new "orange alert"

jj · 21st December 2003, 02:19 PM

So, what do you think?

Why won't the government explain "why" in substantive terms?

21st December 2003, 03:16 PM

I think this color code system is completly useless. Especially after so many false alarms.

Gem · 21st December 2003, 06:44 PM

New "chocolate alert" flavor, if you ask me. But I prefer orange flavor, thank you very much.

Gem

Mr Manifesto · 21st December 2003, 06:50 PM

If I were a terrorist, I'd attack during an 'orange alert'. For that essential element of surprise.

Otther · 21st December 2003, 07:03 PM

Hey!

To be fair we should refrain from mocking the system because nothing has ever happened during it. It's impossible to know if it has helped a bit.

We should stick to the real points... how george bush feels more threatened by the color red than the color blue.

Frank Newgent · 21st December 2003, 07:34 PM

My neighbor works for Homeland Security. He didn't know the alert status had been raised.

jj · 21st December 2003, 10:21 PM

You know, I didn't expect anything near this level of cynicism.

Colour me astonished.

Zero · 21st December 2003, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Otther
Hey!

To be fair we should refrain from mocking the system because nothing has ever happened during it. It's impossible to know if it has helped a bit.

We should stick to the real points... how george bush feels more threatened by the color red than the color blue.

Why shouldn't we mock it? Even Ridge gave a little self-deprecating snicker when he brought up the color coding in his speech.

Otther · 21st December 2003, 11:29 PM

Er... I guess I was unclear... mocking it for what it is is fine... but it makes no sense to mock it's practicality based on a lack of actual terrorist strikes...

Mr Manifesto · 21st December 2003, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jj
You know, I didn't expect anything near this level of cynicism.

Colour me astonished.

Orange you glad there haven't been any other terrorist strikes, though?

Yahweh · 21st December 2003, 11:36 PM

Is the Evil Government really obligated to explain itself for a matter such as elevating this Terror Alert...

I havent decided, but I'm leaning towards "No"...

Mr Manifesto · 21st December 2003, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Yahweh
Is the Evil Government really obligated to explain itself for a matter such as elevating this Terror Alert...

I havent decided, but I'm leaning towards "No"...

You don't like to see how your taxes are being spent?

Troll · 22nd December 2003, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Frank Newgent
My neighbor works for Homeland Security. He didn't know the alert status had been raised.

Is that a reflection of the system or your neighbors knowledge of what's going on around him? My uncle's cousin's sister wasn't aware either, but she doesn't watch the news.

richardm · 22nd December 2003, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Otther
it makes no sense to mock it's practicality based on a lack of actual terrorist strikes...

One thing that puzzles me about these alert states you have over there: What is their practical use supposed to be?

Other than to try to keep the population in an advanced state of paranoia, that is, which seems to be what actually happens right up to the point where people get fed up of nothing happening and start ignoring it.

Jon_in_london · 22nd December 2003, 02:35 AM

What are the other states of alert? Banana, balckcurrant and stawberry?

richardm · 22nd December 2003, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jon_in_london
What are the other states of alert? Banana, balckcurrant and stawberry?

It's only when it goes "Tutti Frutti" that you really need to batten down the hatches.

MoeFaux · 22nd December 2003, 04:04 AM

I'll hit the nail on the head with the hammer:

It's because it's xmas week, that's why. Bush wants us to remember the "terrorists" and live in fear. It has nothing to do with anything other than him trying to manipulate the public and get more votes. It's only because it's xmas.

Some Friggin Guy · 22nd December 2003, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Yahweh
Is the Evil Government really obligated to explain itself for a matter such as elevating this Terror Alert...

I havent decided, but I'm leaning towards "No"...

Actually, Yahweh, they should be.

There are two possibilities of what could happen with this if they don't tell us. (and this is not meant in any way as a slam against the Bush administration. My feelings for them tend not to see too much expression on this board.)

1. They don't tell us, and those in America who are prone to panic, will start jumping at every shadow. Not necessarily a dangerous thing, but not too good for mental well-being of that segment of the population.

