Posted on 11/25/2015 4:41:01 PM PST by markomalley
It's "understandable" that Americans are worried about terrorism, and they may even discuss the threat at the holiday dinner table, President Obama said on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.
"The bottom line is this: I want the American people to know, entering the holidays, that the combined resources of our military, our intelligence and our homeland security agencies are on the case."
(video at link)
"In the event of a specific credible threat, the public will be informed," the president promised.
"We do think it's useful for people as they're going about their business to be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, say something. That's always helpful. But otherwise, Americans should go about their usual Thanksgiving activities."
President Obama made the formal, unscheduled statement at the White House following a briefing by his national security team.
He talked about "stepping up the pressure" on Islamic State terrorists, whose attacks in Paris have all of Europe on high alert. He talked about the 8000-plus coalition airstrikes on ISIL; choking off the group's financing and supply lines; boosting coordination with the French; and "doing everything possible" to prevent foreign fighters from entering the U.S.
"I know that Americans have been asking each other whether it's safe here -- whether it's safe to fly or gather. I know that families have discussed their fears about the threat of terrorism around the dinner table, many for the first time since Sept. 11.
"And it's understandable people worry that something could happen here.
Obama assured Americans that while they "travel this weekend to be with their loved ones, his counterterrorism, intelligence, homeland securety and law enforcement professionals "are working overtime."
"They are continually monitoring threats at home and abroad; continually evaluating our security posture."
He said there are no specific, credible threats at the moment.
Speaking Sunday in Malaysia, President Obama said he will "do everything we can to destroy" Islamic State terrorists, whom he described as "a bunch of killers with good social media."
He also urged the American people not to "fear" the group that is responsible for murderous violence well beyond the Middle East, most recently in Paris.
"We do not succumb to fear," Obama said in Malaysia. "The most powerful tool we have to fight ISIL is to say that we're not afraid, to not elevate them, to somehow buy into their fantasy that they're doing something important."
But on Monday, shortly after the president returned to the United States, Obama's State Department issued a worldwide travel alert for Americans.
"U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation," the alert said. "Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events."
Further increasing international tensions, Turkey shot down a Russian bomber on Tuesday, saying it crossed into its airspace from Syria despite repeated warnings. One of the two Russian pilots was killed by Turkish-backed fighters who took up arms against the Assad regime in 2011.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Russian plane was in Syria’s airspace when it was shot down. He described Turkey’s action as a “crime” and a “stab in the back,” warning of serious consequences.
On Wednesday, Putin ordered air defense missile systems to be deployed at a Russian air base in Syria, raising the threat of a military confrontation between Turkey, a NATO member, and Moscow.
Obama doesn’t seem to read his Intel briefings, so he may not “become aware” of an actual credible threat. But — you know — if he hears about one, he’ll let us know.
Was there a credible threat before Paris, or before any terror event?? It’s not like they are going to announce it in advance. Mohammed Atta and his boys didn’t announce their plans for Sept.11th in advance. What the heck is the point of Obama making such a statement?
Well, to give some credit to the intelligence community, if they pick up on “chatter” in some tapped phone line in which Abdul tells Ibrahim that he is ready for the big event in NYC, and that this will be the last Macy’s Day Parade the US ever has, then I think the NSA would announce that this was a “credible threat” even though Abdul hadn’t phrased it as — “Hey USA, I’m gonna get you!”
The credible threat to this country is the guy who is saying that there is no credible threat.
He ignores reports he doesn’t want to know about. Yeah this works.
We'll probably know before the "non-specific, non-credible, THREAT" has someone read the news paper article about it to him.
That “speech” was pathetic. I actually watched it to see if he had something to say this time. Nope - just wanted to see how many of us dummies would wait for 20 minutes for his tripe.
“We’ll Let You Know If There’s a ‘Specific Credible Threat’”
No thanks, Obama, I’ll just watch TV and find out about things just like you do.
The idiot with his condescending arrogant attitude again.
Someone send this fraud a memo advising him a bigger worry is when Trump is elected will he be able to obtain/locate enough data, intel and evidence to charge and prosecute this asshole for multiple crimes.
“We’ll Let You Know If There’s a ‘Specific Credible Threat’”
I thought that he WAS the “Specific Credible Threat”.
He’ll hear about it on the news I bet.
If I wanted the opinion of a turkey, Barry, I have one thawing in the sink.
I still see/read that as ‘clam’...(getting used to reading through the ‘ae?’ too)
Updated, perhaps it should be “remain clam, all ISIS is Swell”?
Maybe he reads Drudge or the UK papers; they seem on top of things...
I’ll sleep a lot better knowing Obama and his Mickey Mouse ears are on top of it.
And the punch line is: “Trust Me”! This from the creator of Fast & Furious Arms Distribution Network, IRS Politics And You, Call Me In The Morning Benghazi, Who Dat EPA Email Fake IDs, etc.
"non-specific, non-credible, tHREAT"
(for Dan Rather... "THreat")
Regardless, you get it, barry doesn't, we probably will.
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