The White House hype with regard to the government's many failures to "connect the dots" and prevent the Christmas Day terrorist attack was bizarre. National Security adviser General Jones predicted that the revelations made on Thursday by the president will "shock" America.
Well, I listened intently to the president's remarks and I was not shocked at all. It was clear to all Americans that the government failed -- on numerous levels -- to prevent the Christmas Day attack. What was shocking was that the Obama administration was slow to react to the obvious and tried to snow the American people into believing that it was an "isolated incident" and that all proper security and administrative procedures were followed.
What is not clear is who told the president that this was an "isolated incident"? Who told the president that "all proper procedures" were followed?
Who told the president that this guy was a "lone wolf" and not associated with known terrorist organizations? Why did the president not have all the facts when the national media was able to stitch the details together within 24 hours of the attack?
The fact that the president finally and forcefully took action does not excuse those who have not.
Heads need to roll.
Bradley A. Blakeman served as deputy assistant to President George W. Bush from 2001-04. He is currently a professor of Politics and Public Policy at Georgetown University and a frequent contributor to the Fox Forum.
Get the recap of top opinion commentary and original content throughout the week.