2. They don't tell us and the cynical segment of the population (In my opinion, probably the majority, though I have no statistics to back this up.) ignores it as a needless alert. Maybe it is, in which case, that's not a problem. If, however, it pans out to be an actual threat, the cyics aren't paying much attnetion and will not see the warning signs. That would make the threat that much more likely to be carried out.

Frank Newgent · 22nd December 2003, 07:58 AM

http://politicalhumor.about.com/gi/d....asp%3Frec=685

Quote:

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge admitted today that he is “completely color-blind,” but assured the American people that his condition in no way impairs his ability to fulfill his duties as steward of the nation’s security.

“Color-blind or not, here at the Department of Homeland Security, it is business as usual,” Mr. Ridge said. “The threat level remains at gray.”

For Secretary Ridge, the admission that he is color-blind brought with it a tremendous sense of relief, he said.

“In the past, every time I picked up a pointer to indicate the latest threat level on that darned chart, I was always scared to death I would mess up somehow,” Mr. Ridge said. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to let each and every one of you know that I can’t tell one threat level from another.”

PygmyPlaidGiraffe · 22nd December 2003, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ssibal
I think this color code system is completly useless. Especially after so many false alarms.

color code? oops, I thought it was referring to fresh produce,

in October/November it was Green Onion alert,

now orange alert

I was half expecting an avacado (quacamole mmmmwahhhhh), or a strawberry alert.

PygmyPlaidGiraffe · 22nd December 2003, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Otther
Hey!

To be fair we should refrain from mocking the system because nothing has ever happened during it. It's impossible to know if it has helped a bit.

We should stick to the real points... how george bush feels more threatened by the color red than the color blue.

George Bush fears flagrant colours,

and the Christian right fears them more as flagrant colours have a militant agenda directed at the whole colour wheel.

Zero · 22nd December 2003, 08:38 AM

The problem, the REAL problem, is that these alerts don't make us any safer. All they do is cover the government's ass in case something happens.

Luke T. · 22nd December 2003, 08:54 AM

Jeer all you like, but I remember there was a terrorist alert put out by the government the week before 9/11.

Since we have captured Saddam, it is not surprising some elements may be planning revenge.

These alerts mostly affect military bases and other government installations and their operating procedures. So it will be mostly unseen by the general population. You guys are on your own.

These alerts are based on intercepted transmissions and interrogations of prisoners.

hammegk · 22nd December 2003, 09:19 AM

Whining & nitpicking sure are fun.

Some things -- as I (rather poorly) understand the alert system -- do change regarding interstate commerce & customs checkpoints, number of law enforcers & "key personnel" on duty, who knows what else.

If the alert status was not annouced publicly, word would quickly leak anyway that law enforemnet had been alerted to a change, and the rumor mills/paranoia would spread even more crap.

One of them 'lesser of 2 evils' pc-libs love so much, maybe?

Andalyn · 22nd December 2003, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MoeFaux
I'll hit the nail on the head with the hammer:

It's because it's xmas week, that's why. Bush wants us to remember the "terrorists" and live in fear. It has nothing to do with anything other than him trying to manipulate the public and get more votes. It's only because it's xmas.

There was information that Al Qaeda was "talking" extensively about an attack during Xmas.

Also - it's all Bush?

Quote:

President Bush approved the heightened alert after receiving a recommendation from senior members of Ridge's department, the FBI, CIA, Pentagon, Justice Department and the White House.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...NG4E3SBBJ1.DTL

Not sure if it is a "Bush" conspiracy...

http://www.itv.com/news/826870.html

http://www.cnn.com/2002/US/12/05/terror.threats/

http://iafrica.com/news/worldnews/289445.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2003/s1014502.htm

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/World/story_34671.asp

Personally, I think that people believe in strange things like "Bush scaring people for Xmas" much for the same reason they believe in devils and angels, ghosts, gods, demons etc...

BTox · 22nd December 2003, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr Manifesto

You don't like to see how your taxes are being spent?

In matters of national security? Of course not. What a silly question.

