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American Morning
USS Abraham Lincoln Providing Aid to Tsunami-Ravaged Countries; Once Political Foes, Former Presidents George Bush, Bill Clinton Now Allies for a Common Cause
Aired January 04, 2005 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everybody. I'm Bill Hemmer live in New York City. Great to have you along with us today. Soledad continues reporting from Thailand.
In a moment, racing against the clock in Indonesia to get vital supplies to survivors. We'll look at the U.S. battle plan, which involves some of the most advanced elements of the military. A live report on that in a moment. Also our CNN Security Watch continues today. The FBI whistle-blower Colleen Rowley, out of the agency as of last Friday, she retired. She's talking. Has the FBI fixed its problems in a way that will help catch terrorists before they strike? her conversation with us coming up in a few moments here. My conversation with Heidi Collins continues now. How are you doing?
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: I'm doing great, thank you.
Want to get everybody up to speed on the rest of the news today. Within the past 20 minutes, in fact, CNN has learned three U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq. Military sources say an improvised explosive device went off earlier this morning in northern Baghdad. The death brings the U.S. death toll in the Iraq war to 1,339.
Here in the United States, in 2 1/2 hours, a new Congress convenes for a first day of work. President Bush met with the new members yesterday, calling for bipartisan teamwork. Among the issues facing this 109th Congress? Social Security reform, and an overhaul of the tax system.
In Massachusetts, police are searching for a suspect who threatened people with what he said was AIDS-infected blood. Surveillance cameras show the man walking into a pharmacy, threatening to inject a clerk if she didn't hand over money. The man ran away when the clerk refused. In a similar incident minutes later, the suspect got away with the cash. No one was injured in either incident.
And to sports now, Auburn put the finishing touch on an undefeated season, with a 16-13 win over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. But, because it was a narrow victory, it could end any chance for Auburn to share the national title with the winner of tonight's Orange Bowl, though when top ranked southern California takes on No. 2 Oklahoma. The BCS, yes, I just don't get it.
HEMMER: USC and Oklahoma, who do you like? Sooners or Trojans?
COLLINS: Oklahoma I think. Although USC has a great band.
HEMMER: You take Oklahoma? I'll go with the boys from California.
COLLINS: All right. We'll duke it out.
HEMMER: Loser buys coffee. The USS Abraham Lincoln now in the region providing aid to tsunami-ravaged countries, and CNN's Atika Shubert is there as well, onboard the aircraft carrier stationed off the coast of Indonesia.
She joins me now in Banda Aceh.
Atika, hello there.
ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Bill. This is one of the biggest relief efforts ever. And so far estimates are only one-eighth of the 400,000 tons of food and water are being delivered to the people who need it most. Basically the infrastructure that's here just isn't there to support this overwhelming relief aid that's needed here. Just to give you an example, the airport today, the landing strip there was closed for nearly 15 hours because a Boeing 737 landed there and collided with a herd of cows.
Now this might be an inconvenience in other airports, but here it is a disaster. By closing the airport, that means that relief planes are not able to fill up on the stocks of food, water and medical supplies they need. Helicopters need to pick up those supplies to bring them to the people who need it most. So definitely serious problems happening in terms of the infrastructure. Fortunately, the airstrip has been cleared. But obviously some been very bad delay -- Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Atika. Atika Shubert on the scene there in Banda Aceh in Indonesia. They need an awful lot of help. It's trickling in day by day. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Florida Governor Jeb Bush in Thailand today, assessing damage there.
Our senior White House correspondent John King talked with the governor about the criticism the president, his brother, has received for waiting about three days before commenting publicly on the tragedy.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: I'll tell you that the prime minister here said the he appreciated the call. The first call that the foreign minister got was from Secretary Powell. The response by the United States military has been impressive. I think that he's done exactly what he should do.
And this needs to be an ongoing thing. Once CNN leaves, and I leave and others leave, there's going to be a lot of work to be done. And I think basically that's my message to the president will be to make this a long-term effort, provide the support, and I believe he will. JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Do you think your message is going to have to be that it's going to take more than $350 million in U.S. government money over the long run?
