Victims' Families Say 9/11 Commission Report Avoids Certain Truths, But Makes Some Valuable Recommendations

Interview with David Potorti, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, conducted by Scott Harris

The bipartisan commission appointed to investigate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks released their final 567-page report on July 22. The commission examined the activities of the al-Qaeda terrorist network, the flaws in U.S. intelligence operations prior to the attacks, the performance of the Bush and Clinton administrations and rescue efforts on 9/11. The commission made several recommendations for the re-organization of the nation's 15 intelligence agencies, including the appointment of a Cabinet-level national intelligence director.

The report also examined the Bush administration's planning for the Iraq war and found there was no connection between Saddam Hussein's government and the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington. President Bush, who initially resisted the establishment of the 9/11 commission, now says he is considering the panel's recommendations.

One of the organizations closely following the proceedings of the Commission was September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, "founded by family members of those killed on 9/11 who have united to turn their grief into action for peace." Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with David Potorti, co-director of the group, whose brother died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Potorti assesses the Commission's report and expresses solidarity with victims of terrorism, violence and war from around the world.

September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows is conducting a march commemorating civilian war dead from Boston, the site of the Democratic National Convention to New York City, where the GOP will hold its presidential convention at the end of August. Get more information about the march by calling (212) 598-0970 or visit the group's website at www.peacefultomorrows.org

Related links:

"Report on 9-11 Too Tepid," Editorial, Capital Times, Madison, Wis., July 27, 2004

An Excuse-Spouting Bush Is Busted by 9/11 Report," by Robert Scheer, BBC News, July 20, 2004

Panel's '9/11 Report' Becoming a Big Seller," by Bob Minzesheimer, USA Today, July 27, 2004

Is That All There Is?: On the 9-11 Commission's Findings -- or Lack of Them," by Geov Parrish, Working for Change, July 26, 2004

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