"So Mr. National Security Expert, how many lives have been lost as a result of "dry run" threads on FR? And you call these threads "panic?" Puleeeaaassse."
FR is a place where we hope that accurate information can be spread.
Most times it works, sometimes the ones who can yell the loudest prevail temporarily.
The originator of this thread obviously did not know the history of the subject.
The knee-jerkers and those who knowingly seek to spread poor information will jump on, others will attempt to educate.
Unlike other forums, in most cases FReepers attempt to find the reality and truth of events - those that don't tend to disappear in frustration.
Regarding your comment on "Dry-runs" ... Is it your idea a foolish post should not be challenged until it kills someone ? That someone who is afraid of what appears to be a boogie-man should not be comforted ?
You can feel free to challenge anybody you believe to be reactionary, and you rightfully should. However, you should not brow beat and belittle everybody who comes to these threads to discuss potential terrorist threats as many have been doing. First, it is a nasty thing to do, and second, people should indeed remain on guard a little bit. Of course, I am not advocating that people's imaginations run wild either.
You guys make it out that these threads are are dangerous and akin to yelling "fire!" in a crowded theater which is not the case at all. And given this, you tell me who the reactionaries really are.
>The originator of this thread obviously did not know the history of the subject.
Suppose these men were funding terrorist organizations with the money they got. Then what would you say?
Suppose they were setting up a cell in Jackson with the money. Then what would you say?
Suppose you let the FBI do their job and just let me spread the info to my fellow Mississippians. I remember when I was living in Japan and the media called a police investigation into an Arab man who was profiting in the same semi-legal fashion "racist," until the police released info that he had founded an Al-Qaeda cell there with the money. (Niigata in 2002, I think).
Don't just pan something simply because you think you are "the educator," and all others are just those who "yell the loudest." We all try to find the truth and reality, but one must actually be paying attention to do so. I know we all like to sound intelligent and fair, but those of us who are suspicious of groups of Middle-eastern men certainly have the right to be. It's not racism, but reputation.