of Energy might be applicable for Commerce.  But DHS?  I was amazed at Cong. Paul’s radicalism (You can find the video at ronpaul2008.com) 

Of course this led to the famous (or infamous depending on your position) exchange between former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Paul about the causes of 9/11.  But that is not where I was going.  I wanted to make the point that now we have had this agency called DHS for eight years or so and now we still cannot connect the dots.  It’s time to recognize that government is not the answer.  There are things government can and must do but usually private concerns (with some appropriate regulation) do best, especially with security.  I won’t hold my breath waiting for the apologies and recognitions to come to for Dr. Paul but he has been instrumental in the cure of a serious national malady:  Apathy.  Millions of people and every time he’s on the MSM, that trend continues.  For examples:  Try this article in the Los Angeles Times and try Paul’s visit to Rachel Maddow’s show.  (Thanks to Campaign for Liberty)  I thought Maddow was respectful and listened to Paul. 

Please Cong. Paul, make me a conflicted libertarian:  Run for President in 2012, and name Governor Gary Johnson as your running mate!

Governor Jindal came on after the Great American Panel about 9:45PM EDT.  A few notes:

Bobby Jindal is in NYC after campaigning for Chris Christie in NJ!  (He has already TWICE campaigned for Bob McDonnell!)  Jindal suggests that there is a mirror to 1993 – VA and NJ went for the GOP and this led to taking over the House in ‘94.

“We can’t just print the money” Jindal says.  Cong. Ron Paul could not have said it better!  Jindal says the GOP has great candidates and in 1994 some of those candidates came about after the 1993 elections.  Hannity asked about if the Republicans have repented of their big spending ways.  Jindal suggests they have.  I am not sure I am persuaded.  Jindal asserts that the highest tax rates in some states will be higher than France if Obamacare passes! 

The governor thanked President Obama for keeping his word and coming to New Orleans.  Hannity immediately  asked Governor Jindal about Louisiana.  The governor quickly cited several statistics in a row about the Pelican State that I could not keep up with.  (A recent blog entry spoke to that!)  Ethics reform, best government in the South, etc.  The Wonk is in the house!

This is an excellent presentation!  Much better than a certain speech made earlier this year.  My only criticism is Governor Jindal talks fast and is hard to live blog!  But the meat of his message is clear even if he speaks fast. 

We ‘ll try to get a video of this interview.

I will have more details on the Jindal op-ed in Politico but trust me for now – it’s great!  Also read the Cillizza piece in the Washington Post. 

Keep an eye out for the Governor tonight and tomorrow on CNN and Fox!

We will not suspend this blog.  We are unapologetic that Governor Jindal is a wonderful candidate for the White House.  We do not believe this blog is a distraction to the Governor.  I have been trying to promote items and issues that show the Governor in his best light and we will continue to do that.  Governor Jindal does not need to run for President to do that.  He will be remembered in history as the governor of Louisiana who ended the Huey Long era in that state.  He may well need eight years to do that. 

But I personally believe that God called men and women to serve at crisis times in American history.  Look at men like Harry Truman – seemingly coming from nowhere to serve the nation with great distinction.  With Senator Ensign and Governor Sanford’s scandals seemingly taking them out of contention and Governor Palin seemingly suspending national ambitions for a time (I STILL think she’ll be a FOX News evening anchor shortly; my advice for the FOX anchor with the lowest ratings – better get them up now!) that makes it all the more possible that it may be the time for national service.

Jindal is an authority on health care.  It is likely that Obamacare will fail or pass in a limited manner.  Either way, that is an important issue.  There is cap and trade that may be the Waterloo for the liberals.  Obama’s popularity is down, in some states below fifty percent.  (Of course it is still early! I thank the Ace of Spades HQ for that entry!)

My suggestion for the Jindal PAC supporters – go to the Internet – like Ron Paul did.  Form Jindal meet up groups and there are tens of pro-Jindal Facebook groups already.  Start something official – Jindal for Lousiana’s Future.  Promote the Governor.  The time may come.   Perhaps persuade the Governor that it is great for Louisiana for him to help other GOP candidates.  Governor Palin has SarahPAC, as I said in an earlier blog entry, Governor Pawlenty may start a non-profit orgnaization to promote his views and issues.  Governor Jindal might be legally able to do the same.   

We will continue to promote the Governor and also comment on 2012.  Jindal could always be the VP candidate as well as run for President.  If Dan Kyle wants to be a guest blogger here – write us something and send it to us! 

We’ll see you at an election near you!  Don’t forget to help the local/state candidates in your area while we await 2012 or 2016!