Jim Inhofe: “during the August recess, I had about seven events each day and never passed up the opportunity to let them know about…”

“during the August recess, I had about seven events each day and never passed up the opportunity to let them know about the most critical threat facing America today--missile attack. I spoke about the fact that the actions we take today will directly affect the kind of defense posture our country has in 5 to 7 years. The danger we face is real. Yet I was surprised and shocked at the ambivalence and lack of understanding that exists concerning this vital issue. Many people simply do not realize--and are themselves shocked to be told--that our country today has no missile defense system in place capable of protecting American cities from long range missile attacks. I estimated that perhaps most Oklahomans were not readily aware of some of the basic terms of the debate currently going on in Washington about the important missile defense provisions of the current defense authorization bill. I would suggest that part of the reason for this has to do with the media, particularly the national media, most of which has either not adequately focused on this issue or has skewed it in such a way as to downgrade its importance.”