Crossbow · 22nd December 2003, 09:53 AM

Well, they may have changed the color, but at least they did not tell everyone to go out and buy plastic sheeting and duct tape.

BTox · 22nd December 2003, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zero
The problem, the REAL problem, is that these alerts don't make us any safer. All they do is cover the government's ass in case something happens.

Sure... yet another lie.

increased airport security

sorgoth · 22nd December 2003, 11:51 AM

I think that the government simply does not trust the public.
Any information given to the public will be given to the terrorist groups (Which may be part of the public).

Zero · 22nd December 2003, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BTox

Sure... yet another lie.

increased airport security

I meant the public announcements...airport security is another issue entirely, although I question its effectiveness when cargo containers coming into the country is barely inspected.

Chad Noles · 22nd December 2003, 01:23 PM

Or could it be that,in the event of a actual attack,the gubmint has their arse covered?See,we warned you.We're on top of the situation,even though we didn't prevent it.Yeh,that's the ticket.

Ian Perez · 22nd December 2003, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Luke T.

Since we have captured Saddam, it is not surprising some elements may be planning revenge.

Not surprising, sure. But remember, The Great Plane Highjacking was the result of years of planning. Any revenge plan would need years of planning, if it wants to succeed and be on the scale of the 9/11 attacks.

You know what pisses me off the most, though? Thanks to the terror alerts, my parents won't let my girlfriend come to NYC to visit me, and I can't drive to her state.

DrChinese · 22nd December 2003, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Otther
Hey!

To be fair we should refrain from mocking the system because nothing has ever happened during it. It's impossible to know if it has helped a bit.

We should stick to the real points... how george bush feels more threatened by the color red than the color blue.

To be fair...some people feel threatened during a full moon too.

This is one of the biggest swindles ever on the American public. No objective purpose, just a way to remind us of perceived threats a la Saddam's fictional WMDs. Remember those babies were an IMMEDIATE THREAT this time last year. Turns out, Santa is more real than the WMDs were.

...Can't let the American public let its guard down. Must create paranoia and distrust whenever possible... That's the only way Cowboy George can protect us... Goodnight, my little sheep... sweet dreams while GW works his magic.

BTox · 22nd December 2003, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DrChinese
...Can't let the American public let its guard down. Must create paranoia and distrust whenever possible... That's the only way Cowboy George can protect us... Goodnight, my little sheep... sweet dreams while GW works his magic.

Tell us another fairy tale, kid...

Troll · 22nd December 2003, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DrChinese

To be fair...some people feel threatened during a full moon too.

This is one of the biggest swindles ever on the American public. No objective purpose, just a way to remind us of perceived threats a la Saddam's fictional WMDs. Remember those babies were an IMMEDIATE THREAT this time last year. Turns out, Santa is more real than the WMDs were.

...Can't let the American public let its guard down. Must create paranoia and distrust whenever possible... That's the only way Cowboy George can protect us... Goodnight, my little sheep... sweet dreams while GW works his magic.

You'd probably do better if you didn't sound so much like a walking talking point from Carville.

The reason is not paranoia but a chance to alleviate some of the helplessness many feel. If a valid suspicion of an attack comes through, they warn people so that they can either, live their lives in a paranoid fashion as some would do, or just be aware of their surroundings like sane people would be after reading a caution sign on the highway.

Personally I think it's pointless to change the alert level from anything other than elevated to begin with. But then I don't live in lala land and keep my eyes open all the time anyhow. And not for terrorists, but for everything and anything, deer on the road, kids at the mall who's parents aren't watching the little yard ape getting ready to fall down the stairs, all things.

KelvinG · 22nd December 2003, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BTox

Sure... yet another lie.

increased airport security

So, does this mean that before the orange alert, airport security was not up to the level it could have been? That's a little disconcerting, isn't it?

Soapy Sam · 22nd December 2003, 07:12 PM

Has anyone claimed responsibility for the California Earthquake yet?

Chupacabras · 22nd December 2003, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Troll
The reason is not paranoia but a chance to alleviate some of the helplessness many feel.