BUSH: I don't know. You know, that's a lot of money. Once you get past a couple of million for me, that starts adding up. So I don't know what the exact number is. But this is a massive disaster. It's appropriate for the world's most powerful country to respond to it as we're doing it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Governor Bush and Secretary Powell also meeting with workers there. The two leaders also set to visit Sri Lanka and Indonesia. They'll be in Jakarta on Thursday as a summit takes place there. Once political foes, former Presidents George Bush, and Bill Clinton now allies for a common cause.
Dana Bash has more at the White House. She talked with both men yesterday. Good morning there.
DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
And both the former presidents say that their goal is to convince Americans that no donation of cash is too small. And they also, just as you heard from Jeb Bush, defended the current president against critics who said he was too slow to respond.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BASH (voice over): Three presidents, a show of American unity at embassies of countries hit hardest by last week's tsunami disaster. As the current White House occupant tries to quiet criticism his reaction was not fast or generous enough.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In the coming days, Presidents Clinton and Bush will ask Americans to donate directly to reliable charities already providing help to tsunami victims.
BASH: The president's aides enlisted his father and his old rival to lead what they call a massive effort to solicit private donations.
BUSH: The greatest source of America's generosity is not our government. It's the good heart of the American people.
BASH: The former presidents say they'll help sustain and direct contributions, pointing to this USA Freedom Corps Web site.
GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The private donation of cash is more important at this stage of the recovery than sending things, items, tents, whatever.
BASH: President Clinton, known for moving fast to express public empathy in the face of tragedy, came to his successor's defense. WILLIAM J. CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Promising that we would do more through the government if need be, I don't see how he could have done more. I think that right now we are just where we need to be, and we shouldn't be looking back. We should be looking forward.
BASH: Former President Bush acknowledged this could be an opportunity for America to revive its tarnished reputation around the world. But what about his son's personal low standings?
GEORGE H.W. BUSH: That's not what this is about. It's about saving lives. It's about caring. And the president cares.
BASH: Tapping the former presidents, sending his brother, Florida's governor, and the secretary of state for a firsthand look at the devastation, plus these pictures of military helicopters delivering aid, is a combination the White House hopes will silence its critics.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BASH: And in terms of the U.S. government's pledge, Secretary of State Powell said, at this point, $350 million is where it will stay, because he says that the big problem now isn't necessarily aid, it's actually getting the aid distributed to the people who need it -- Bill.
HEMMER: Dana, another topic here. You've confirmed that the Republicans in Congress are considering an idea to revamp Social Security. How close is the president to signing off on this proposal?
BASH: Well, Bill, what they're saying here at the White House is that the idea of essentially changing the way benefits are calculating to being based on wages to being based on inflation is something that the White House is seriously considering as part of a broader reform package. It's something that the Social Security Commission in 2001 actually recommended. That is something, commission at least, that the president has put a lot of stock in.
But at this point, what the White House says is that it is just one option, though, again the president seriously considering it. And at this point, what is important is from the president's point of view, to convince and explain to the American people is that there is a problem in the first place with Social Security, and that is where they're going to be putting their focus this coming month, a major campaign for the president on down, to explain to the American people they do believe Social Security is in crisis. After they're done with that, they're going to get more specific about the possible solutions. But that is one possible solution to help pay for one thing that we know the president wants to do, which is create private accounts for younger workers.
HEMMER: All right, thanks for clearing that up. Dana Bash, thanks, at the White House.
Ed Henry reporting on Capitol Hill that Congress will observe a moment of silence today at twelve noon Eastern Time for the victims in Southeast Asia. Dick Cheney, the vice president, set to participate in that moment of silence. After the swearing-in of the new members at 1:00 eastern time, Congress will take up the resolution of funding that $350 million figure that we've talked about for the past several days.
I want to shift our focus now, 21 minutes before the hour. Since 9/11, how has the FBI changed? that's the focus of our CNN Security Watch today. But earlier today on AMERICAN MORNING, I talked with Coleen Rowley, the former FBI whistle-blower and former "Time" magazine person of the year back in 2002.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: I want to take you back to 2002. At a Senate hearing, you said, in part, the following, "We have a culture in the FBI that there's a certain pecking order, and it's pretty strong. And it's very rare that somebody picks up the phone and calls a rank or two above themselves." This goes to your criticism that there is a lack of aggression within the FBI.
