Posted on 11/25/2015 4:41:01 PM PST by markomalley
It's "understandable" that Americans are worried about terrorism, and they may even discuss the threat at the holiday dinner table, President Obama said on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.
"The bottom line is this: I want the American people to know, entering the holidays, that the combined resources of our military, our intelligence and our homeland security agencies are on the case."
(video at link)
"In the event of a specific credible threat, the public will be informed," the president promised.
"We do think it's useful for people as they're going about their business to be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, say something. That's always helpful. But otherwise, Americans should go about their usual Thanksgiving activities."
President Obama made the formal, unscheduled statement at the White House following a briefing by his national security team.
He talked about "stepping up the pressure" on Islamic State terrorists, whose attacks in Paris have all of Europe on high alert. He talked about the 8000-plus coalition airstrikes on ISIL; choking off the group's financing and supply lines; boosting coordination with the French; and "doing everything possible" to prevent foreign fighters from entering the U.S.
"I know that Americans have been asking each other whether it's safe here -- whether it's safe to fly or gather. I know that families have discussed their fears about the threat of terrorism around the dinner table, many for the first time since Sept. 11.
"And it's understandable people worry that something could happen here.
Obama assured Americans that while they "travel this weekend to be with their loved ones, his counterterrorism, intelligence, homeland securety and law enforcement professionals "are working overtime."
"They are continually monitoring threats at home and abroad; continually evaluating our security posture."
He said there are no specific, credible threats at the moment.
Speaking Sunday in Malaysia, President Obama said he will "do everything we can to destroy" Islamic State terrorists, whom he described as "a bunch of killers with good social media."
He also urged the American people not to "fear" the group that is responsible for murderous violence well beyond the Middle East, most recently in Paris.
"We do not succumb to fear," Obama said in Malaysia. "The most powerful tool we have to fight ISIL is to say that we're not afraid, to not elevate them, to somehow buy into their fantasy that they're doing something important."
But on Monday, shortly after the president returned to the United States, Obama's State Department issued a worldwide travel alert for Americans.
"U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation," the alert said. "Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events."
Further increasing international tensions, Turkey shot down a Russian bomber on Tuesday, saying it crossed into its airspace from Syria despite repeated warnings. One of the two Russian pilots was killed by Turkish-backed fighters who took up arms against the Assad regime in 2011.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Russian plane was in Syria’s airspace when it was shot down. He described Turkey’s action as a “crime” and a “stab in the back,” warning of serious consequences.
On Wednesday, Putin ordered air defense missile systems to be deployed at a Russian air base in Syria, raising the threat of a military confrontation between Turkey, a NATO member, and Moscow.
This from the guy whose State Dept flunkies just issued a non-specific, world-wide travel warning for the next few months.
Also, Obama says that it’s a JV team and it’s been contained. Think I believe anything he says now??? I don’t think so.
I don't need your assurances Obama, I don't need your security.
“if you see something suspicious, say something”
Sure, if I see a kid with a clock that looks like a bomb, I’ll say something. And then you and your pals will call me a racist for the rest of my life. Yeah, uh huh.
They will let us know alright, 10 minutes after the attack
Officials say they have “credible reports of an imminent attack†on American assets in the Afghan capital Kabul.
learningenglish.voanews.com/content/us-warns-of-imminent-attack-in-kabul/3081209.html
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.