Very well said. As odd as it may sound, it is really a human touch to a cold tactical situation. Also, I perceive it as an indirect yet well propagated message to terrorists - "We know you are up to something". They might get paranoid themselves!

What bothers me a bit (and I live outside of the USA) is that there's no further information. One day they said something like "we have spoiled so many attacks", but with nothing specific (and I can understand the reasons) the general public and institutions (airports, customs...) may start to feel tired of this, and then lower the guard.

Yahweh	5	6.76%
Allah	1	1.35%
Buddha	0	0%
Brahma/Vishnu/Shiva	1	1.35%
Jah	0	0%
Xenu	6	8.11%
Zeus	3	4.05%
Odin	6	8.11%
Ahura Mazda	0	0%
Mictlanteculhtli	2	2.70%
Shemp	4	5.41%
All of the above	29	39.19%
I can't make up my mind, choose one for me.	5	6.76%
I am my own personal Jesus, I will strike myself dead.	12	16.22%
Voters: 74. You may not vote on this poll

21st December 2003, 02:19 PM	#1
jj grumpy old skeptic Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Deep in the rain Posts: 18,508	new "orange alert" So, what do you think? Why won't the government explain "why" in substantive terms?
	__________________ The Power to Quit

21st December 2003, 03:16 PM	#2
ssibal Guest Posts: n/a	I think this color code system is completly useless. Especially after so many false alarms.
ssibal Guest Posts: n/a

21st December 2003, 06:44 PM	#3
Gem Critical Thinker Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 477	New "chocolate alert" flavor, if you ask me. But I prefer orange flavor, thank you very much. Gem
Gem Critical Thinker Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 477	__________________ Bjorn: Do you actually prefer to make a fool of yourself? Jedi Knight: Read my posts above for the answer. Shanek: (Prediction: people will reply with the mythical children working 12 hours a day at hard labor for 10?/hour...with no support for it whatsoever.) Shanek: "...a bunch of social engineers in black robes trying to defend the policies of those who put them into power..." Shane refering to the Supreme Court Justices Rikzilla: There is much unfinished business in this world. IMHO, it's only going to get worse before it gets better....I just hope we have the societal will to see it through to victory. Only victory will make us safer at home. http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=50331&perpage=40&pagenu mber=2

21st December 2003, 07:03 PM	#5
Otther Thinker Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 172	Hey! To be fair we should refrain from mocking the system because nothing has ever happened during it. It's impossible to know if it has helped a bit. We should stick to the real points... how george bush feels more threatened by the color red than the color blue.
Otther Thinker Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 172

21st December 2003, 06:50 PM	#4
Mr Manifesto Hierophant Walrus of the Secret Clique Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,824	If I were a terrorist, I'd attack during an 'orange alert'. For that essential element of surprise.

21st December 2003, 07:34 PM	#6
Frank Newgent Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 4,678	My neighbor works for Homeland Security. He didn't know the alert status had been raised.
	__________________ Disturbances of the semantic reactions in connection with faulty education and ignorance must be considered as sub-microscopic colloidal lesions - Alfred O. Korzybski

21st December 2003, 10:21 PM	#7
jj grumpy old skeptic Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Deep in the rain Posts: 18,508	You know, I didn't expect anything near this level of cynicism. Colour me astonished.
	__________________ The Power to Quit

21st December 2003, 11:05 PM	#8
Zero Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,535	Quote: Originally posted by Otther Hey! To be fair we should refrain from mocking the system because nothing has ever happened during it. It's impossible to know if it has helped a bit. We should stick to the real points... how george bush feels more threatened by the color red than the color blue. Why shouldn't we mock it? Even Ridge gave a little self-deprecating snicker when he brought up the color coding in his speech.
Zero Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,535

21st December 2003, 11:29 PM	#9
Otther Thinker Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 172	Er... I guess I was unclear... mocking it for what it is is fine... but it makes no sense to mock it's practicality based on a lack of actual terrorist strikes...
Otther Thinker Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 172

21st December 2003, 11:35 PM	#10
Mr Manifesto Hierophant Walrus of the Secret Clique Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,824	Quote: Originally posted by jj You know, I didn't expect anything near this level of cynicism. Colour me astonished. Orange you glad there haven't been any other terrorist strikes, though?

