What's at Stake on Tuesday

A news story I hope never to read

Did the Democrats truly consider the consequences of dismantling the Patriot Act... or preventing the NSA from wiretapping international telephone calls... or obstructing data-mining on phone-call records? It may have started as simple hatred of George W. Bush. Or it could have been purely partisan obstructionism. Nonetheless, actions have consequences.

NYC ATOM ATTACK Geostar 45 satellite captures detonation moments after attack

Islamic Group Claims Responsibility (FLASH/AP) At approximately 5:15pm EST yesterday, terrorists associated with Ansar al Islam detonated a 15 kiloton atomic weapon in the harbor near Manhattan's battery. Radio reports indicated that the terrorists were operating a speedboat and that a pursuit by the United States Coast Guard was underway when the explosion occurred. Three Nuclear Emergency Support Teams (NEST) were on the scene and initial casualty reports estimated as many as 125,000 dead and 500,000 wounded. Area hospitals were overwhelmed with cases of severe burns, radiation sickness, and major injuries. A triage facility was established at 103th street - Corona Plaza and all medical personnel were asked to report immediately to their respective facilities. A shaken president Hillary Clinton addressed the nation via radio at 8 pm EST. "This dark day has tested the mettle of the American people," she stated, "our thoughts and prayers are with those who have died, and those who suffer. Time and time again we have risen to the challenge, defeating tyrants, extremists and dictators who would fight freedom. And this time, it will be no different. I ask all Americans to band together, to help your neighbors, to reassure one another in this dark hour. I can assure you that we will strike back. We will strike hard. And that justice will be done." Clinton went on to issue a presidential directive reinstating the Patriot Act, which had been dismantled less than twelve months after her election. She also declared martial law in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Detroit, where National Guard troops were enforcing a curfew. There were unconfirmed reports of widespread looting and civil unrest in areas surrounding New York City. Economic Impact Felt Worldwide The New York Stock Exchange has suspended trading while operations are moved to a backup facility near Philadelphia. Redundant computer operations for most of Wall Street have ensured that account and trading information is intact. Oil prices skyrocketed to over $120 a barrel immediately after the explosion and then plummeted to $65 as the economic impact of a potential worldwide recession loomed. Gold shot overnight to 1800/oz. and the value of the dollar fell nearly a third in overnight trading. The NASDAQ stock market intends to resume trading within the week, operating from its redundant Chicago facility.

Retaliation: Shock and Anger Senior Pentagon officials tell the AP that war plans are underway and that a strategic nuclear response "is being contemplated". Former CIA Analyst Robert Acres told CNN that NEST is capable of determining the source of the nuclear material used by the terrorists. "When that source is located, I can assure you that there will be hell to pay." A CNN/Gallup Poll taken last night asked viewers which potential target would be struck first in a military response. Over 50% answered Iran, 25% North Korea, 10% Pakistan, 10% Mecca, and 5% all of the named targets. There were unconfirmed reports from Norfolk, Virginia that Task Force 134, the US Pacific Fleet's Nuclear Submarine Group, had been ordered to the Indian Ocean. Continuity of Government Upon the first reports of the detonation, a Continuity of Government (COG) operation began moving the president, vice-president, cabinet, key congressional leaders, military and intelligence personnel to a secure facility in West Virginia. No further details were available at press time. Claims of Responsibility Within hours of the attack, a web site affiliated with the Al Jazeera network posted a claim of responsibility by Ansar al Islam reading "Praise be to God, we have the struck the enemy a shattering blow and we will strike again before it can recover. God is great, and thanks be unto God for delivering us this victory. We will fight the infidel crusaders wherever they may live, from this time forward, until they have been eradicated from the face of the earth." Harsh Criticism of Policy Hours after the attack, the president's critics were harshly reprimanding her reorganization of the CIA, NSA and the Department of Homeland Security. Her efforts to place shared responsibilities of defense and intelligence-gathering with the United Nations also came under fire. Senate Minority Leader Mitt Romney (R-MA) stated, "At the end of the day, the Patriot Act was a good idea. The NSA's international wiretapping program was a good idea. And we must have these tools to be able to combat the scourge of global extremist terror." Continued on Page A3.

Fresh reads:
Ace of Spades: Terrorists Endorse Democrats In Election; Media Silent (hat tip: Anchoress)
Anchoress: Speaking of John Kerry and the Press
Blue Crab Boulevard: Maybe the best analysis...
Captain's Quarters: WaPo Spins Republican Resurgence
GatewayPundit: Saddam verdict is announced
Hot Air: Sunday Shows Open Thread
Hugh Hewitt: GOTV from the comfort of your own home
JustOneMinute: How soon they forget
Mary Katherine Ham: What are you doing this weekend?
Michelle Malkin: Protesting
Outside the Beltway: 2006 Election Predictions
Rick Moran: C'mon Dean!
STACLU: Filibuster Pact and Big shift in generic polls
Strata-Sphere: Some early indicators
Wizbang: Election predictions
Wuzzadem: John Kerry: "Let Me (Not) Make This as Crystal (Un)clear as I Can(not)"