Posted on 12/21/2003 10:24:54 AM PST by 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.
Makes me wonder just how much has been prevented. Dubya told us we would not be told of all attacks/threats - especially the ones that were prevented.
People have no clue of the hurt Muslims want to bring on this nation.
Check post #59 - if Ridge had read it to the nation, people would take it much, much more series.
It's not obvious, flake. If you don't like it, turn off the television.
I always liked the word 'Dandy.'
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were privy to Ridge's deepest motivations. I had no idea he enjoyed creating panic. And here, all the time, I thought he my best intrest at heart. Geez, I'll have to be more careful in the future.
I hear Paxil is good for delusions.
Dandy refers to a style of dress and bearing, but not conduct. It's a good word, though. Others include fairy and p##%y. I wasn't trying to list every synonym for metrosexual, but to note that what was derided is now commended.
December 21 - Today, The United States Government raised the national threat level from an Elevated to High risk of terrorist attack - or from Code Yellow to Code Orange. We know from experience that the increased security that is implemented when we raise the threat level, along with increased vigilance, can help disrupt or deter terrorist attacks.
The U.S. Intelligence Community has received a substantial increase in the volume of threat related intelligence reports. These credible sources suggest the possibility of attacks against the homeland around the holiday season and beyond.
In addition to knowing that homeland security professionals at all levels are working to keep our communities safe, we ask individual Americans to do a few additional things during this time of heightened alert. I have said it before - and I am saying it again - homeland security begins at home. Never has that been more true. Your awareness and vigilance can help tremendously, so please use your common sense and report suspicious packages, vehicles, or activities to local law enforcement.
Finally - no matter your faith or culture - now is the time of year for important celebrations. So, I encourage you to continue with your holiday plans. Gather with your family and friends and enjoy the spirit of this season. There is no doubt that we have a lot to be thankful for - not the least of which the opportunity to live in the greatest country in the world. It is a country that will not be bent by terror. It is a country that will not be broken by fear. But instead, we are a country blessed with a population marked by goodwill and great resolve. We will show the terrorists both this holiday season - goodwill toward our fellow men, readiness and resolve to protect our families and our freedom.
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