COLEEN ROWLEY, FMR. FBI AGENT: We have a culture in the FBI that there's a certain pecking order and it's pretty strong. And it's very rare that somebody picks up the phone and calls a rank or two above themselves. This goes to your criticism that there is a lack of aggression within the FBI. Has that changed three and a half years later, Coleen?
ROWLEY: Well, as I just retired from the FBI, I would say there's been a sea change of difference in that respect. We are gathering and disseminating information and intelligence very pro- actively and very aggressively.
HEMMER: What about computer modernization, technology. Has that gone hand in hand, if that's the case, that your argument's true, that aggression has stepped up and gone better?
ROWLEY: Yes, despite the fact that not all of the technology has been put into place, a lot of the data mining software has occurred. So we're able to check databases effectively and see what we already know about a particular suspect. The problem is some of the aggressive investigation also carries new challenges. And that is where the opportunity for a civil liberties oversight board would at this point come into play.
HEMMER: Tell me a little bit more about that. This is one of your big issues, by the way. People have not been following this. There was a provision passed back in December that would make sure that the civil liberties of the U.S. citizens and those living here are protected. What is your big concern in this area that you see as a danger for citizens across the country?
ROWLEY: Well, I see it more as an opportunity at this point. It's one of the 41 recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. And it's a way that we can have our cake and eat it too. Since we are engaging in very aggressive intelligence collection, which can infringe on privacy and civil liberties, we need some oversight to monitor this type of thing so that we do not engage in any abuses.
HEMMER: Do you think we've crossed the line yet? Or are you just concerned about some day down the road?
ROWLEY: Well, it's very tricky. Little mistakes can occur and I think it's better if you deal with those things before they become bigger. We don't want to get to a point where we have endemic mistakes like that, which actually occurred in the summer of 2001. We don't want to see those things go over any timespan where they get worse and are not able to be dealt with effectively.
HEMMER: What happened the summer of 2001, Coleen? What are you referring to?
ROWLEY: Well, for many years there was an intelligence wall that existed that prevented sharing of criminal and intelligence information. And this went on for many years before, of course, 9/11 occurred. In which really was one of the major problems that allowed 9/11 to occur.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Coleen Rowley earlier today in Minneapolis. Again, retired as of 11 days ago. Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security. We'll have it for you here -- Heidi.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Millions of dollars pouring in for Southeast Asia. Some of Hollywood's biggest names are chipping in, as well. Andy has a list in a moment.
COLLINS: Plus you've heard about the health risks for tsunami survivors, but what are the biggest risks for relief workers and other visitors? That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: In more than a week after disaster struck, the tsunami region poses health risks for locals and visitors alike. Medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen joining us now from the CNN Center with details. We've heard quite a bit about this, Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right. And more and more they're seeing this actually come to fruition, if you would. Water and sanitation are the two top concerns right now in areas that have been hit by the tsunami. You're looking now at people in Sumatra, lining up for clean water. Sumatra is one of the hardest- hit areas, and one of the most difficult to reach.
Let's take a look at some of the top health risks that are being faced now in this area. Food and water-borne diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and cholera. Also insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. In addition animal diseases, for example, rabies and infections from injury. Now earlier on AMERICAN MORNING, Senate Majority Leader Dr. Bill Frist talked about what he called the disaster after the disaster.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. BILL FRIST (R), MAJORITY LEADER: You get dehydration. With dehydration you get what's called cardiogenic shock or shock and immediate heart failure. And all of this can happen over a period of about 24 hours or 48 hours. This is little packet, just a little bit of powder, predominantly chlorine and iron that you can dump into about ten liters or two and a half gallons of water and the water is clean. It gets rid of the bacteria.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COHEN: Again, Dr. Bill Frist called the problem of contaminated water the disaster after the disaster because it can lead to terrible dehydration and all of the effects that happen after that. Now agencies are distributing the tablets that Senator Frist mentioned and also other water purification devices -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Well, obviously, Elizabeth, there are quite a few people who are traveling to the region because of this disaster, whether they're giving aid or looking for loved ones. What should travelers do to protect themselves?
COHEN: Right, travelers need to keep several things in mind. First of all, they need to think about bringing treated water or carbonated drinks with them.
