'No' on 9/11 vote

In a vote of 85-8, the U.S. Senate voted to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. This action would finally move toward putting in place actions that would protect the United States in a number of ways, including requiring within five years that all U.S.-bound shipping containers be scanned overseas for nuclear weapons, requiring within three years the inspection of all air passengers and cargo for explosives, establishing an independent board with subpoena power to protect civil liberties against anti-terrorist policies and requiring public disclosure of the figure showing total U.S. spending on intelligence. Also, the bill would increase funding of interoperability systems that enable first responders to talk to one another, along with funding of other protective measures.

Thank God the Senate, in a bipartisan, veto-proof vote, is finally implementing measures to protect our country after much stonewalling by the Bush administration.

Astonishingly, North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole was one of the eight senators to vote against these vital protections. We, the citizens of North Carolina, have heard no explanation for this lapse in judgment But thanks to The News & Observer for informing us in Dome on Aug. 2 that the senator loves her some Bojangles!

Dave Parnell

Raleigh