FIVE ARRESTS IN SPAIN connected to the Madrid bombing.
Has Kerry said anything about the Madrid bombing yet? At first I thought that this Campaign Blog entry was on point: “Carry the battle to them. Don’t let them bring it to you.” Sounds good at first — but on further reading it’s about fighting Republicans rather than terrorists.
His campaign website has nothing. And I can’t find anything on Google News either. Does Kerry have anything to say? Or does he just think that major terrorist attacks aren’t important?
UPDATE: Ah, here it is:
“I would like to express my sincerest sympathy to the Spanish people and the families of those killed and injured in today’s horrific terrorist bombing in Madrid. As a country which has also experienced tragedy at the hands of these cowardly killers, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
“In addition to words of condolence and condemnation, America should offer every assistance to Spain in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy and in bringing those responsible to justice. We must remember that all civilized nations are joined as one in the global battle against terror. While these attacks remind us that the fight is far from over, they also strengthen our resolve to stand together for the right of free people to live in a peaceful world.”
Not bad. I really did have trouble finding it, though, and a lot of people were emailing me wondering why Kerry hadn’t said something. My fault: I should have found it when I looked the first time but I didn’t look that hard as I expected it to get top billing — I’m surprised it didn’t.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Not everyone agrees that it’s a decent response. Brian Rogge emails:
The key words Kerry uses are “bringing those responsible to justice.” Kerry doesn’t get it. It’s a ‘War on Terror’, prosecuted by the military intent on eradicating an enemy, not a ‘Crime Scene Investigation of Terror’, prosecuted by attorneys.
I see the point. But justice can come in many forms.