21st December 2003, 11:36 PM	#11
Yahweh Ayay ashay ayay Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 9,029	Is the Evil Government really obligated to explain itself for a matter such as elevating this Terror Alert... I havent decided, but I'm leaning towards "No"...
Yahweh Ayay ashay ayay Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 9,029

21st December 2003, 11:39 PM	#12
Mr Manifesto Hierophant Walrus of the Secret Clique Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,824	Quote: Originally posted by Yahweh Is the Evil Government really obligated to explain itself for a matter such as elevating this Terror Alert... I havent decided, but I'm leaning towards "No"... You don't like to see how your taxes are being spent?

22nd December 2003, 12:09 AM	#13
Troll Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,478	Quote: Originally posted by Frank Newgent My neighbor works for Homeland Security. He didn't know the alert status had been raised. Is that a reflection of the system or your neighbors knowledge of what's going on around him? My uncle's cousin's sister wasn't aware either, but she doesn't watch the news.
Troll Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,478

22nd December 2003, 02:05 AM	#14
richardm Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,270	Quote: Originally posted by Otther it makes no sense to mock it's practicality based on a lack of actual terrorist strikes... One thing that puzzles me about these alert states you have over there: What is their practical use supposed to be? Other than to try to keep the population in an advanced state of paranoia, that is, which seems to be what actually happens right up to the point where people get fed up of nothing happening and start ignoring it.
richardm Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,270	__________________ Rimmer: Look at her! Magnificent woman! Very prim, very proper, almost austere. Some people took her for cold, thought she was aloof. Not a bit of it. She just despised fools. Quite tragic, really, because otherwise I think we'd have got on famously.

22nd December 2003, 02:35 AM	#15
Jon_in_london Illuminator Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,994	What are the other states of alert? Banana, balckcurrant and stawberry?
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22nd December 2003, 02:47 AM	#16
richardm Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,270	Quote: Originally posted by Jon_in_london What are the other states of alert? Banana, balckcurrant and stawberry? It's only when it goes "Tutti Frutti" that you really need to batten down the hatches.
richardm Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,270	__________________ Rimmer: Look at her! Magnificent woman! Very prim, very proper, almost austere. Some people took her for cold, thought she was aloof. Not a bit of it. She just despised fools. Quite tragic, really, because otherwise I think we'd have got on famously.

22nd December 2003, 04:04 AM	#17
MoeFaux Suspicious Mind Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,919	I'll hit the nail on the head with the hammer: It's because it's xmas week, that's why. Bush wants us to remember the "terrorists" and live in fear. It has nothing to do with anything other than him trying to manipulate the public and get more votes. It's only because it's xmas.
MoeFaux Suspicious Mind Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,919	__________________ This post brought to you by the artist fauxmerly known as Moe.

22nd December 2003, 04:06 AM	#18
Some Friggin Guy Muse Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 860	Quote: Originally posted by Yahweh Is the Evil Government really obligated to explain itself for a matter such as elevating this Terror Alert... I havent decided, but I'm leaning towards "No"... Actually, Yahweh, they should be. There are two possibilities of what could happen with this if they don't tell us. (and this is not meant in any way as a slam against the Bush administration. My feelings for them tend not to see too much expression on this board.) 1. They don't tell us, and those in America who are prone to panic, will start jumping at every shadow. Not necessarily a dangerous thing, but not too good for mental well-being of that segment of the population. 2. They don't tell us and the cynical segment of the population (In my opinion, probably the majority, though I have no statistics to back this up.) ignores it as a needless alert. Maybe it is, in which case, that's not a problem. If, however, it pans out to be an actual threat, the cyics aren't paying much attnetion and will not see the warning signs. That would make the threat that much more likely to be carried out.
Some Friggin Guy Muse Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 860	__________________ You think, therefore I am. "There is no hope for humanity. Reason is dead and we dance on the corpse. Tra la la la la! " - c4ts "What is the meaning of life? Monkey!" - c4ts

