Nation's Threat Level Rising to Orange

My Way ^

[Happy2BMe]

By JENNIFER C. KERR

WASHINGTON (AP) - The government is raising the national threat warning from yellow, the midpoint on its five-color scale, to orange, a federal official said Sunday.

Tom Ridge, the homeland security secretary, planned to discuss the chance at a midafternoon news conference at the agency's headquarters. A department official confirmed the elevated threat level but declined to provide details before Ridge's appearance.

U.S. officials by the end of last week were telling holiday travelers to be vigilant about the threat of terrorist attacks. The warning was prompted in part by a raised level of ominous intercepted communications that has not quieted for months.

The significance of the sustained level of intelligence "chatter" is unclear, the officials said.

Homeland Security officials said they did not expect a change in the threat level unless more specific intelligence was received.

On Friday, the Arabic television network Al-Jazeera aired a new statement from Ayman al-Zawahri, the chief deputy of Osama bin Laden. The CIA said Saturday it believes the tape is authentic.

"We are still chasing the Americans and their allies everywhere, even in their homeland," according to the voice on the tape.

Some statements from al-Qaida leaders are later regarded as preludes to attacks; others simply propaganda.

Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Sunday morning that officials were trying to determine whether increased terrorist chatter being detected in recent weeks was an aberration or something more serious.

"There is no doubt, from all the intelligence we pick up from al-Qaida, that they want to do away with our way of life," he told "Fox News Sunday."

"And if they could use another catastrophic event, a tragedy like 9-11; if they could do that again, if they could get their hands on weapons of mass destruction and make it 10,000 (deaths), not 3,000, they would do that."

Myers said he and Ridge were to discuss the threat level "in the next 24, 48 hours" and raising the level was under active consideration.

"It's Secretary Ridge's business, but the Department of Defense does play a role in supporting federal agencies in this regard, and so we're discussing this right now," said Myers, who just returned from a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan.

[WV Mountain Mama]

Masking tape won't work, it HAS to be duct tape. That is the only inpenetrable tape from a terrorist attack. Didn't you read the memo?!

[WV Mountain Mama]

lol, you beat me!

[Thinkin' Gal]

[Happy2BMe]

"Women, children, minorities and METROSEXUALS hit hardest."

I asked to see what a METROSexual looked like and BAM!

Howard Dean

Howard Dean says he's running for President, and on paper he's quite a candidate. He's the longest-serving Democratic governor. He signed the first law in the country to allow gay unions. And, he's got the endorsement of America's favorite president-that-isn't: Martin Sheen.

Google Search for Metrosexual

HELP!

metrosexual (aka Male Democrat) (MET.roh.sek.shoo.ul) n. A dandyish narcissist in love with not only himself, but also his urban lifestyle; a straight man who is in touch with his feminine side. —metrosexuality n. Example Citation: The only problem facing the metrosexual in an otherwise carefree existence is the inescapable effects of ageing. If 30 is 45 in gay years, then 26 is retirement age for the metrosexual — and no amount of biotechnological, rehydrating, whale sperm dermo-care can alter that. —Jonathan Trew, "I love me so much," The Scotsman, July 24, 2002

---

[wizardoz]

FNC wondering if AQ does this just to disrupt our lives, cost us money, hurt the stock market, check our defenses....

[TexKat]

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

On right now

[wizardoz]

Ridge on now: "...we know from experience that the increased security ath is implemeneted when we raise the threat level along iwht increased vivgilance can duisurpt attacks.... incrase in the volumen of threat.... possibility of attacks on the homeland around the holidy season and beyond... greater now than at any point since 9/11..."

[Happy2BMe]

"FNC wondering if AQ does this just to disrupt our lives, cost us money, hurt the stock market, check our defenses...."

Surely, the "Religion of Peace" rejoices whenever the terrorist threat level rises in America.

So too does the leadership of the American Democratic National Party.

[Gritty]

Well, look at the bright side.

Wrapping your house in plastic sheeting and duct tape will make it warmer for the winter and Save The Earth by conserving scarce fuels and helping to prevent Global Warming!

[kcar]

Chatter heads.

[TexKat]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1044443/posts

[wizardoz]

"recent reports... AQ continues to consider using air craft as a weapon... (looking for) gaps in our security.... our actions are directed against their efforts. We have not raised the threat level in six months... Americans should know that along with this announcement comes action. A specific plan goes into effect as we speak... review security measures, increase protections to thwart terrorist attacks.... calling officials in major cities.... calling on them to increase their level of security. Leaders in the private sector who control resources vital to our country.... sharing information with foreign countries to enlist their help... agencies implementing action plans... redeploy agents at our borders, more Coast Guard air and sea patrols... "

[Cobra64]

El Fatso is on now. What a bunch of crap. Duh, well Mr. & Mrs. America, we're gonna remind you that there could be a terrorist attack on our soil. No sh'ite sherlock!

We need to remind you about the Yellow Level vs. the Orange Level.

Meanwhile, we're going to tie up the airports scanning old ladies and babies. Also, stay home, don't spend money. Justshiver in your basement. Finally, stay away from windows and just shudder and whimper.

Finally, this announcement will attempt to screw up the economy and force a 250 point drop in the DOW.

[wizardoz]

"...in addition to knowing that Homeland Security professionals are working to keep us safe, we ask citizens.... your awareness and vigilance can help tremendously. Use your common sense and report suspicious activity, packages, vehicles to your local law enforcement authorities.... have family emergency plans in place. For those traveling, let me thank you in advance for putting up with additional inconveniences..."

[Happy2BMe]

National resources (e.g., major fuel storage depots, electric grids, etc.) being given higher security priority.

Individual Americans are being asked to start at home - individual awarness, common sense and reporting suspicious activities to be reported to law enforcement.

Prepare home emergency plans (water storage, food, etc.).

(Wonder why they never specify examples of "suspicious activities"?)

[hosepipe]

[ Nation's Threat Level Rising to Orange ]

Does that mean even MORE illegals are coming accoss the mexican border OT LESS...
hard to tell these days...

[MeekOneGOP]

I would think because of Christmas, right?

Per the article:

On Friday, the Arabic television network Al-Jazeera aired a new statement from Ayman al-Zawahri, the chief deputy of Osama bin Laden. The CIA said Saturday it believes the tape is authentic.

"We are still chasing the Americans and their allies everywhere, even in their homeland," according to the voice on the tape.

Some statements from al-Qaida leaders are later regarded as preludes to attacks; others simply propaganda.

Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Sunday morning that officials were trying to determine whether increased terrorist chatter being detected in recent weeks was an aberration or something more serious.

[wizardoz]

Q: What types of chatter? Female suicide bomber in NYC?

A: We are concerned with that, but no independent confirmation. We continue to hear the interest in using aircraft as means of attack, continued discussion from credible sources about near-term attacks that could rival or exceed 9/11.... we take a look at the scope, volume, and credibility of the reports....

[Happy2BMe]

Airplanes - heightened awareness of airplanes being used as a weapon.

Glad I'm not flying anywhere this week.

[Happy2BMe]

Ridge is way, way too vague. It gets my goat the gubmint comes out to CYA on terrorism, then says NOTTA about what the threats are.

I don't like that.