They need to think about also bringing filtration, some kind of a filtration system, iodine tablets, some of the tablets that Senator Frist was mentioning. Also keep an eye out for State Department advisories. In addition, travelers need to make sure that their vaccines are up to date, and they should talk to their doctor about additional vaccines. For example hepatitis-a and b, typhoid, rabies and other diseases.
COLLINS: All right, Elizabeth Cohen, thanks for that -- Bill.
HEMMER: Hollywood heavyweights stepping up to the plate for relief. Andy's got that, "Minding Your Business" in a moment here, when we continue after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: It's time to open up the wallet. Some are doing that in a very big way, too. Andy Serwer back with us "Minding Your Business." You want to talk about that first or the markets, your pick?
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: I want to talk about the markets first of all, because I've got some good news on that front. Stocks rebounding after yesterday's losses. You can see here the Dow Jones industrials up 18 points down at the Big Board. A couple stocks to the downside worth noting. Amazon.com is down, been downgraded by Smith Barney to a sell. That stock is down 4 percent. Surprising there and not surprising. Krispy Kreme in deep fat again. This time -- sorry, Jack, they're restating their earnings. They've got a lawsuit going on, and the stock is down twelve points. I'm going to ask this question again, how do you lose money making doughnuts? It just boggles my mind.
HEMMER: The sugar is not quite as sweet, is it?
CAFFERTY: It depends on how you make them.
SERWER: That's right, wisdom from uncle Jack.
HEMMER: What is Amazon dropping off the chart? They had such a great holiday.
SERWER: Well, I don't know what Smith Barney's saying. I will have to read what their report's saying, about Smith Barney saying that their sales weren't good enough. But they had record sales. It's interesting.
Speaking of Amazon, because we want to talk about companies that have been pitching in and celebrities and such. Amazon has raised now almost $14 million on its Web site. Those contributions of course coming from individuals and customers. Still, it's a good thing.
Also, you may have heard this, Sandra Bullock, the actress, giving $1 million directly to the Red Cross. Kudos to her. She gave a million dollars to 9/11 victims, as well. So she has a habit of doing this. Jay Leno is going to be donating one of Harley-Davidson's motorcycles signed by all the fun people who come on to "The Tonight Show," autographed by Nicole Kidman and Donald Trump. Maybe you want the motorcycle, maybe you don't.
Also interesting, Ama who is a religious leader in -- that's the motorcycle. There's not Ama. There's Ama. Ama is a religious leader in India, a very powerful figure in that country. Ama means mother. She's the hugging saint. She hugs individuals. She is pledging $22 million, which pales in comparison with some Arab countries as Jack will get to in a minute.
Also NBC's going to do a telethon, the NFL, NBA, tennis stars Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, all people, and the outpouring is really amazing, will continue.
COLLINS: The world is pitching in. We do want to check in with Jack now and the Question of the Day.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: A little conspicuous by their absence in that world pitching in thing are many of the Arab countries. The question we're asking, are they doing enough to aid the tsunami victims? Indonesia is the most populated Muslim country on the planet. So far there is barely a trickle of relief coming out of places like Saudi Arabia. Here's some of the letters. Elaine from Henlock (ph), New York, "Are Arab countries doing enough? This is a divisive question meant to agitate. Countries and individuals give according to their conscience."
That's what I do is agitate here. That's what my role is, I suppose.
Roger -- huh?
SERWER: Divisive.
CAFFERTY: Yes, divisive -- is that how you say that?
SERWER: You can, either way -- divisive, divisive.
CAFFERTY: Well, she didn't like the question, Elaine, whoever, regardless of how you say it.
Roger in State College, Pennsylvania, "There's no reason for the Islamic nations to send the money they could afford to donate, since doing so would only anger the terrorists within their borders. The best course of action for the West today would be to mount a rebuilding of the stricken areas similar to that undertaken after World War II under the Marshall Plan, which is one of the great success stories in all of humankind."
Ed in Nuskanunya (ph) in New York writes, "No, of course Arab nations are not doing enough. The U.S. is giving generously to the relief efforts, but we can't win. In the end we'll be condemned for it. Then again, we would have been condemned if we hadn't done anything. We just can't win. That's our role in the world. That's what we do."