22nd December 2003, 07:58 AM	#19
Frank Newgent Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 4,678	http://politicalhumor.about.com/gi/d....asp%3Frec=685 Quote: Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge admitted today that he is “completely color-blind,” but assured the American people that his condition in no way impairs his ability to fulfill his duties as steward of the nation’s security. “Color-blind or not, here at the Department of Homeland Security, it is business as usual,” Mr. Ridge said. “The threat level remains at gray.” For Secretary Ridge, the admission that he is color-blind brought with it a tremendous sense of relief, he said. “In the past, every time I picked up a pointer to indicate the latest threat level on that darned chart, I was always scared to death I would mess up somehow,” Mr. Ridge said. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to let each and every one of you know that I can’t tell one threat level from another.”
	__________________ Disturbances of the semantic reactions in connection with faulty education and ignorance must be considered as sub-microscopic colloidal lesions - Alfred O. Korzybski

22nd December 2003, 08:19 AM	#20
PygmyPlaidGiraffe Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,289	Quote: Originally posted by ssibal I think this color code system is completly useless. Especially after so many false alarms. color code? oops, I thought it was referring to fresh produce, in October/November it was Green Onion alert, now orange alert I was half expecting an avacado (quacamole mmmmwahhhhh), or a strawberry alert.
	__________________ DÃ©montrer habituellement mon fromage glissant outre de mon biscuit depuis 1976. ruminating artiodactyle ungulate http://www.ultimateungulate.com/index.html

22nd December 2003, 08:23 AM	#21
PygmyPlaidGiraffe Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,289	Quote: Originally posted by Otther Hey! To be fair we should refrain from mocking the system because nothing has ever happened during it. It's impossible to know if it has helped a bit. We should stick to the real points... how george bush feels more threatened by the color red than the color blue. George Bush fears flagrant colours, and the Christian right fears them more as flagrant colours have a militant agenda directed at the whole colour wheel.
	__________________ DÃ©montrer habituellement mon fromage glissant outre de mon biscuit depuis 1976. ruminating artiodactyle ungulate http://www.ultimateungulate.com/index.html

22nd December 2003, 08:38 AM	#22
Zero Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,535	The problem, the REAL problem, is that these alerts don't make us any safer. All they do is cover the government's ass in case something happens.
Zero Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,535

22nd December 2003, 08:54 AM	#23
Luke T. Guest Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 14,759	Jeer all you like, but I remember there was a terrorist alert put out by the government the week before 9/11. Since we have captured Saddam, it is not surprising some elements may be planning revenge. These alerts mostly affect military bases and other government installations and their operating procedures. So it will be mostly unseen by the general population. You guys are on your own. These alerts are based on intercepted transmissions and interrogations of prisoners.
Luke T. Guest Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 14,759

22nd December 2003, 09:19 AM	#24
hammegk Banned Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 8,422	Whining & nitpicking sure are fun. Some things -- as I (rather poorly) understand the alert system -- do change regarding interstate commerce & customs checkpoints, number of law enforcers & "key personnel" on duty, who knows what else. If the alert status was not annouced publicly, word would quickly leak anyway that law enforemnet had been alerted to a change, and the rumor mills/paranoia would spread even more crap. One of them 'lesser of 2 evils' pc-libs love so much, maybe?
hammegk Banned Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 8,422

22nd December 2003, 09:35 AM	#25
Andalyn The Sheriff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 1,061	Quote: Originally posted by MoeFaux I'll hit the nail on the head with the hammer: It's because it's xmas week, that's why. Bush wants us to remember the "terrorists" and live in fear. It has nothing to do with anything other than him trying to manipulate the public and get more votes. It's only because it's xmas. There was information that Al Qaeda was "talking" extensively about an attack during Xmas. Also - it's all Bush? Quote: President Bush approved the heightened alert after receiving a recommendation from senior members of Ridge's department, the FBI, CIA, Pentagon, Justice Department and the White House. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...NG4E3SBBJ1.DTL Not sure if it is a "Bush" conspiracy... http://www.itv.com/news/826870.html http://www.cnn.com/2002/US/12/05/terror.threats/ http://iafrica.com/news/worldnews/289445.htm http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2003/s1014502.htm http://news.ninemsn.com.au/World/story_34671.asp Personally, I think that people believe in strange things like "Bush scaring people for Xmas" much for the same reason they believe in devils and angels, ghosts, gods, demons etc...
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22nd December 2003, 09:50 AM	#26
BTox Graduate Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,588	Quote: Originally posted by Mr Manifesto You don't like to see how your taxes are being spent? In matters of national security? Of course not. What a silly question.
BTox Graduate Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,588	__________________ "Your ignorance makes me ill... "

