Al Qaeda makes another threat...so what?

[jdavionic]

Today we received reports of another AQ threat against the US and Israel. Anymore, these threats barely make the headlines. People listen to the number 2 AQ guy and say 'yeah, whatever...' That's my perception of the response.

Is that the right response? Obviously I don't think folks should buckle at the knees at each threat. But we've had so many threats and nodda. Are Americans now completely complacent? Should we be?

[FrankRizzoXD40]

I think people have become complacent again.

Have you seen any of the latest polls about what issue is the most important to Americans?

They used to say terrorism was the most important BY FAR. The latest one I saw had the economy at over 50% and terrorism down around 17% or so.

I hope that this complacency hasn't affected those in the government who work hard to protect us.

If Bush or anyone tries reminding us of the dangers from terrorists it's always, "he's trying to scare us!", "he's using scare tactics!", "it's fear-mongering for power!", etc.

The dangers from terrorism is real. It's just how we go about protecting the country where people differ.

Us becoming complacent is exactly the opportunity that they are waiting for.

No matter what you think of Bush, with no major attacks since 9/11 his policies have worked well. The only downside is that people stop thinking about the danger that is always there.

Frank

[Son of Norway]

Homeland Security Advisory System

Current Threat Level
March 24, 2008 — The United States government's national threat level is Elevated, or Yellow.

The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage. See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines.

While there continues to be no credible information at this time warning of an imminent threat to the homeland, the department's strategic threat perspective is that we are in a period of increased risk. The National Intelligence Estimate cited heightened activity overseas and we're mindful of the recent arrests in Europe. There has also been an upward trend in propaganda tapes and messages coming from Al Qaeda and affiliated networks over the past year.

Recommended Activities
All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.

Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.
Learn More About Preparedness
Visit Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.

[JeffXD]

Originally Posted by Son of Norway

Recommended Activities
All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.

Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.
Learn More About Preparedness
Visit Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.

I am out of the loop probably, but are we still supposed to keep a supply of plastic and duct tape on hand to cover the windows and doors?

[FrankRizzoXD40]

Originally Posted by Son of Norway

Homeland Security Advisory System

Current Threat Level
March 24, 2008 — The United States government's national threat level is Elevated, or Yellow.

The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage. See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines.

While there continues to be no credible information at this time warning of an imminent threat to the homeland, the department's strategic threat perspective is that we are in a period of increased risk. The National Intelligence Estimate cited heightened activity overseas and we're mindful of the recent arrests in Europe. There has also been an upward trend in propaganda tapes and messages coming from Al Qaeda and affiliated networks over the past year.

Recommended Activities
All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.

Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.
Learn More About Preparedness
Visit Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.

That's good you aren't complacent.

Unless you just researched that because of this thread!

Frank

[AZXD]

Good one SofN,
When have we not been at a yellow threat level.
It's called desensitization!

There is no meaning to the threat level for those outside a little circle.
Remember when we were bombarded with this ??

It was plastered all over the television. It was the topic of the week. Then they realized the mass brainwashing technique was working to well. People were getting prepared for the inevitable. People started shooting people because they looked ..... Like terrorists!
Others stayed home and hid under the covers. The process was out of control, so they stopped plastering the TV with that graphic.

Now we are at the crossroads. Our government and the intelligence agencies they rely on have came forward to tell us that they are capable of making errors. They have stated this publically and shown that they sometimes make decisions based on knee-jerk reactionary responses that are without justification.

Remember when Chertoff told us he had an upset stomach and suggested we look to our southern border for the eminent attack. Two days later the President came forth with the message that Cherty had over stepped his boundries and didn't know what he was talking about.

Guess what that was just about the time the amnesty bill was in full swing (If I remember correctly). Cherty compromised it. I think the guy is an idiot. But what do I know ? I'm not part of that inner circle.

As an outsider, and based on what I have seen ... All I can do is say so what. These guys have cried wolf without providing evidence to cause me to believe them, one to many times.

Sure I understand about national security. But at the same time, my confidence in the abilities of many within that circle has been compromised by the people within that circle.

They tell me they work on problems. BULL$HIT
If they wanted to secure the border they would. If they were concerned about the safety of this country they would prove it to me and stop the invasion.

Translation = I don't trust them to pi$$ in a pot. As for their intelligence estimates, a few of their reports are not worth the aim required to pi$$ on

So to JD I say no.
I am not complacent.
Some of our intellifence people might be. But myself, I am just not trusting the words and statements of our political figures and security experts that propagate their views of situations. I have lost confidence in their abilities, and it is sad to have to say this.

Honestly, everytime they open their mouths, I feel less safe

AZXD step down.

[Son of Norway]

I check it each work day, part of my routine. I also check the State OHS and NOAA while I'm taking my first sips of coffee. In 30 seconds I'm up-to-date. Any changes in alert status or serious weather threats are posted in the office. Yes, I'm Federally funded. Thank you for your tax dollars.

[Son of Norway]

Originally Posted by AZXD

When have we not been at a yellow threat level.

It's been a while.

[AZXD]

Originally Posted by Son of Norway

It's been a while.

See, desensitization works! I don't know and don't care

ETA: Besides with stuff like this why should I trust them.

Originally Posted by BlackOnyx

Found this now somewhat old news to be interesting and I thought I'd pass it on.

U.S. warns about Canadian spy coins - Security - MSNBC.com

Originally Posted by Cannibul

Quickly shot down.

FOXNews.com - Canadian Poppy Quarter Caused 'Spy Coin' Warning - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News

[KEVWYO]

Originally Posted by FrankRizzoXD40

I think people have become complacent again.

Not the right word. Perhaps as others have said ... desensitized. Truth is when a "current" HVT Al Qaeda says something our military's fairly efficient response is usually robust enough to get the HVT and some of his closest associates. Maybe one day the "current" number two will be added to the worm food population and a all new and improved number two will rise to the top of the target list.

Perhaps al Qaeda is in the US. Perhaps we are getting lucky that we have not been hit again. Perhaps we are doing just enough to stay ahead of them. Perhaps they are just very patient.