Posted on 08/09/2005 5:05:17 AM PDT by gobucks
This morning's Today Show decided to frighten shoe shoppers at the Nation's Malls via sucide bombers - but it was odd. No one anywhere in the US Government is reporting that Malls are under a threat right now, at least, not any more so than any other USA target.
Katie and a terrorism expert thoughtfully discussed how USA Mall Security may not be fully prepared to stop Mall suicide attacks. This article from last year could have been useful, but it was ignored this morning...why?
---- A Columbus, Ohio, man has been charged with participating in an al-Qaida plot to blow up a shopping mall in Ohio, Attorney General John Ashcroft announced Monday.
“The American heartland was targeted for death and destruction by an al-Qaida cell,” Ashcroft said at a news conference announcing the four-count indictment against the man, Nuradin Abdi, 32, a cellular telephone business owner in Columbus who is originally from Somalia.
The indictment, which was handed up by a criminal grand jury in Columbus on Thursday and was unsealed Monday, charges that Abdi conspired with admitted al-Qaida member Iyman Faris and others to detonate a bomb at a shopping mall in the Columbus area after he obtained military-style training in Ethiopia.
--- Now, this article is a year old, but, strangely, this didn't merit a review this morning by the 'Expert' or Katie. Instead, they just off-hand discussed how Malls are vulnerable, but 'no evidence' of an attack on a Mall is currently available.
Fwiw, A google search on this Somali fellow shows absolutely nothing the indictment in 2004.
One wonders just what happens to your typical American Mom as she sips her coffee watching Katie, after a busy morning sending her kids off to school with their soccer shoes ...
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
Katie also thoughtfully observed that the fine folks in 'Mall Security' might not be up to the job...
There just sending out helpful hints.
Katie needs ratings to bolster her sagging colagen.
NOTE: The following text of this "WORLDWIDE CAUTION" is an exact quote:
===
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Tue Aug 09 2005 05:01:31 GMT-0700.
Worldwide Caution
August 02, 2005
This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated March 8, 2005 and expires on February 2, 2006.
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Ongoing events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries; such events are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Nation-wide elections in Afghanistan scheduled for mid-September may also trigger violent anti-American actions.
Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. The latter may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas.
In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
New Tom Clancy movie coming out -- "Teeth of the Tiger"?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/039915079X/002-0756232-6827264?v=glance
...and her sagging... nevermind.
Even a broken analog clock is right twice a day. According to someone I trust who has seen the reports, Al-Qaida has been casing the Malls in the several areas of the country.
This is all about trying to get viewership and causing fear so people will tune into the news.
I'll be darn ... never heard of the book.
However, given how terrible the reviews of the book are, I doubt it will be made into a movie...
But wait, Hollywood is making really really bad movies these days......
I submit to you that the other networks are desperate because ABC has been running all Peter Jennings all the time, and they don't have a dead anchor to match!
"There just sending out helpful hints."
I considered that ... but then Katie put me at ease when she almost immediately said that maybe it wasn't a good idea that the TV people were giving ideas 'not that they are watching', as she put it.
If it wasn't so ridiculously real, it would be pathetic. But, of course, viewership WOULD go up if store, especially a SHOE STORE in a mall was the scene of some crazed Jihadist butchery. And Katie ... well she would stand to gain from that...
But maybe I impugn her motives improperly.
Such astute observations. How DOES she do it?
New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas... Then a paper is handed to you, Columbus? Where in the hell is Columbus?! WTF? You want me to go hide in a shopping mall in Columbus, Ohio and blow up Dan and Roseanne Conner?! We're supposed to be terrorists! Not saviors....
(I know, I know, Columbus is a very lovely town, yeah, yeah, and the Conner's lived in Cleveland or Cincinnatti or somewhere else... I've been there, but today just happens to be your day.) ;-)
'Someone you trust who has seen the reports ...'.
I like that turn of phrase...
For after all, is is not a sad truth that few of us even know HOW to trust anyone anymore?
Btw, did this source tell you how long this has been going on, and whether or not this activity has been increasing of late?
.
Heard a report last night on the radio that OSAM bin LADEN may be on his way from Afghanistan to Iraq, for his own safety and to be on hand to lead new Sept 11th Attacks on American Troops there and elsewhere in the Western World at Ramadon.
.
LOLOLOL!!
btw, Columbus is utterly, utterly boring. Except for one thing: that serene joy that is coupled with the leaves turning: Football in the 'Shoe'.....
Talk about a juicy target!
The economy is doing to good so the MSM decided they needed to do what they can stunt its growth.
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