Sept. 11th & The White House
With Jim Wilkinson
White House Deputy Director of Communications
Monday, March 11, 2002; 1 p.m. EST

Six months ago, the United States unexpectedly declared war on a foe responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon that left thousands dead. Finding and facing the named foe, "terrorism," has been something the Bush administration has engaged on several fronts -- most noticeably on the ground in Afghanistan and at home in the U.S.

Jim Wilkinson, deputy director of communications at The White House, was online to take questions and comments on the war on terrorism and the six month anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack.

Prior to joining the White House, Wilkinson was communications director at the National Republican Congressional Committee and worked on Capitol Hill for House Majority Leader Dick Armey.

A transcript follows.

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Arlington, Va.: How did the mood in The White House change after Sept. 11? What is it like now?

Jim Wilkinson: Here in the White House the President has set his agenda to focus on addressing what he thinks are the three great goals of our time -- winning the war on terrorism, boosting our economy, and protecting our homeland. Before September 11 we were focused and determined. Now, we are even more focused and more determined to help the President achieve his agenda.

Brooklyn, N.Y.: Mr. Wilkinson,

Is there any gurantee we can achieve long term success fighting terrorism here and abroad by going after every suspected terrorist and country without expecting retaliation for years to come?

Would it not be wiser to explore the "The Roots, Reasons, and Causes of Terrorism" and address them?

Jim Wilkinson: To paraphrase a great American, "Terrorism anywhere is a threat everywhere." The terrorists may try to retaliated but right now they are on the run for their very lives. You asked about the "Roots, Reasons and Causes of Terrorism." The only way to eliminate the roots, the reasons and the causes is to chase terrorists to all corners of the world and bring them to justice. That's why more than 150 countries have issued orders freezing terrorist assets and why we are destroying their terrorist finance networks. That's why the assets of at least 189 known terrorists or organizations have been frozen and why thousands of terrorists are being brought to justice. That's why the Justice Department has put more than 4,000 special agents on the terrorists' trail. And that's why our military have destroyed terrorist training camps that have trained thousands of terrorists in the trade of evil, death and chaos. All these, and many other actions, will help tear out the roots of terrorism.

Vienna, Va.: What is the position of the White House with respect to immigration? Does the White House have the power to stop immigration and to deport exisiting immigrants immediately? Why do we allow immigration anyway with so many Americans needing work?

I align myself with Pat Buchanan on this issue. As I see it we need to close our borders in order to get a handle on things. After watching 60 Minutes last night (INS report), I am more convinced than ever that such drastic measures are essential and critical if the President is really serious about terrorism.

Jim Wilkinson: The President supports legal immigration because America serves as a beacon of hope to many around the world who flee oppression and who seek to realize their dreams. The President opposes illegal immigration and has put tough new measures in place to tighten our borders and increase intelligence activities along our Northern and Southern borders.

Wilmington, N.C.: Regarding the story released by the LA Times over the weekend which reported on "leaked" classified documents detailing circumstances in which the U.S. would use Nuclear Weapons. What is your take on the timing and news-worthiness of this story. We all should understand that there are circumstances where our nuclear arms would be used, and is it not irresponsible for this information to be published naming countries and thereby escalating any existing tensions.

Jim Wilkinson: My take is that it was an unfortunate leak by someone who is, to use your term, irresponsible. Leaking classified material is a very serious matter -- even criminal in many cases.

New York, N.Y.: How soon are the 2,000 or so mostly Muslim "suspects" who were arrested here in the US in the wake of Sept. 11 going to be processed by the judicial system? What's happening with them now? How much is their internment costing taxpayers?

Jim Wilkinson: The Justice Department is investigating all terrorist suspects as quickly as they can. It is frightening, but true, that the al-Qaeda terrorist network has sleeper cells all over the world. These are literally ticking time bombs waiting to explode, and our investigative and law enforcement folks are doing heroic work to bring terrorists to justice and learn as much as possible about these terrorist organizations. Where people who have been detained are found to be innocent, then they are released promptly. Where questions exist and where evidence shows they have terrorist connections, they are detained. As for the costs to taxpayers, I think the taxpayers would probably agree that it is a small price to pay to stop a potential terrorist act.

Vienna, Va.: I agree that America is a beacon of hope for the oppressed. But how does one know when a person who is fleeing oppression is truly comming to American for a better life? There may be something lurking in that person's character where he or she feels jealous of Americans?

We now know that people came to American to learn how to fly planes. That seemed innocent enough back then. What next? How can we possibly trust any immigrant until we get some kind of tracking system in place?

Jim Wilkinson: Lets remember that America is a nation of immigrants. Our ancestors came here for many varied reasons -- some fled tyranny, some fled evil regimes that targeted Jews and other groups simply for their religious beliefs, some came for economic reasons, and some came for a long list of other reasons.

The President has tightened our borders and made important investments to ensure that our immigration tracking systems work better. He has also improved our intelligence network to allow us to see potential threats sooner, and take action sooner.

The President is doing everything he can to stop terrorists from entering this country but we must preserve America's role in the world as a beacon of hope for those who are oppressed and want a better future.

Fairfax, Va.: Does anyone in the White House think of why the large numbers of dispossed in areas like Pakistan celebrate people like Bin Laden and acts like the 9/11 attacks? About the source of U.S. hatred? I am afraid that unless we are seen by these people as interested in social and economic justice, they will always be ripe breeding grounds for terrorists. And if you think you can apprehend all potential terrorists, please check with Mr. Sharon.

Jim Wilkinson: People in other parts of the world who hate America don't know America. That's why the President is taking steps to improve our efforts to communicate with other parts of the world, including the Islamic world.

Jim Wilkinson: Thanks everybody. Enjoyed it. Look forward to talking to you again soon. The President and First Lady appreciate all the support you have given them these past six months.

washingtonpost.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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