Are bush* and ashcroft the "Enemies" in the title of Clarke's book?

[milkyway]

I just read the Preface and I'm blown away by the implications of the last paragraph.

"All of the above-mentioned groups have sworn to protect that very Constitution "against all enemies." In this era of threat and change, we must all renew our pledge to protect that Constitution against the foreign enemies that would inflict terrorism against our nation and its people. That mission should be our first calling, not unnecessary wars to test personal theories or expiate personal guilt or revenge. We must also defend the Constitution against those who would use the terrorist threat to assault the liberties the Constitution enshrines. Those liberties are under assault and, if there is another major, successful terrorist attack in this country there will be further assaults on our rights and civil liberties. Thus, it is essential that we prevent further attacks and that we protect the Constitution...against all enemies." (italics added)

Wow! We swear to protect the Constitution against all enemies. The liberties enshrined in the Constitution are under assault by those who use the terrorist threat as justification (ashcroft, bush*, and the BFEE). It is essential that we protect the Constitution against those enemies (all enemies, not just foreign enemies).

I read this as Clarke clearly implying that not only are the terrorists our enemies that we must defend America from, but also the bush* machine. Those that have read further, are there any other references to the title of the book and who those enemies are? Am I misreading this last paragraph?

[alcuno]

1. Absolutely.

The oath says that you will protect America from all enemies both "foreign and domestic."

[fearnobush]

2. They are the failures of democracy.

911, Bush's greatest failure. No Republican smear attack squad will ever change that. Clarke's book, O'Neill's book, and the others to come...their will be more, will be written in history's page. History, not Rove will paint the true picture of America's worst President ever.

[boobooday]

3. That's great

Richard Clarke has won my undying admiration. What a patriot.

http://www.wgoeshome.com

[Media_Lies_Daily]

4. Here's the actual oath taken by a new officer...

Army Officer Appointment Acceptance and Oath of Office
<http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/blarmyofficeroath.htm>

"I (insert name), having been appointed a (insert rank) in the U.S. Army under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God."

[milkyway]

7. If I'm reading it right, Clarke has called bush* the enemy of America.

This to me is incredibly bold (not even Howard Dean would say this, only some DUers). This kind of statement by a former staff member of a President is unheard of.

[HawkerHurricane]

5. Truth

The military oath states that you will support and defend the Constitution "Against all enemies both foreign and domestic", and that you will obey the orders of the President IN THAT ORDER.

A serviceman's oath is to the Constitution, first.

[robbedvoter]

6. Protecting the Constitution is his theme

Which reminds me of a find in my archives:

> Federal courts should ". . . tell the people to take a walk.
> The Constitution is to protect us against the will of the people."
Toni Scalia, Dallas 2.15 2001