HEMMER: Good question. And good responses, too, right here back in a moment on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired January 4, 2005 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back, everybody. I'm Bill Hemmer live in New York City. Great to have you along with us today. Soledad continues reporting from Thailand.
In a moment, racing against the clock in Indonesia to get vital supplies to survivors. We'll look at the U.S. battle plan, which involves some of the most advanced elements of the military. A live report on that in a moment. Also our CNN Security Watch continues today. The FBI whistle-blower Colleen Rowley, out of the agency as of last Friday, she retired. She's talking. Has the FBI fixed its problems in a way that will help catch terrorists before they strike? her conversation with us coming up in a few moments here. My conversation with Heidi Collins continues now. How are you doing?
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: I'm doing great, thank you.
Want to get everybody up to speed on the rest of the news today. Within the past 20 minutes, in fact, CNN has learned three U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq. Military sources say an improvised explosive device went off earlier this morning in northern Baghdad. The death brings the U.S. death toll in the Iraq war to 1,339.
Here in the United States, in 2 1/2 hours, a new Congress convenes for a first day of work. President Bush met with the new members yesterday, calling for bipartisan teamwork. Among the issues facing this 109th Congress? Social Security reform, and an overhaul of the tax system.
In Massachusetts, police are searching for a suspect who threatened people with what he said was AIDS-infected blood. Surveillance cameras show the man walking into a pharmacy, threatening to inject a clerk if she didn't hand over money. The man ran away when the clerk refused. In a similar incident minutes later, the suspect got away with the cash. No one was injured in either incident.
And to sports now, Auburn put the finishing touch on an undefeated season, with a 16-13 win over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. But, because it was a narrow victory, it could end any chance for Auburn to share the national title with the winner of tonight's Orange Bowl, though when top ranked southern California takes on No. 2 Oklahoma. The BCS, yes, I just don't get it.
HEMMER: USC and Oklahoma, who do you like? Sooners or Trojans?
COLLINS: Oklahoma I think. Although USC has a great band.
HEMMER: You take Oklahoma? I'll go with the boys from California.
COLLINS: All right. We'll duke it out.
HEMMER: Loser buys coffee. The USS Abraham Lincoln now in the region providing aid to tsunami-ravaged countries, and CNN's Atika Shubert is there as well, onboard the aircraft carrier stationed off the coast of Indonesia.
She joins me now in Banda Aceh.
Atika, hello there.
ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Bill. This is one of the biggest relief efforts ever. And so far estimates are only one-eighth of the 400,000 tons of food and water are being delivered to the people who need it most. Basically the infrastructure that's here just isn't there to support this overwhelming relief aid that's needed here. Just to give you an example, the airport today, the landing strip there was closed for nearly 15 hours because a Boeing 737 landed there and collided with a herd of cows.
Now this might be an inconvenience in other airports, but here it is a disaster. By closing the airport, that means that relief planes are not able to fill up on the stocks of food, water and medical supplies they need. Helicopters need to pick up those supplies to bring them to the people who need it most. So definitely serious problems happening in terms of the infrastructure. Fortunately, the airstrip has been cleared. But obviously some been very bad delay -- Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Atika. Atika Shubert on the scene there in Banda Aceh in Indonesia. They need an awful lot of help. It's trickling in day by day. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Florida Governor Jeb Bush in Thailand today, assessing damage there.
Our senior White House correspondent John King talked with the governor about the criticism the president, his brother, has received for waiting about three days before commenting publicly on the tragedy.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: I'll tell you that the prime minister here said the he appreciated the call. The first call that the foreign minister got was from Secretary Powell. The response by the United States military has been impressive. I think that he's done exactly what he should do.
And this needs to be an ongoing thing. Once CNN leaves, and I leave and others leave, there's going to be a lot of work to be done. And I think basically that's my message to the president will be to make this a long-term effort, provide the support, and I believe he will. JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Do you think your message is going to have to be that it's going to take more than $350 million in U.S. government money over the long run?
BUSH: I don't know. You know, that's a lot of money. Once you get past a couple of million for me, that starts adding up. So I don't know what the exact number is. But this is a massive disaster. It's appropriate for the world's most powerful country to respond to it as we're doing it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Governor Bush and Secretary Powell also meeting with workers there. The two leaders also set to visit Sri Lanka and Indonesia. They'll be in Jakarta on Thursday as a summit takes place there. Once political foes, former Presidents George Bush, and Bill Clinton now allies for a common cause.