22nd December 2003, 09:53 AM	#27
Crossbow Seeking Honesty and Sanity Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 6,294	Well, they may have changed the color, but at least they did not tell everyone to go out and buy plastic sheeting and duct tape.
	__________________ A man's best friend is his dogma.

22nd December 2003, 09:54 AM	#28
BTox Graduate Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,588	Quote: Originally posted by Zero The problem, the REAL problem, is that these alerts don't make us any safer. All they do is cover the government's ass in case something happens. Sure... yet another lie. increased airport security
BTox Graduate Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,588	__________________ "Your ignorance makes me ill... "

22nd December 2003, 11:51 AM	#29
sorgoth Muse Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 977	I think that the government simply does not trust the public. Any information given to the public will be given to the terrorist groups (Which may be part of the public).
sorgoth Muse Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 977	__________________ L'univers et moi, nous sommes seuls ensemble.

22nd December 2003, 11:57 AM	#30
Zero Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,535	Quote: Originally posted by BTox Sure... yet another lie. increased airport security I meant the public announcements...airport security is another issue entirely, although I question its effectiveness when cargo containers coming into the country is barely inspected.
Zero Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,535

22nd December 2003, 01:23 PM	#31
Chad Noles Muse Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 534	Or could it be that,in the event of a actual attack,the gubmint has their arse covered?See,we warned you.We're on top of the situation,even though we didn't prevent it.Yeh,that's the ticket.
Chad Noles Muse Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 534	__________________ Breathe,breathe from the bag of visions-South Park

22nd December 2003, 05:17 PM	#32
Ian Perez Scholar Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 53	Quote: Originally posted by Luke T. Since we have captured Saddam, it is not surprising some elements may be planning revenge. Not surprising, sure. But remember, The Great Plane Highjacking was the result of years of planning. Any revenge plan would need years of planning, if it wants to succeed and be on the scale of the 9/11 attacks. You know what pisses me off the most, though? Thanks to the terror alerts, my parents won't let my girlfriend come to NYC to visit me, and I can't drive to her state.
Ian Perez Scholar Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 53	__________________ Cake OR DEATH!-Eddie Izzard

22nd December 2003, 05:32 PM	#33
DrChinese Muse Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 634	Quote: Originally posted by Otther Hey! To be fair we should refrain from mocking the system because nothing has ever happened during it. It's impossible to know if it has helped a bit. We should stick to the real points... how george bush feels more threatened by the color red than the color blue. To be fair...some people feel threatened during a full moon too. This is one of the biggest swindles ever on the American public. No objective purpose, just a way to remind us of perceived threats a la Saddam's fictional WMDs. Remember those babies were an IMMEDIATE THREAT this time last year. Turns out, Santa is more real than the WMDs were. ...Can't let the American public let its guard down. Must create paranoia and distrust whenever possible... That's the only way Cowboy George can protect us... Goodnight, my little sheep... sweet dreams while GW works his magic.
DrChinese Muse Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 634	__________________ www.DrChinese.com The map is not the territory. - Korzybski.

22nd December 2003, 06:06 PM	#34
BTox Graduate Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,588	Quote: Originally posted by DrChinese ...Can't let the American public let its guard down. Must create paranoia and distrust whenever possible... That's the only way Cowboy George can protect us... Goodnight, my little sheep... sweet dreams while GW works his magic. Tell us another fairy tale, kid...
BTox Graduate Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,588	__________________ "Your ignorance makes me ill... "