Ridge to raise Terror Alert, news conf. 1:30 pm Eastern

Fox News-TV

[putupon]

announcement, nothing furthur

[snopercod]

let's have the airline security people do their jobs, so we don't have to need anymore Todd Beamers.

The only thing airline security did was to disarm the honest citizens who could have prevented what happened.

Why is this concept so difficult to understand?

[Dave S]

The problem is there is nothing to analyze: "Be vigilant" is useless non-information. Either there is no credible threat and the warning is pure ass-coverage, or people are being left in the dark - and in danger - for the sake of government priorities.

The alert wasnt meant for citizens, it was meant for law enforcement. If you dont know how to be vigilent where you are, then ask a ten year old.

As for no credible threat, what do you want? Names of parties that plan to blow up AA flight# xxxx at LaGuardia on Christmas Eve. If they had that imformation and could act on it, they already would have. Grow up. Learn to live with ambiguity or crawl under your bed and cry, little baby.

[Dont Mention the War]

None of the majors are covering it. None. I'm watching the Cowboys, and it didn't even make the half-time break.

ABC covered the Ridge press conference live. But they were only interrupting an ice skating competition, not the NFL.

Of course, NBC was airing ice skating as well and didn't break in at all while I was flipping around. In any case, the networks usually run special reports on a separate satellite feed outside of prime time hours, and let the individual affiliates decide whether to switch to it or not.

[oceanview]

so let me get this straight, you want every passenger on air flights to have guns? how many shootouts are we going to have amongst irate or drunken passengers?

how about we just limit it to the pilots and the air marshalls.

[oceanperch]

I wonder how well they translate their meaning into english? You know?

[Dave S]

IOW, what areas of the USA are at higher risk? ...

If you listened, Ridge said that New York and Washington were at the top of the list. Those cities are at the High alert status year round.

[Cousin Eddie]

What are you talking about?

The poster specifically asked about the terrorists contingency plans on 9-11.

[oceanview]

but in practice, that is not really true at least here in NY. I expect to see things ratcheted up tomorrow.

[relee]

My theory. It's Christmas, there is increased "chatter".

Good theory. Bob Windrem on MSNBC before the news conference said
...this much chatter at any other time of the year would not cause an orange alert...

[ladyinred]

To say that planes can no longer be flown into buildings is silly. Of course they can. Please, are you trying to be funny, or do you actually believe this?

[bd476]

Right after September 11, 2001, one local police Sargent advised:

1. Avoid large crowds (which also helps lessen the spread of the flu),

2. Avoid National or commercially famous landmarks,

3. If you hear an explosion, run the other way. Apparently the terrorists monsters often set off a small device. "Typical" human nature predicts that most people will run towards the small explosion only in time for the monster to set off a very large explosion. Run away from an explosion.

4. Stock up on bottled water and food.

5. Give your kids and those you hold dear a big hug. Be strong, relax, smile and enjoy life. If you panic, the terrorists win.

[Dave S]

There is no way these attacks can be stopped, totally. We can only prepare ourselves to deal with them.

So you want to deal with the political aftermath of knowing for weeks that an attack was going to occur in NYC on Dec 25th and you didnt tell the public? You have more spine than and less brains that the average politician.

[relee]

CBS radio news at 5 PM said -

More police now seen at Boston's Logan Airport

Random searches at Minn./ST. Paul International Airport

More patrols at Port Everglades in Florida where 50 thousand passengers were aboard 15 cruise ships

[kinghorse]

The way the administration has crafted it's response to 9-11 makes you wonder how long they considered the scenario. They have played just about picture perfect using a complex combination of finesse and brute force. No question a terrorist could cause significant damage just about any time they choose. The fact that they haven't chosen is what is so facinating and encouraging. It says the policy works. It's too painful for the ruling power elite in the dark east if the USA general population calls for a head or 1 million in response to any attack. They are now doing their best to police up their nutwads in order to avoid the confrontation.

[eno_]

The alert wasnt meant for citizens, it was meant for law enforcement. If you dont know how to be vigilent where you are, then ask a ten year old.

Great. So the same donut munchers manning the speed traps, failing to solve even 10% of burglaries, and burning down churches are supposed to heed this alert and be effective at preventing something?

Was is Chief Moose that got it right, or informed Freepers? I'd rather put my trust in my fellow Freepers.

[Miss Marple]

Thank you for giving detailed information. It helps to know that there is an indication of response to the elevated threat level.

[Miss Marple]

If I had specific information, I would not give it to you.

I don't think mocking the police is very helpful or responsible.

[TomGuy]

Seattle news conference regarding the raising of the terrorist alert:

[oceanview]

it can't hurt to have them pulled from speed trap duty and conduct a few truck searches and more patrols. its hard to stop something like this in any case, but let's try to improve our odds in any way possible.

[gitmo]

6. And don't change your plans about anything.