Dana Bash has more at the White House. She talked with both men yesterday. Good morning there.
DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.
And both the former presidents say that their goal is to convince Americans that no donation of cash is too small. And they also, just as you heard from Jeb Bush, defended the current president against critics who said he was too slow to respond.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BASH (voice over): Three presidents, a show of American unity at embassies of countries hit hardest by last week's tsunami disaster. As the current White House occupant tries to quiet criticism his reaction was not fast or generous enough.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In the coming days, Presidents Clinton and Bush will ask Americans to donate directly to reliable charities already providing help to tsunami victims.
BASH: The president's aides enlisted his father and his old rival to lead what they call a massive effort to solicit private donations.
BUSH: The greatest source of America's generosity is not our government. It's the good heart of the American people.
BASH: The former presidents say they'll help sustain and direct contributions, pointing to this USA Freedom Corps Web site.
GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The private donation of cash is more important at this stage of the recovery than sending things, items, tents, whatever.
BASH: President Clinton, known for moving fast to express public empathy in the face of tragedy, came to his successor's defense. WILLIAM J. CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Promising that we would do more through the government if need be, I don't see how he could have done more. I think that right now we are just where we need to be, and we shouldn't be looking back. We should be looking forward.
BASH: Former President Bush acknowledged this could be an opportunity for America to revive its tarnished reputation around the world. But what about his son's personal low standings?
GEORGE H.W. BUSH: That's not what this is about. It's about saving lives. It's about caring. And the president cares.
BASH: Tapping the former presidents, sending his brother, Florida's governor, and the secretary of state for a firsthand look at the devastation, plus these pictures of military helicopters delivering aid, is a combination the White House hopes will silence its critics.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BASH: And in terms of the U.S. government's pledge, Secretary of State Powell said, at this point, $350 million is where it will stay, because he says that the big problem now isn't necessarily aid, it's actually getting the aid distributed to the people who need it -- Bill.
HEMMER: Dana, another topic here. You've confirmed that the Republicans in Congress are considering an idea to revamp Social Security. How close is the president to signing off on this proposal?
BASH: Well, Bill, what they're saying here at the White House is that the idea of essentially changing the way benefits are calculating to being based on wages to being based on inflation is something that the White House is seriously considering as part of a broader reform package. It's something that the Social Security Commission in 2001 actually recommended. That is something, commission at least, that the president has put a lot of stock in.
But at this point, what the White House says is that it is just one option, though, again the president seriously considering it. And at this point, what is important is from the president's point of view, to convince and explain to the American people is that there is a problem in the first place with Social Security, and that is where they're going to be putting their focus this coming month, a major campaign for the president on down, to explain to the American people they do believe Social Security is in crisis. After they're done with that, they're going to get more specific about the possible solutions. But that is one possible solution to help pay for one thing that we know the president wants to do, which is create private accounts for younger workers.
HEMMER: All right, thanks for clearing that up. Dana Bash, thanks, at the White House.
Ed Henry reporting on Capitol Hill that Congress will observe a moment of silence today at twelve noon Eastern Time for the victims in Southeast Asia. Dick Cheney, the vice president, set to participate in that moment of silence. After the swearing-in of the new members at 1:00 eastern time, Congress will take up the resolution of funding that $350 million figure that we've talked about for the past several days.
I want to shift our focus now, 21 minutes before the hour. Since 9/11, how has the FBI changed? that's the focus of our CNN Security Watch today. But earlier today on AMERICAN MORNING, I talked with Coleen Rowley, the former FBI whistle-blower and former "Time" magazine person of the year back in 2002.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: I want to take you back to 2002. At a Senate hearing, you said, in part, the following, "We have a culture in the FBI that there's a certain pecking order, and it's pretty strong. And it's very rare that somebody picks up the phone and calls a rank or two above themselves." This goes to your criticism that there is a lack of aggression within the FBI.
