Terror Alerts: What Should We Do?
Two recurring news stories always mystify me: Terror alerts and locations that are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Today (9/23/09) the Associated Press reports that the, "Government expanded a terrorist warning from transit systems to U.S. stadiums, hotels and entertainment complexes," apparently leaving us comfort zones in bars (although "places of immorality and sin" are on the al-Qaeda list of targets). The government warning concedes, however, that they "have no information regarding the timing, location or target of any planned attack." So what is a citizen supposed to do with this information?
I suppose that there is an argument to be made that it might help if citizens were on the look out for suspicious activity. Certainly law enforcement should have the information, no matter what it contains, but I question the purpose in advising the public. Of course, I do not challenge the media's right to publish such stories, but rather its judgment in doing so. Creating fear in persons who are powerless to do anything about it, in my mind, serves no useful purpose.
More problematic for me are the recurring stories about general categories or specific locations that are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. I have seen stories with visual depictions, drawings and photos, such as where a ladder could be placed to gain access to a high risk target or general stories how attacks upon particular types of targets could have devastating effects upon large numbers of people or the economy. They are virtual "how-to" manuals. I recognize that the answer to such criticism is that the terrorists already have this information, but I still ask: Suppose they don't, and even if they do, what purpose do such articles serve. Now that we know, what should we do other than be afraid?
Earl Ofari Hutchinson: Did Obama Break His Campaign Promise to Scrap the Patriot Act?
Provisions of the Patriot Act that remain on the books are legally questionable and constitutionally suspect. President Obama has given no hint that he'll change them.
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You know when those planes first flew into those buildings I thought my lord somebody screwed up big time. It was just too easy. It was like taking candy from a baby. Heads would roll. Now all these years later I realize what government does best : LIE AND COVER IT UP. Protect the American people. How W and Cheney could say that after 9/11 requires the suspension of disbelief. I mean how bad would we have tolerated? If it had been a nuclear attack would W have still been there? Look at the level of incompetence we put up with AFTER 9/11. We lost a major American city for the first time in our history. We had the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression. All under one president.
I really think that these Terror Alerts are made to keep Americans scared and manipulated. I live in a large city and I never think of terrorism until they broadcast an alert. Yes I understand this is a dangerous world but like the good Judge says,"what can I do about it". So I go my merry way and hope our country can find a way to get out of this mess.
The last thing that really scared me was in Sept. 2005 when I saw US citizins begging for water in New Orleans. Now that was a real terror alert.
I served in Europe during the Cold War when actual bombs were actually going off on base and under people's cars. We took different routes to work, looked under our cars, reported untended packages, and kept on living a normal life. You watch for people who display 'unusual' behavior, keep an eye out, and these days everyone has a cell-phone with a camera - so the police, bomb-squad etc. can see ahead of time what you've noticed.
1) Pay attention. 2) Carry on as if nothing were happening - other than the normal precautions listed. It's easy, it's useful, and it's fun. Adds spice to life. How 'bout those deadly stadiums? Frak it, I'm going to the game!
See Judge H. Lee Sarokin's Profile
woodsywizz - Good advice from someone who actually knows!
Hi Mr.Sarokin
I also wonder sometimes about the need for alarmist behavior. I am always cost-conscious and aware of any out-of-the-ordinary events, objects or otherwise. It's never a bad idea to be prudent, to economize, or to take stock of who has our best interests. But when a large group of people who live large on bailout cash while others who've worked hard their whole lives flounder, are shelling out the safety advise— I do tend to employ a bit of restraint in how I perceive the information…
Judge Sarokin - We should shine the light of our attention on the truth. Thank you for posting!
See Judge H. Lee Sarokin's Profile
Foryourcon
Agoraphobia.
This is a possible response if you become terrified of a terrorist attack. It's a terror of going out in public.
Not much fun, but you'd stand a good chance of not being killed or kidnapped by terrorists if you never ventured outside your home.
Or you could start gobbling anti-anxiety meds and go out and party hearty. A terrorist attack then would lose its impact.
When in danger or in doubt
Scream, yell and dash about
See Judge H. Lee Sarokin's Profile
WorkingClass - That may be the answer!
Your Honor, with all due respect, I believe it was made all too apparent to what "useful" purpose the Cheney administration put such information. I don't know how to escape the ambiguity of "constructive" or "positive" either. At least a large minority of citizens intuitively grasp that no civic good obtains when the government does this. Unfortunately, as long as a literal-minded majority can be effectively programmed in an environment of generalized fear (or at least kept good and anxious), the byproduct of converting prudent citizens into irredeemable skeptics and thinking citizens into jaded cynics is, apparently, seen as small price to pay. It would be nice to assert with more confidence that they are wrong.
See Judge H. Lee Sarokin's Profile
ignrnthllblly - Let's hope that they are wrong, but I think the media, as well as the government, has to bear some responsibility.
Don't shop. Don't go to a baseball game. Don't use public transportation and above all don't use your brain.
See Judge H. Lee Sarokin's Profile
writerjohhny - I think you have hit upon the proper response!
Al Qaeda secret mission(top secret):Preserve Patriot Act!
Be scared!
Be afraid, Be very afraid and of course, vote Republican. Only they can save you!
How often are Americans going to fall for this childish crap? This nation was attacked only twice by Middle East terrorists. The first occurred during Clinton's presidency. The perpetrators are now in jail. The second occurred during the Bush presidency and the perpetrators are free 8 years later.
Vote Republican indeed.
See Judge H. Lee Sarokin's Profile
WASanford - I hope you are right, but even if there is some reason to be afraid, publishing these vague warnings serves no useful purpose.
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