Mr. Ridge, What's the Point of the Alert?

[louis c]

Wouldn't it make more sense if you didn't make a public statement?

Wouldn't it be more effective if you increased security in the targeted areas, if indeed they are targeted?

If this is truly a credible threat, the terrorists have now been warned, and won't they now attack another location, where we are not prepared?

Since this is an election year, and past alerts have turned out to be unfounded, do you think it was wise to use the occasion of announcing the alert to make such transparent statements in support of the President? Since the last alert was the day after Kerry's announcement of Edwards as his running mate, and this one is just days after the Democratic Convention, don't you think that action heightens the publics' skepticism?

Mr. Ridge, now that you have given me this knowledge, what am I to do with it? Shall I not go to work if I am employed in the area you just discussed? Shall I turn in any suspicious person I see in the area? If that is so, didn't you already tell me this four times already?

This alert has me perplexed, Mr. Ridge, I don't know what you want me to do, other than to vote for Bush.

[dolo amber]

1. It would make more sense

if they had the *specific* information they claim, to come out and say "Stay away from 100 XZY Street, that has been discovered to be a target"...Not only would this protect the people in and around said target, but it'd also make it awfully hard for people to be sneaking around that area, planting bombs or whatever since it would of COURSE be being watched intently...Instead, they come out with all this I SPY nonsense...We can't handle knowing the specifics...We are the schoolroom of children being read "My Pet Goat"...mustn't upset us with facts and all...

What. Ever. :eyes:

[Gin]

3. I don't understand how this helps either....the target moves ..if in fact

there really is a credible threat...but what do I know? I am just a citizen...and not one of the elite.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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[w13rd0]

4. The problem wasn't that they didn't warn US of 9-11...

...it was that THEY were warned, and did NOTHING, because getting tax cuts was more important to them. I don't want them to fill me with fear, I want them to improve national security.

[tabasco]

10. Wrong answer.

They never took heat for not warning us about 9-11, they took heat for DROPPING THE GUARD AGAINST TERRORISTS BECAUSE THEY WERE FIXATED ON STAR WARS AND BEING UN-CLINTON ! Got it? Good.

[Cocoa]

6. you're assuming this is real

but in fact there's absolutely no reason to believe a word these people say.

[still_one]

5. The warning itself is appropriate

It reminds citizens to be alert to strange events

It is the political statements he makes that are not appropriate in association with this alert

[wish_I_could_vote]

7. It s senseless ass covering

What the hell are people supposed to do? Get up and go to work each day in a targeted area because to do otherwise is to "let them win"? This whole thing has me so pissed off.

[Lancer]

9. I'm with you,

wish_i.

What is the point in telling employees their company has a huge bull's eye on it and is hi-lited on every GPS device east of the Prime Meridian, while assuring them that Monday will be just another day at the office. Maybe the traffic will be a little tight, you might be caught on surveillance on your way in, and oh! don't forget your i.d. badge.

Jeezers.

[Cha]

8. Buzzflash is asking..."Why the constant state of Terror Alerts..

if bush is delivering"? When the repug convention is there in NYC are there going to be Orange Alerts? I don't think so...because the repugs will want their conventioneers safe. OTH..maybe some Orange Alerts for the protesters out on the Streets.

That ploy didn't work in Feb 15,2003 when we protested the War in NYC.

[louis c]

12. kick

[Old and In the Way]

11. Kerry should call their bluff.

Demand to see the evidence. If he reviews and agrees, that's good enough for me. If they refuse (and I think they would), then I'd say this is pure political theatrics and the American public should be pissed that this administration will use terror to inspire fear in the general population.