More Theology

This time from John Ashcroft:

While Mr. Cheney stumped on the terrorism issue in Ohio, Attorney General John Ashcroft suggested in a speech before the United Sates Chamber of Commerce in Washington that Providence was partly responsible for the United States' freedom from another attack since Sept. 11, 2001.

"For three years, our nation has been blessed," Mr. Ashcroft said. "But the hand of Providence has been assisted by the dedicated men and women of the Department of Justice. In three years, we have compiled a record of achievement that is impressive by peacetime standards."

I'm having a little trouble parsing this. Is he saying that, basically, we got lucky? And what's with this "impressive by peacetime standards" bit? Is that the standard? I thought we were in a War on Terrorism. Shouldn't we be getting a record of achievement that is impressive by WARTIME standards? (And while we talking about standards, how many successful prosecutions of terror-related cases have there been, again? Hint: take the number of prosecutions, then subtract that same number.)

Is John Ashcroft, to use Cheney's words "tough and agressive" enough to protect us?

And if Providence, and not George Bush, gets credit for our safety, doesn't that mean I can feel safe about voting for Kerry?

(And, if Providence is keeping us safe, should I move back to Rhode Island?)