COLEEN ROWLEY, FMR. FBI AGENT: We have a culture in the FBI that there's a certain pecking order and it's pretty strong. And it's very rare that somebody picks up the phone and calls a rank or two above themselves. This goes to your criticism that there is a lack of aggression within the FBI. Has that changed three and a half years later, Coleen?
ROWLEY: Well, as I just retired from the FBI, I would say there's been a sea change of difference in that respect. We are gathering and disseminating information and intelligence very pro- actively and very aggressively.
HEMMER: What about computer modernization, technology. Has that gone hand in hand, if that's the case, that your argument's true, that aggression has stepped up and gone better?
ROWLEY: Yes, despite the fact that not all of the technology has been put into place, a lot of the data mining software has occurred. So we're able to check databases effectively and see what we already know about a particular suspect. The problem is some of the aggressive investigation also carries new challenges. And that is where the opportunity for a civil liberties oversight board would at this point come into play.
HEMMER: Tell me a little bit more about that. This is one of your big issues, by the way. People have not been following this. There was a provision passed back in December that would make sure that the civil liberties of the U.S. citizens and those living here are protected. What is your big concern in this area that you see as a danger for citizens across the country?
ROWLEY: Well, I see it more as an opportunity at this point. It's one of the 41 recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. And it's a way that we can have our cake and eat it too. Since we are engaging in very aggressive intelligence collection, which can infringe on privacy and civil liberties, we need some oversight to monitor this type of thing so that we do not engage in any abuses.
HEMMER: Do you think we've crossed the line yet? Or are you just concerned about some day down the road?
ROWLEY: Well, it's very tricky. Little mistakes can occur and I think it's better if you deal with those things before they become bigger. We don't want to get to a point where we have endemic mistakes like that, which actually occurred in the summer of 2001. We don't want to see those things go over any timespan where they get worse and are not able to be dealt with effectively.
HEMMER: What happened the summer of 2001, Coleen? What are you referring to?
ROWLEY: Well, for many years there was an intelligence wall that existed that prevented sharing of criminal and intelligence information. And this went on for many years before, of course, 9/11 occurred. In which really was one of the major problems that allowed 9/11 to occur.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Coleen Rowley earlier today in Minneapolis. Again, retired as of 11 days ago. Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security. We'll have it for you here -- Heidi.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Millions of dollars pouring in for Southeast Asia. Some of Hollywood's biggest names are chipping in, as well. Andy has a list in a moment.
COLLINS: Plus you've heard about the health risks for tsunami survivors, but what are the biggest risks for relief workers and other visitors? That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
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COLLINS: In more than a week after disaster struck, the tsunami region poses health risks for locals and visitors alike. Medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen joining us now from the CNN Center with details. We've heard quite a bit about this, Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right. And more and more they're seeing this actually come to fruition, if you would. Water and sanitation are the two top concerns right now in areas that have been hit by the tsunami. You're looking now at people in Sumatra, lining up for clean water. Sumatra is one of the hardest- hit areas, and one of the most difficult to reach.
Let's take a look at some of the top health risks that are being faced now in this area. Food and water-borne diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and cholera. Also insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. In addition animal diseases, for example, rabies and infections from injury. Now earlier on AMERICAN MORNING, Senate Majority Leader Dr. Bill Frist talked about what he called the disaster after the disaster.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. BILL FRIST (R), MAJORITY LEADER: You get dehydration. With dehydration you get what's called cardiogenic shock or shock and immediate heart failure. And all of this can happen over a period of about 24 hours or 48 hours. This is little packet, just a little bit of powder, predominantly chlorine and iron that you can dump into about ten liters or two and a half gallons of water and the water is clean. It gets rid of the bacteria.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COHEN: Again, Dr. Bill Frist called the problem of contaminated water the disaster after the disaster because it can lead to terrible dehydration and all of the effects that happen after that. Now agencies are distributing the tablets that Senator Frist mentioned and also other water purification devices -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Well, obviously, Elizabeth, there are quite a few people who are traveling to the region because of this disaster, whether they're giving aid or looking for loved ones. What should travelers do to protect themselves?
COHEN: Right, travelers need to keep several things in mind. First of all, they need to think about bringing treated water or carbonated drinks with them.
