[RobFromGa]

I don't know about you, but I am getting really tired of people mocking Tom Ridge and Homeland Security.

I'm tired of it. And I don't like people calling it Elmo and Ernie, but if that is their way of dealing with a serious issue ok. If they are doing it to mock our security and make us appear weak, then it disgusts me.

This stuff is dead serious and I for one am sure that they would not want to raise the level if they didn't think that Security needed to be on higher guard than "normal".

They want us to do everything we planned to do, just keep an eye out for things abnormal. On the other hand, the police, etc have many more issues to deal with (I know, I've talked with them and procedures change). These levels are mainly directed at them. It sets out a clear expectation and can be communicated nationwide immediately. Everyone gets it and can react to it.

[Catspaw]

I wonder how much Zawahiri's message was a factor in kicking the terror alert higher?

[Yaelle]

I think of the threats every day when I see the blimps flying over the ports. I am comforted that they are there, though I know you can sneak anything in using either containers or subs and not have it visible.