They need to think about also bringing filtration, some kind of a filtration system, iodine tablets, some of the tablets that Senator Frist was mentioning. Also keep an eye out for State Department advisories. In addition, travelers need to make sure that their vaccines are up to date, and they should talk to their doctor about additional vaccines. For example hepatitis-a and b, typhoid, rabies and other diseases.
COLLINS: All right, Elizabeth Cohen, thanks for that -- Bill.
HEMMER: Hollywood heavyweights stepping up to the plate for relief. Andy's got that, "Minding Your Business" in a moment here, when we continue after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: It's time to open up the wallet. Some are doing that in a very big way, too. Andy Serwer back with us "Minding Your Business." You want to talk about that first or the markets, your pick?
ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: I want to talk about the markets first of all, because I've got some good news on that front. Stocks rebounding after yesterday's losses. You can see here the Dow Jones industrials up 18 points down at the Big Board. A couple stocks to the downside worth noting. Amazon.com is down, been downgraded by Smith Barney to a sell. That stock is down 4 percent. Surprising there and not surprising. Krispy Kreme in deep fat again. This time -- sorry, Jack, they're restating their earnings. They've got a lawsuit going on, and the stock is down twelve points. I'm going to ask this question again, how do you lose money making doughnuts? It just boggles my mind.
HEMMER: The sugar is not quite as sweet, is it?
CAFFERTY: It depends on how you make them.
SERWER: That's right, wisdom from uncle Jack.
HEMMER: What is Amazon dropping off the chart? They had such a great holiday.
SERWER: Well, I don't know what Smith Barney's saying. I will have to read what their report's saying, about Smith Barney saying that their sales weren't good enough. But they had record sales. It's interesting.
Speaking of Amazon, because we want to talk about companies that have been pitching in and celebrities and such. Amazon has raised now almost $14 million on its Web site. Those contributions of course coming from individuals and customers. Still, it's a good thing.
Also, you may have heard this, Sandra Bullock, the actress, giving $1 million directly to the Red Cross. Kudos to her. She gave a million dollars to 9/11 victims, as well. So she has a habit of doing this. Jay Leno is going to be donating one of Harley-Davidson's motorcycles signed by all the fun people who come on to "The Tonight Show," autographed by Nicole Kidman and Donald Trump. Maybe you want the motorcycle, maybe you don't.
Also interesting, Ama who is a religious leader in -- that's the motorcycle. There's not Ama. There's Ama. Ama is a religious leader in India, a very powerful figure in that country. Ama means mother. She's the hugging saint. She hugs individuals. She is pledging $22 million, which pales in comparison with some Arab countries as Jack will get to in a minute.
Also NBC's going to do a telethon, the NFL, NBA, tennis stars Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, all people, and the outpouring is really amazing, will continue.
COLLINS: The world is pitching in. We do want to check in with Jack now and the Question of the Day.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: A little conspicuous by their absence in that world pitching in thing are many of the Arab countries. The question we're asking, are they doing enough to aid the tsunami victims? Indonesia is the most populated Muslim country on the planet. So far there is barely a trickle of relief coming out of places like Saudi Arabia. Here's some of the letters. Elaine from Henlock (ph), New York, "Are Arab countries doing enough? This is a divisive question meant to agitate. Countries and individuals give according to their conscience."
That's what I do is agitate here. That's what my role is, I suppose.
Roger -- huh?
SERWER: Divisive.
CAFFERTY: Yes, divisive -- is that how you say that?
SERWER: You can, either way -- divisive, divisive.
CAFFERTY: Well, she didn't like the question, Elaine, whoever, regardless of how you say it.
Roger in State College, Pennsylvania, "There's no reason for the Islamic nations to send the money they could afford to donate, since doing so would only anger the terrorists within their borders. The best course of action for the West today would be to mount a rebuilding of the stricken areas similar to that undertaken after World War II under the Marshall Plan, which is one of the great success stories in all of humankind."
Ed in Nuskanunya (ph) in New York writes, "No, of course Arab nations are not doing enough. The U.S. is giving generously to the relief efforts, but we can't win. In the end we'll be condemned for it. Then again, we would have been condemned if we hadn't done anything. We just can't win. That's our role in the world. That's what we do."
HEMMER: Good question. And good responses, too, right here back in a moment on AMERICAN MORNING.
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